We visited all of the 13 independent Caribbean island nations: Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica. We also spent a few days in Puerto Rico. Also included in this section are two “Caribbean Like” countries on the north coast of South America: Suriname and Guyana.
Many flights to the Caribbean nations originate in Miami. When traveling to these islands you may find yourself needing to spend the night in Miami in transit while waiting for your Caribbean flight or your flight home.
We recommend staying at the Airport Marriot Hotel (about $250US for the night). This hotel is close to the airport, offers a free airport shuttle, great rooms/ service and, best of all, right outside the hotel is a wonderful little Latin Restaurant, nothing fancy, but simple good food with friendly El Salvadorians. Sabor Latino (Cuban Cuisine).
If you would like to consult a travel agent for your Caribbean adventure, we highly recommend Laura Sangster from The Journey Group. Laura is very knowledgeable about the Caribbean, she will work hard for you, and she will become your advocate if anything goes wrong.
Island Windjammers
We spent six nights on our sailboat, the Diamant, sailing from Grenada into St. Vincent and the Grenadines and then back to Grenada. Our ship had six cabins (so a maximum of 12 guests) plus the crew. Because the ship was so small we were able to dock at small harbors and enjoy the islands and beaches of the Caribbean that larger boats are not able to get to. Cost was $4000 for a cabin for two, meals included. We highly recommend this experience (bring sea sickness patch if you are worried about this).
Highlights:
• Snorkeling at the beach at Salt Whistle Bay
• Walking from one side of the island to the other in Mayreau and doing the “cultural walk” (bar hoping) in the evening.
• Sailing from the Grenada to Sandy Island the first night and then to Saline Bay in the morning
• Day at the beach in Tobago Cays snorkeling and looking for sea turtles
• Morning sail around Moon Hole to see the houses built into the rocks
• Walking around town in Admiralty Bay, Bequia.
• New Years Eve fabulous lobster dinner at Coco’s Place and watching the fireworks on Bequia from the boat at midnight.
• Day spent on the beach at Chatham Bay, Union Island. This was the best beach, beautiful, very few people, great snorkeling. had a fabulous fresh conch stew lunch at: Chatham Bay Club & Resort www.chathambayresort.com
• Clifton Harbor, on the other side of the island, is where the action is, the famous “happy island”, about a half hour boat ride away. (Didn’t go here.)
Island Hopping
Grenada
Stayed at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort
The resort is on the best beach in Grenada (Grand Anse beach) and is reasonably priced. However we arrived on Christmas day and they were overwhelmed so service was unacceptably slow and frustrating.
Like many resorts this one offers a meal plan “all inclusive” option which includes alcoholic beverages (nothing “premium”). Most of our fellow travelers seemed to be opting for the booze inclusion. (The bars were busy day and night but it didn’t seem to be a singles crowd. Perhaps because it was Christmas? Tons of families with kids.)
Tour of island arranged by Insight Tourism Grenada ($180 US for 8 hour tour). Included a stop at a waterfall and swimming hole. Mostly just a bunch of tourists standing around and then perusing the Rue du Crapola. Highlights of the day long tour were a nutmeg plantation, rum distillery and coco bean plantation. Drove the entire island and enjoyed, but too much, decided to take shorter tours with more activity and less driving.
Dinner at the beach house restaurant – beautiful location right on the beach, great food and super service.
If you get tired of hotel food, try the breakfast (or lunch) at New York’s Finest Bagels (Walstreet, Grand Anse, Grenada; St. Georges University campus) Really good food! Extensive menu. Good value. Quiet but no frills environment.
Barbados
****Our first of many Liat Airlines Fiascos: Grenada to Barbados. Liat Airlines did not put our luggage on the flight because the flight was overbooked and thus too heavy for both fat passengers AND luggage. Note to self: ALWAYS put essentials in your carry on luggage! Always.
Stayed at The Amaryllis Beach Resort. This is a largish resort right on the beach a short local bus ride away from Bridgetown, the main city in Barbados. Families abound. Also lots of business types as this is a conference hotel.
We checked out the Accra Beach Resort, close by and this looked very inviting
Take the local bus to Bridgetown rather than a taxi (2 Barbados dollars, $1US) and walk around Broad Street and Swan Street shopping areas. Barbados is very built up and busy, not the once sleepy little Caribbean Island it used to be in its heyday. Very commercial.
St Lucia
****Liat Airlines Fiasco #2: Barbados to St. Lucia. Left hotel in Barbados in time for a 1:20 PM flight to St. Lucia, that should have been a non-stop flight. We insisted on taking our rollies aboard as we had only just retained possession a few hours earlier. As we flew over St. Lucia the captain announced a wee detour to St. Vincent to pick up some extra passengers. From there we took another little detour over to Martinique to pick another bunch who were trying make a connecting flight to London. Arrived eventually but nobody was happy.
We stayed at La Haut Plantation $300 per night for premium vista room, incl. breakfast and taxes. This was a beautiful, romantic plantation on top of a hill overlooking the Pitons and the town of Soufriere. The room and the view were incomparable!
Take the shuttle into Soufriere and walk around the town and visit the beautiful botanical gardens and waterfall.
Have lunch at the Petite Piton Restaurant, a local restaurant in town on the waterfront, and sample the locally brewed piton beer (weak but refreshing).
Dominica
****Liat Airlines Fiasco #3: St. Lucia (to Dominica) to Antigua. Taxi took us form La Haut (a harrowing mountain drive of over an hour) to the airport in time for a 3:20 PM flight, which was suppose to arrive in Dominica at 6:30 PM. However, mid trip the winds picked up in Dominica and Liat was unable to land there so we went to Antigua instead. (First the captain made a few tours around the island’s circumference waiting for the winds to die down. Once he decided “no-can-do” we flew on to Antigua.) Liat put most of the passengers up at a cheapy hotel near the airport to wait out the weather, but we decided to skip Dominica and just go ahead to the Admiral’s Inn a couple days early.
On our next trip to the Caribbean we flew to Puerto Rico specifically to avoid another Liat flight: Seaborne air flies from San Juan to Dominica. The flight was trouble-free and we made it to Dominica this time.
Places to stay:
Pagua Bay House Oceanfront Cabanas. This is a tiny resort of 6 separate and very private units situated on a bluff overlooking Pagua Bay. (A killer view!) (One unit has a private plunge pool.) It is remote, and there is virtually no night life in the vicinity, so it’s best to be prepared for romance or utter rest and relaxation. Very close to the main airport, this small family run hotel is also a good choice for the night before an early flight. The hotel restaurant is very good, try the local crayfish, seafood tacos, or fresh local lobster. The bar looks out onto the infinity swimming pool and down to the bay below but there is no swimming beach anywhere nearby. You will need a ride if you want to swim in the ocean. Otherwise, you won’t need to leave the premises if your social needs are completely self contained. (Although there’s good wee fee throughout the hotel.) The staff will take you up the river and put you into tubes for an hour long tubing excursion (no charge), and the start of one of the nature trails is just a short walk up the main road.
If you need a taxi and guide to get around the island we can recommend Ryan’s TAXI His business card says “Efficient and Reliable Service” and we can vouch for that!
On the other side of the island, the Fort Young Hotel (in the capitol city of Roseau) is in an historic building in the center of Roseau where all the action is. Note: the gigantic cruise ships pull in there every day so your view, if your room has one, will mostly be of the ship. We didn’t eat there but the bar was fun.
Rosalie Bay Eco Lodge An Eco resort with a black sand beach in the rainforest. If you visit during turtle season (March – October) you can see giant turtles giving birth.
While in Dominica, visit the Caribe Village (Kalinago Barana Aute), Trafalgar Falls, the Emerald Pool, Roseau, Soufriere, and fishing village at southernmost point of island, Scotts Head. And, do try the ‘tubing’ on the Pagua River – great fun.
On your way up to the falls stop in at the River Rock Café & Bar and tell Laura and Mayfield Denis that you’ll be stopping by after the falls for lunch. They have a great patio and Laura’s fresh fish lunch is might tasty. You can also purchase your tickets to the falls from them, avoiding the lines up the hill. (Have a nice local cold beer with your fish!) Ryan, the taxi driver knows the place which is on the main road but completely off the tech grid.
Antigua
The Admirals Inn at Nelson’s Dockyard is very classy place in an excellent location for $265 a night. The hotel rooms are rustic but well appointed and large shuttered windows look down onto the torch lit courtyard restaurant. Very romantic. Super service.
Walk around Falmouth Harbor and English Harbor and the historic Nelson’s Dockyard where the Admiral’s Inn is located. Lunch at a local bakery and then take a boat shuttle to a beach across the Harbor to swim and walk on the beach.
Have dinner at Caribbean Taste in English Harbor. Excellent local food (jerk conch and grilled shrimp). This is a funky, off the beaten path kind of place, walking distance from the hotel.
If you are tired of hotel food, have a New York bagel and eggs breakfast at a local restaurant near the hotel (Anchorage at English Harbor).
We took a 5 hour private tour of the island via taxi ($US160). Drove up to half moon bay then across the island through the rain forest to the Caribbean east side of island where there are beautiful beaches then through St. John’s back to Nelson’s Dockyard.
We stopped for lunch at OJ’s Bar & Seafood Restaurant, a famous seafood and lobster restaurant on a beautiful beach on the Caribbean west side of the island. Unfortunately they did not have any of their “famous” lobster that day and we came away thinking that the place was over-hyped and pricey for what you get although they do provide a “free” lunch for drivers who direct you there proving that there IS such a thing at least in the Caribbean.
Since we missed the lobster for lunch, we dined at Hamilton’s Wine Bar & Bistro in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbor. From upstairs you can look down on the swell people in the yachts docked there from all over the world. (This restaurant gets the “Best meal award” for location and food – great lobster and a really good wine selection.)
St. Kitts & Nevis
We splurged in St. Kitts and stayed at a beautiful plantation, Ottley’s Plantation Inn. You are uphill from the town and the beaches at this hotel but the views are great and there is a complimentary shuttle once each day into the town.
Be sure to take the ferry from the port in town over to Nevis. The ferry ride is $10 per person each way and took 45 minutes. Nevis is even more quiet and upscale and prettier than St. Kitts.
Trinidad & Tobago
You will fly into Trinidad to the capital city, Port of Spain.
Stay at the Trinidad Hilton Hotel ($185 per night for an upgraded king room with balcony). This “upside down hotel” is built on a hillside with the lobby on a higher level than most of the guest rooms. The terrace offers wonderful panoramic views of the city of Port of Spain and is a beautiful place to view the sunset before going out on the town to have dinner and listen to the famous Trinidad calypso and steel band music. President Obama agrees. When he was in Port of Spain he held a press conference on the terrace here. The hotel is very conveniently located, has good service, and you can eat at the bar and have a good cappuccino at the Rituals Coffee shop in the lobby.
Go to Trinidad in February, just before carnival time. The famous Trinidad steel bands are practicing and preparing for the big event. Port of Spain is lively and at its best just before carnival. Stoll down the “Avenue” – Ariapita Avenue, where all the action is.
Eat at Sweet Lime for good local food and people watching right on the avenue.
For great authentic East Indian food in a very pleasant relaxing atmosphere, go to Aspara. If you are lucky, the steel bands will be playing their music across the street when you finish your dinner.
Contact Amar Boodhansingh – taxi driver and tour guide extradinaire. He will drive you around, and take you on guided city and beach tours and give you lots of interesting information about life in Trinidad.
Tour the capital of Port of Spain. Go to a cricket match, Trinidad’s number one sport, if there is one going on during your stay.
Drive to the beautiful Maracus Beach lined with palm trees. Eat at Richard’s Bake & Shark, a fish stand at Maracus Bay where Anthony Bourdain ate. We had king fish sandwiches. Yummy!
After you have soaked up the culture of Port of Spain and Trinidad, if time permits, fly or take the ferry to Tobago for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling and more what you think of when you think “Caribbean” vacation.
Cuba
You can go to Cuba legally now if you use the services of one of the many tour companies that conduct “people to people” exchanges. We recommend Insight Cuba. They have several trips ranging from a weekend in Havana to longer and specialty trips (such as Jazz in Cuba and Havana Marathon Tours).
Stay at the Melia Cohiba in Havana. This hotel is a Spanish chain, good with views of the ocean, excellent services and overall, a good base to explore the city.
Eat at several of the recently opened “paladars”. A paladar is a small family run restaurant usually in a converted part of a home. We found them to be far superior to the traditional state run restaurants. Here are several of the best:
Ivan Chef Justo – A paladar of Havana near the Museo de Revolucion. Excellent atmosphere, food and service. Try the suckling pig.
La Bodeguita del Medio A bar favored by Hemingway in old Havana with music and good Cuban food.
El Templete – A famous seafood restaurant. Try the Mahi Mahi.
Paladar Los Mercaderes – Great stop in old Havana for lunch.
San Cristobal Paladar – This paladar gets our vote for best paladar in Havana. Don’t miss it. Ask for a tour if they aren’t crazy-busy. Have a sip of port or sherry in the front hall after dinner “on the house” while you wait for your taxi.
Haiti
We flew directly from Miami to the northern coast of Haiti, the city of Cap-Haitien.
Stay at Habitation Jouissant This hotel is the best Cap Haitien has to offer. It is a small establishment with friendly people, on a hillside overlooking the city and the ocean. An excellent choice for your stay in Cap-Haitien.
For your meals in Cap-Haitien, you cannot beat Lakay Haiti – the best restaurant in town, on the main street by the ocean. Try conch. Yummy.
The major attraction in the area is the Citadel and the adjacent Sans-Souci Palace. The Citadel is the largest fortress in the Americas and a very impressive site. The panoramic view from the top is outstanding. It’s a relatively short taxi ride outside the city and then a hike up to the Palace. Your entry fee includes a private guide but his fee is really a tip at your discretion. From there you can take a burro up to the Citadel (it’s at least a couple hours to hike up, maybe 45-50 minutes on the burros). Be prepared to collect an entourage on the way up of “helpers” (we collected 6 plus our local guide) who will then expect to be tipped and treated to drinks. It’s good to take some smaller bills up so you are prepared for this. Be generous and kind! Most Haitians live on US$2 a day and the locals around this site are extremely courteous and helpful.
The government has recently outfitted the Citadel with modern, beautiful bathroom facilities and local vendors will sell you drinks at the top. The tour of the Citadel itself will take over an hour. Plan to spend at least a half a day on this venture. Haiti Charley has an art “gallery” at the base of the site.
Try to attend a vodou ceremony while you are in Haiti. Vodou is a legitimate religion practiced in Haiti, not to be confused with the black magic of (Louisiana) voodoo. Ceremonies are not held on the reg so if you are certain you want to see one, make some inquiries in advance so you don’t get disappointed.
Dominican Republic
We took a bus overland from Cap-Haitien, Haiti, to Santiago, Dominican Republic. The bus was run by Transfer Caribe Tours
We left in the morning at 8AM, arriving at 1PM in Santiago. Although we were worried about the overland border crossing, the trip was actually relatively comfortable and there were no problems at the border. A relatively inexpensive ($25 US per person) and efficient way to get from Haiti to the DR. From Santiago, you can transfer to another bus to get to Puerto Plata or take a taxi if you can afford it. A “breakfast” of pasta in tomato sauce (kind of like the canned spaghetti you remember from childhood) and one bottle of water is provided on the bus. American ex-pats living in Haiti will warn you against the bus, but we actually enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with some locals and other assorted international travelers. We probably lost no time in comparison to flying over when considering the long security lines and lengthy taxi rides.
We stayed at Casa Colonial, the best of several hotels in the Playa Dorado community just outside of the town of Puerto Plata. This is a five star, luxury hotel right on one of the best beaches in the DR and just minutes by taxi from the restaurants and activities available in the sleepy town of Puerto Plata. (Note: there’s a shopping center/mall inside the Playa Dorado complex easily walkable from any of the hotels.) The ocean view rooms at the Casa Colonial are large, immaculate, well appointed and beautiful; the hotel staff is wonderful. Security on the grounds keep the human riff raff (lookie-loos from the neighboring resorts) off the private beach and the sand is raked daily. A full staff mans the beach for whatever you need and a “sports coordinator” will arrange and book any ocean activities you desire. This is an upscale international hotel and there is a “casual” dress code in the dining room. It is clearly how the other half live, but “off season” it’s affordable as a splurge. Breakfasts and lunches are wonderful at the resort but we recommend eating in town for dinner. Several good choices include:
Mares Restaurant Fabulous food and atmosphere. Try the grouper or the grilled shrimp
La Papillon Another excellent choice
La Ponderosa – a local establishment that looks very funky but has good lobster and local foods.
When touring Puerto Plata, check out the rum and cigar factories and be sure to ride up the cable car for great views of the city and northern coast and to see the famous statue of “Jesus the Redeemer”. You will think you are in Rio de Janeiro. There is excellent shopping (“Rue du Crappola”) in Puerto Plata; just ask your concierge or taxi driver for the best locations. Antonio Almonte was our driver/ guide and we highly recommend him (cell: 829-521-5869). The local “crafts” vendors have licenses that allow them beach access but they are highly regulated so you will not be hassled. Just say a firm “no” if you aren’t interested and they will move on. Mobile pedicures and massages are also offered by “traveling” spa-ladies.
Jamaica
If you want to get away from the tourists, and enjoy Jamaica’s finest beaches, head to the parish of Portland and its capital city Port Antonio. This area has the old Jamaica charm and is widely considered the safest parish in Jamaica. From the Kingston airport you will need a transfer (2.5 hours) that your hotel can arrange, or, if you are brave enough, you can rent a car (Jamaica drives on the left) and drive over. This should only be attempted by the most intrepid travelers as the roads are bad almost the entire way and street signs are unheard of. (Also, if you trust your sense of smell, at least 8/10 drivers have been smoking the Ganga. You can, too. It’s everywhere and easily acquired although still illegal. The word from more than one knowledgable source was that it is no where near the potency of the “legal” weed now available in the U.S. and Ganga doesn’t make you sleepy. “Whatever you say”.)
We stayed at the luxurious Trident resort and loved it. Each of the fourteen private villas has an ocean view with a private swimming pool and loads of space inside and out. Your molded stone bathtub is on an outdoor patio accessed through your 12 x 12 ft. glass enclosed steam shower. (I’ve rented apartments that were smaller than that shower.) At first the ultra modern décor was a little bit over the top, but after we settled in, we enjoyed the friendly and relaxed atmosphere there. On site there’s a great, well appointed work out room that overlooks the bay. Spa treatments can be arranged through the hotel concierge including a massage outside on the bluff overlooking the sea.
A short ten minute walk to the “castle”, a reproduction of a genuine English castle built in the ‘60s is a nice morning diversion after your work out and, as a resort guest, you can request a tour of the property. The swimming beach is a small private cove outfitted with everything you’ll need including a life guard, a bar, and a stand-up paddle board to try out.
Another great choice for accommodations is the nearby Geejam Hotel (run by the same people as the Trident). They have 7 tree house rooms in the rainforest on a hillside overlooking the ocean. Next time we will stay here. This resort was originally a private home built by a famous record producer. The “main house” has three bedrooms (but two of them can be locked if you only need one) and another four units situated for maximum privacy. Three couples or a family would be very comfortable in the main house.
One of the nicest amenities provided by the Trident and the GeeJam is the availability of a car and driver to get around. The drivers really function as tour guides. Charges for this service were very reasonable and even complimentary in between the properties.
Be sure to eat at the Bush Bar at the GeeJam, a tree house restaurant in an incomparable romantic setting and excellent food (try their coconut shrimp curry). You can tour their famous recording studio while you are there.
While in Jamaica, one must try the ubiquitous “jerk chicken and jerk pork”, a real Jamaican treat. You can go to the Boston jerk center near port Antonio (where jerk pork allegedly began), but almost anywhere in Jamaica you can find a jerk shop. The jerk centers usually fire up in the morning and start serving around 1:00 pm into the night.
A very popular tourist attraction close by is the Blue lagoon, also called the blue hole, where Brooke Shields made her famous movie. These days it is not much to see, just a big tourist attraction. (For a minimum of US$ 50. You can get a one hour boat ride.) Plans for lots of development are in the works but for now it’s just turquoise blue waters surrounded by lush greenery and not much more.
Another dinner choice is the Mille Fleurs Restaurant in the Hotel Mockingbird Hill. A creative mix of European and Caribbean food on a hillside overlooking Port Antonio and the coast. The hotel is quaint and charming and we were able to peek into one of the rooms which was romantic and delightful, but if you need AC – and we do – you are out of luck. Ceiling fans at the Mocking Bird Hill, but no AC.
For an authentic Jamaican experience with good food and local music, try the Soldiers Camp, owned by a Jamaican local who fought in the Vietnam war, hence its name.
For arts and crafts you should go into town and visit the main market and also the Port Antonio Craft Village on Folly Road. The former is “original” and primitive with artisans crammed into stalls right next to fruit & veggie vendors. The newer, upscale Craft Village is a project of the city that provides a parking lot and some semblance of order. We couldn’t detect any difference in the prices but the quality and ambiance of the Craft Market is a step above.
Sister Dawn runs her little stall in the old market and calls it the Portland Rasta Craft Production Center. A true Jamaican artisan (self taught) she has a multitude of stories to tell of great international acclaim including art conferences abroad and many teaching gigs.
If you are in the market for rattan furniture, go see Cecil Hylton at the newer Craft market on Folly Road. Or, reach Cecil here: 1(876) 870 8518. Beautiful stuff and a really nice guy. Right next door is Shellain’s Craft Corner. (See the Facebook page.) You can pick up your souvenirs of Jamaica for the kiddies from Tameika Snave who is a kind soul and a font of information which she dispenses generously!
Puerto Rico
Stay in Viejo San Juan at the historic El Convento Hotel. This is hands down the finest hotel in the city. Right in the center of the old city it sits across the street from the cathedral. Once a convent and later used as a brothel, (also in its day a parking structure) the hotel has charm, location, services and more. Every morning (and throughout the day) complimentary coffee, (really good coffee!) tea, water and fruit are served in one of the lounges on the second floor and each night a lovely wine and cheese “happy hour” happens in the same room. Several restaurants are on site and the food is really good, including the pizza! The El Convento has a great walk score; you are just a block from the city wall where you can pick up the tram for the city tour, and you can walk easily to any location in the old city down lovely cobblestone streets.
If you prefer to stay at the beach, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has great resort services and is in a good location in Condado near excellent restaurants and activities. Expect to pay $19 for a taxi to the airport without tip from the Marriott. Slightly more from the old city.
When in San Juan, you must try Mofongo. Mofongo is a fried plantain-based dish stuffed with pork or chicken or fish and is delicious. The best mofongo we had (and I tried it in several establishments!) was in a small hole-in-the-wall place in Condado near the Marriott called Orozco’s Restaurant.
If you like Spanish tapas, try Bar Gitano. Actually all of the restaurants on their web page are outstanding.
Suriname
Stay at the Royal Torarica Hotel ($149US for a standard river view room). This is by far the best hotel in the city of Paramaribo. Right on the river and within walking distance of restaurants and important sights. The upgrade to a river view room is definitely worth the extra $10US you pay for it per night. The hotel has a beautiful garden terrace for relaxing when the sun gets too hot, dining (good European food if you get tired of the local fare, which we never did), and wifi.
Have lunch at the Café Lekker A good informal place for lunch and coffee within walking distance from the hotel.
Orange Travel offers many great guided tours of the capital city of Paramaribo and also the interior.
Take a city walking or bus tour if you like to get lots of historical information about the city and see all the important sights.
Consider one or more of the following tours to get out of the city:
Commewijne river cruise. Cruise by and walk around restored plantations, forts and see the red belly dolphins and other wildlife.
Galibi, a village on the north-east coast visited by many sea turtles emerging from the sea.
Palumeu home to the Trio and Wajana Amerindians.
Note the last two tours into the interior of the country require at least 2 days each.
Don’t miss dinning at the Garden of Eaden (Eden) Virolastraal 61, Uilvlugt, Paramaribo (597) 499448. Truly one of the best restaurant experiences anywhere. Set in a beautiful romantic garden, outstanding unique Thai food.
For local Indonesian food try Miroso Restaurant (alternative local Indonesian restaurants are Pawiro or Jawa)
Guyana
We stayed in the Cara Lodge ($185US per night for an upgraded quiet room with a king bed). This is indisputably the best hotel in Georgetown, the capital city. The lodge also boasts a high quality European style restaurant.
Taxi from the airport to the hotel takes about an hour, depending on traffic (and traffic can be intense) and costs $25US.
Tours of the city and the interior can be arranged by Wilderness Explorer. I highly recommend the Mangrove Heritage Trail Tour, on which you are transported via a traditional horse cart.
If time permits visit the traditional villages of the Arawak, Warrau or other native Amerindians. Wilderness explorer will design a trip that’s right for you. On their webpage they tell you:
“Few bother — or dare — to venture into the northwest corner of South America. When told you’re going to Guyana, even your best-traveled friends may offer quizzical stares or uncertain mutterings about the risks associated with “that part of Africa.” But travellers who want to leave the tourist circuit far behind in search of genuine, personal, eye-popping adventure are amply rewarded for their efforts to set foot in this remarkable, lost land.”
If you want to venture out into the city at night for dinner below are the best Indian and Chinese restaurants in Georgetown:
Maharaja Palace A good Indian fare in a busily decorated restaurant. Fun experience. (Skip the chocolate deserts, they look much better than they taste.)
The New Thriving Chinese Restaurant An authentic Cantonese Chinese food in a highly decorative atmosphere. One can even order real sharks fin soup and abalone, but of course you will pay for it dearly.