In this day and age of information overload, it’s a tall task to find true off-path destinations.
When it comes to the Caribbean and South America, there are only so many left to unveil, but one better known for its dreamscape rainforests over its coastline isn’t trying to become the next big beach escape per se — they’re trying to become the new gateway.
When you have few attractions besides otherworldly nature and tasty rum factories, they tend to make for short trips anyway.
From that perspective, it seems to be a great idea on paper. Whether they pull it off remains to be seen.
This country has been on my person radar for years because it’s so undiscovered, authentic, and surprisingly affordable to reach.
The issue is living on the West Coast hampers my ability to reach the Caribbean with crazy flight schedules, but I’ve almost pulled the trigger a few times since American Airlines flights have been as low as the $400s round-trip — a steal of a deal!
I’m not alone, either.
In fact, we covered this cultural gem last fall as one of the Caribbean’s up-and-coming destinations, and it appears there are no signs of slowing down with the lofty goal to become a major hub for the region.
Guyana Swings For The Fences To Boost Tourism
That’s right — little-known Guyana is targeting its next claim to fame as a flight hub to Caribbean vacationers.
With a population of under 1 million people for the entire country, most are jam-packed into the colonial capital, Georgetown.
The rest of the country is largely dense forestry where wildlife roam free and undisturbed.
Guyana may be on the up and up lately, but it’s not exactly a household name — but they’re trying a unique strategy to become more popular and just might work.
Embracing a hub role isn’t exactly unheard-of; I’ve personally taken advantage of it with at least 2 other countries that come to mind:
- Panama (via Copa Airlines)
- Iceland (via Icelandair)
We’ve also reported about others in the past, such as Emirates, but I don’t have enough commas in my bank account for a ticket…
Circling back to what I said about $400 round-trip airfare, for someone looking to fly from California to a virtually unknown destination in South America and the Caribbean, that’s like spotting Sasquatch.
But it does exist, so they’re already a step ahead.
Additionally, Ramesh Ghir, CEO of Georgetown’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO), was quoted by our sources as saying “We have seen a phenomenal growth … from 4 airlines in 2020 to 16 airlines and 17 new destinations”.
Guyana Does Not Have Its Own Flagship Airline
Unlike its other “hidden gem” neighbor, Suriname, Guyana does not have its own airline.
As it stands today, here is the full list of options from GEO: (U.S. routes in bold)
- Air Transat
- American Airlines
- Aruba Air
- Avianca Airlines
- British Airways
- Caribbean Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Fly Allways Airlines
- InterCaribbean Airways
- JetBlue
- KLM Airlines
- Liat Airlines
- Sky High Aviation Services
- Surinam Airways
- United Airlines
Guyana Is Improving Airport Infrastructure
While it hasn’t been explicitly forecasted how Guyana is determined to be a hub, here are 5 things we know for sure:
- Construction of a new 156,000 square foot arrivals terminal
- New terminal will include upscale lounges and trendy retail shops
- New routes are being coordinated behind closed doors
- It’s expected to directly connect major Middle East Asia, South America and Caribbean destinations
- Officials say the new terminal is on track to open within 18 months
That said, despite being more known as a South American nation, Guyana is undeniably Caribbean.
In fact, GEO currently serves more Caribbean hotspots than it does South American countries —including Barbados, Dominican Republic, and Antigua, to name a few.
As Americans already have multiple options to fly here nonstop, GEO is only expected to grow and serve even more Caribbean paradises in the next year and a half.
Is Guyana Worth A Visit?
As we said earlier, more travelers have been scoping out Guyana as their new adventure of choice — and what an adventure it is.
Without its own airline, a stopover here may not look like that of Copa or Emirates.
But we at Travel Off Path have done some hefty research. We recommend spending 2 to 3 days here to cover the bases, unless you’re a true adventurer willing to go deep — and we mean deep — into practically untouched jungles.
If there’s one can’t-miss, bucket-list attraction, it’s Kaieteur Falls, which is 5 times taller than Niagara Falls.
Just know it costs a pretty penny, but well worth the trek if you can swing the price…
Other than that, if you want to feel truly local and immersed in nature, a stay in eco-lodge/fruit winery Pandama Retreat may be a far cry from the Caribbean all-inclusive you may be heading to, but an unforgettable memory nonetheless.
There are mixed reviews from travelers about Georgetown. But there are bustling markets and authentic Mom ‘n Pop eateries to check out.
The main concern is safety. Currently, the State Department classifies Guyana as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, so there may be some work to do to earn travelers trust.
Real-time data suggests now isn’t a great time to visit as travelers have scored Guyana with 50/100 — not exactly a selling point.
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
