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Guianan Squirrel Monkey
Guianan Squirrel Monkey
These tiny mammals aren't endangered but are at threat from forest destruction and fragmentation.

Guianan Squirrel Monkey

These tiny mammals aren't endangered but are at threat from forest destruction and fragmentation.

10 BEST Things to do in French Guiana (HIKING with monkeys and watching a ROCKET LAUNCH)
French Guiana flag

French Guiana Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Cayenne

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname

Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Area:

83,846 sq km

Population:

294,071 (Jan 2021)

Languages:

French

Religion:

The majority of French Guianese are Roman Catholics, but other religions are also practiced by the minorities, including shamanistic Amerindian variations, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other African-based religions.

TimeZone:

UTC-3

Tel Code:

+594

Things to Do

  • 1. Hiking in the Amazon Rainforest

    Embark on an adventurous hike through the world-renowned Amazon Rainforest in French Guiana. Discover diverse flora and fauna, while enjoying breathtaking views and experiencing the wonders of nature.

  • 2. Exploring Îles du Salut

    Visit the famous Îles du Salut, a group of islands off the coast of French Guiana. Explore the historic ruins of the infamous Devil's Island, where political prisoners were once held, and enjoy the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

  • 3. Birdwatching in Kaw Marsh

    Immerse yourself in the birdwatching paradise of Kaw Marsh in French Guiana. Spot a wide variety of bird species, including colorful toucans, herons, and parrots, as you explore the scenic marshes and wetlands.

  • 4. Iracoubo Cathedral

    Visit the historic Iracoubo Cathedral, one of the oldest wooden churches in French Guiana. Admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the region's colonial history.

  • 5. Riverboat Safari on Maroni River

    Embark on a thrilling riverboat safari on the Maroni River, which forms the border between French Guiana and Suriname. Cruise through lush mangroves, spot wildlife along the riverbanks, and learn about the local indigenous cultures.

  • 6. Cayenne City Tour

    Take a guided tour of the vibrant city of Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana. Explore the colonial architecture, visit local markets, and enjoy the lively atmosphere and cultural heritage of the city.

  • 7. Kourou Space Centre

    Visit the famous Kourou Space Centre, the European Space Agency's main spaceport. Learn about space exploration, witness a rocket launch, and delve into the fascinating world of astronomy and space technology.

  • 8. Tumuc-Humac Mountains Trek

    Embark on a challenging trek through the Tumuc-Humac Mountains in French Guiana. Explore remote rainforests, encounter unique wildlife, and witness breathtaking views from the mountain peaks.

  • 9. Musee Departemental Alexandre-Franconie

    Visit the Musee Departemental Alexandre-Franconie in Cayenne, which showcases the cultural and natural heritage of French Guiana. Explore exhibitions on history, archaeology, and indigenous cultures.

  • 10. Cacao Plantation Tour

    Discover the fascinating world of chocolate on a cacao plantation tour in French Guiana. Learn about the cultivation and production of cacao beans, sample delicious chocolates, and indulge in a unique culinary experience.

Weather

Climate

French Guiana has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from around 77°F (25°C) to around 86°F (30°C) all year round. Rainfall is relatively high, with an average of around 60 inches (1500mm) per year, with the majority of precipitation falling between December and June.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit French Guiana depends on what you're looking to see and do. The dry season, which runs from July to November, is the best time to visit if you're looking to explore the rainforest and see the wildlife. The weather is less humid and the visibility is better, making it easier to spot the animals and birds.

The rainy season, which runs from December to June, is the best time to visit if you're looking to see the waterfalls and enjoy the lush green landscape. This is also the best time to visit the beaches, as the water is warmer and the sea is calmer.

Overall, French Guiana can be visited all year round, but it is important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly, so visitors should be prepared for all eventualities.

Visas

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
French Guiana Open
Test
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Accommodation

      Hotels

      French Guiana has a range of hotels available for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. The capital, Cayenne, and other major cities in French Guiana, have a variety of hotels to choose from. Some of the hotels are located in remote areas and offer the opportunity to explore the nature.

      Guesthouses and B&Bs

      There are also several guesthouses and B&Bs available for visitors to French Guiana. These can be a great option for those looking for a more personal and homely experience, especially in the rural areas.

      Vacation Rentals

      Vacation rentals, such as apartments and villas, are also available for visitors to French Guiana. These can be a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together, as they offer more privacy and flexibility.

      Camping

      Camping is also an option for visitors to French Guiana, although it is more limited than other options. There are several campgrounds available, but they are mostly located in the national parks and the remote areas, and usually don't have many amenities.

      Eco-Lodges

      French Guiana also has a number of eco-lodges, which are lodgings that are designed to have minimal impact on the environment and often provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

      Transportation

      Air

      The main airport in French Guiana is Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport, located in the capital, Cayenne. There are flights from major cities in France, South America, and other destinations around the world.

      Bus

      Buses are a popular and convenient way to get around French Guiana, but the service is limited and mostly available in the main cities and towns.

      Car Rental

      Car rental is also an option for visitors to French Guiana, although it is limited. There are several car rental companies located at the Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport and major cities throughout the country.

      Taxis

      Taxis are widely available in French Guiana, and are generally safe to use. They can be hailed on the street or called by phone, and they generally use meters.

      Boat

      Boats are available for transportation in some specific areas of French Guiana, like the coastal towns, where visitors can take boat tours to navigate in the sea or in the rivers. Also, in some areas like Maroni River, visitors can take boats to reach remote communities and explore the nature.

      Train

      There is no regular train service in French Guiana.

      Bicycle

      Bicycles are available for rent in some areas, and it's a good way to explore the cities or the surrounding areas, especially in the dry season.

      Money

      Money Tips for Travel

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
      • Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
      • Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
      • Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

      ATM and Credit Cards

      • Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
      • Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
      • Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
      • Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
      • Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

      Exchange Rates

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

      Insurance

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

      Medical Coverage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

      Trip Cancellation and Interruption

      Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

      Lost or Stolen Luggage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

      Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

      Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

      Liability coverage

      Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

      Mobile

      When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

      eSIM

      Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

      Dual SIM phone

      If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

      Extend your home plan

      Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

      Keep your primary SIM

      With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

      Community

      There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

      Facebook groups

      There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

      Meetup

      Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

      Internations

      Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

      Couchsurfing

      Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

      Reddit

      Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

      Linkedin

      LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

      At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.