Going to Guyana

Guyana is truly a hidden gem in South America as you’ll witness nature’s glories and treasures. Situated between Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname, Guyana is a coastal region that is your gateway to paradise. Explore different cities that will lead you to mountain ranges, rainforests, and savannas.

Start your adventure in the country’s capital, Georgetown, and make your way into other hubs. You will have the first glimpse of Dutch history’s remnants and virgin rainforests in the country’s capital. As long as you have your International Driving Permit in Guyana, you can drive to these places. Driving to Guyana is fully packed with adventure, nature, and culture that will leave a mark on your heart and mind.

The ideal first stop for orientation is the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown. The town offers heritage hotels, museums, moments, and welcoming people. Two of the largest rivers, Essequibo and Demerara, both skirt the city, so you have time for relaxation. Be sure to have your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana to drive your vehicle to the capital city to the rest of the country.

There are also the best places to wind down and grab a drink. You can go to the Vintage Bar & Lounge, 704 Sports bar, and The Strip and Nightcap to get fine wine and live band performances. If you want to go shopping, you can drive to Regent Street, the main shopping avenue where you can find handicrafts and local arts. One of the entertainment venues in the city is the MovieTowne. You can look for a dining and movie experience here.

From Cheddi Jagan International Airport, you’ll reach Georgetown in less than an hour if you take the Timeri, East Bank Public Road. Here’s your driving guide:

• Take E. Bank Public Road to Soesdyke Linden Highway in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara.
• Turn left at the 1st cross Street.
• Turn right and continue onto E. Bank Public Road.
• Take E. Bank Public Road to Princess Street in Georgetown.

It is best if you rent a car to explore Guyana fully. Just make sure you have an International Driver’s License in Guyana and know the zip code of the location you want to go to in the country. Go to the application page to apply for an International Driver’s License in Guyana on our website.

Linden is historically a bauxite-mining town. People make a quick stop here before heading to other neighboring cities because of its vantage location. With a square area of 17,040, Linden is the second largest town in Guyana. You can also drive to Wismar Market to buy local goods and Guyanese jewelry. It has several heritage spots and exciting museums, and you can also stroll through the town and see the colonial architecture.

Demerara River splits the town. That’s why Linden shares borders with Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Demerara-Mahaica, and Mahaica-Berbice. It is ideal for you if you like large cities and busy streets. On average, the warmest months are August to October, while the rainiest months are May to June.

From the capital city Georgetown, you’ll reach Linden in less than 2 hours if you take the fastest route via E. Bank Public Road and Soesdyke Linden Highway. Here’s your driving guide:

• Head west on Princess Street toward Hardina Street.
• Turn left onto Camp Street/Russell Street.
• Turn right onto Sussex Street.
• Turn left onto Hunter Street.
• Turn left onto Front Road.
• Continue onto E. Bank Public Road.
• Slight left toward Soesdyke Linden Highway.
• Turn right onto Linden-Kwakwani Road.
• Continue on Burnham Drive to your destination.

You can get an International Driver’s License in Guyana without your driving test. You don’t need to go to driving classes to get one. On the International Driver’s Association website, you can quickly get one if you follow the process and complete the documents. To get your International Driver’s License in Guyana, meet the requirements by following your application, uploading your photos, and waiting for your confirmation.

Along the Atlantic coastline, Shell beach is the nesting ground of marine turtles. From March to August, four different species of endangered turtles come along the bay. It’s an opportunity to see one of the world’s largest reptiles, such as the leatherback turtle, along with the seaside setting on this paradise. Shell beach is one of the beaches surrounded by rainforests and mangroves.

Shell Beach is a relatively remote stretch of 90-mile long beach in the Northwestern region of Guyana. To go to Shell beach, you need to drive to Parika, ride a 45-minute speed boat to Supernaam, and then another car drive from Supernaam to Charity. Lastly, you’ll take a 6-hour speed boat ride in the inland waterways to Shell Beach. Here’s your driving direction from Georgetown to Parika:

• Drive along Princess Street and E. Bank Public Road.
• Head west on Princess Street toward Hardina Street.
• Turn left onto Camp Street/Russell Street.
• Turn right onto Sussex Street.
• Turn left onto Hunter Street.
• Turn left onto Front Road.
• Continue straight onto Mandela Avenue.
• Continue onto E. Bank Public Road.
• Continue onto Demerara Harbour Bridge.
• Drive from Vreed - en - Hoop to Parika.

If you lost your International Driving Permit in Guyana, call the contact number of the IDA’s customer representative. IDA offers a free replacement. You just need to pay for the shipping fee, and IDA will reprint your IDP within 24 hours. As long as you have your International Driving Permit in Guyana, valid driver's license, and vehicle registration certificate, driving your vehicle is legal in the country.

This 741 feet waterfall is the world’s largest single-drop waterfall by volume, particularly during the rainy season in May to July. It even beats both Niagara and Victoria Waterfalls. The only way to get a magnificent view of the place is through the viewing platforms. If you want a complete picture of the beauty and glory of this fall, you can ride a small Cessna plane, and you can have memorable photographs of the thundering sheet of water.

There’s no denying the dramatic setting, protected by a thick rainforest wall, is charming. You can have a one-hour flight from the capital, Georgetown. You’ll get the feeling you are in a real Jurassic Park, except that there are no dinosaurs in the place. Just don’t forget your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana and the zip code of the destinations’ location. You can get an International Driver’s License in Guyana without your driving test.

Going to Kaieteur National Park is for the hard-core adventurers. Your trip can start from the capital city, Georgetown, going to the mining town, Mahdia. When you reach Mahdia, it’s three-day trekking and camping until you get to Kaieteur mountain base. Here’s your driving direction from Georgetown to Mahdia:

• Head west on Princess Street toward Hardina Street.
• Turn left onto Camp Street/Russell Street.
• Turn right onto Sussex Street.
• Turn left onto Hunter Street.
• Turn left onto Front Road.
• Continue straight onto Mandela Avenue.
• Continue onto E. Bank Public Road.
• Continue straight onto Soesdyke Linden Highway.
• Take the Kurupukari Crossing/Linden-Lethem Road ferry.
• Drive to Rupununi Road to reach Mahdia.

If you want to get an International Driver’s License in Guyana, check the requirements on the application page. You just need to choose your IDP package, complete the application form, upload photos, and pay the fee. After IDA sends the confirmation, you just have to wait for two hours to get your IDP. The International Driver’s License in Guyana’s validity ranges from one year to three years, depending on the package you want.

One of the last four pristine rainforests in the world is Iwokrama. It covers 3,700 sq. km of central Guyana, and it is the homeland of the Makushi people. You can camp in this protected area, go for a walk in the Iwokrama walkway, and wander in the extensive trail system to discover flora and fauna. The Iwokrama’s Canopy Walk is a series of walkways 30 meters above the forest floor, connecting platforms that offer a bird’s eye view of nature.

From Linden, it will take you about a five-hour drive to reach Iwokrama. Take note of the route that includes riding a ferry. Here’s your driving guide:

• Take Linden-Kwakwani Road to Linden-Lethem Road.
• Turn right onto Burnham Drive.
• Turn right onto Linden-Kwakwani Road.
• Turn left onto Linden-Lethem Road.
• Take the Kurupukari Crossing/Linden-Lethem Road ferry.
• Continue straight onto Linden-Lethem Road to reach Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

You need to carry your driving documents, such as your valid driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, and International Driver’s Permit in Guyana, and know the zip code of the area you want to visit. If you don’t have one yet, check the International Driver’s Association’s page, complete your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana’s form, upload photos, pay for the fee, wait for the approval. Once you receive a confirmation, IDA will send a physical copy of your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana to your local address.

In the North Rupuni area, you’ll find this village of Annai that stood at an altitude of 95 meters. You can spot wildlife and different bird species in the game. Rock View Lodge is your perfect base for your adventure, and it will lead you to the savannah and to the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. The best time to visit Annai is during the dry season, from October to March.

From Kurupukari Crossing/Linden-Lethem Road ferry, you’ll reach Annai in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

• From Iwokrama River Lodge, Continue straight onto Linden-Lethem Road.
• Slight left onto Linden-Lethem Road/Rupununi Road.
• Continue on Rupuni Road until you reach Annai.

You’ll get more information on getting an International Driver’s License in Guyana on our website. You can see an International Driver’s License in Guyana’s sample on the home page. It contains the translation of your valid driver's license. If you already purchased your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana and have bill concerns, you can contact us for assistance with the charge on your card.

About 300 km south of the capital of Georgetown, you’ll find this traditional Amerindian settlement. Go to Surama Village and the Makushi tribe to understand the country’s traditions and lifestyle. The Makushi tribe runs a community-based eco initiative and provides visitors with accommodation in rustic huts. They also take them on guided tours of the village and to the mountains and savannah.

From Annai Airport, it will take you less than 30 minutes to go to Surama Lake. Here is your driving guide:

• From Annai Airport, head south.
• Turn right onto Rupununi Road.

If you want to know the International Driver’s Permit in Guyana requirements, go to this page. Choose the IDP package, complete the International Driver’s Permit in Guyana form, upload photos, and pay for the fee. You’ll get a confirmation once IDA approves your application. If you already purchased your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana and have bill concerns, you can ask IDA for assistance with the charge on your card.

In the South Rupununi area and the Kanuku mountains is this rugged land of plains. This place is a good jumping-off point for exploring the savannah. The culture in this town is a blend of Guyanese, Amerindian, and Portuguese. Lethem is the border town of Guyana and Brazil, so it can be one of your gateways to Brazil. This town is an ideal place to commune with nature and to reflect.

• From Annai, you’ll reach Lethem for about 3 hours of driving.
• From Annai, slightly left onto Linden-Lethem Road.
• Continue on Rupununi Road.
• Continue straight to stay on Rupununi Road.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit.
• Turn right to reach Lethem.

Do not forget to always carry your valid driver's license and International Driver’s License in Guyana and know the zip code of the locations you need to go to so it will be easier for you to reach your destinations. On our homepage, you’ll find an International Driver’s license in Guyana’s sample. You can choose your IDP package depending on what you need. The International Driver’s License in Guyana’s validity can be one to three years.

In the center of Rupununi savannahs, you’ll find the Kanuku Mountains. This mountain is one of the protected areas in the country, covering over 6,000 sq. km. It is an ecologically diverse area that includes forests in the lowlands, a rainforest in the mountainous region, and savannahs. Kanuku is one of the last remaining intact Amazonian habitats that is a home of different bird species and over 150 mammals.

As an adventurer and nature lover, one of the many things you can do here is wildlife spotting. There are more than 6,000 plants and 2,300 species of animals in the area. You can go hiking and camping, with the help of the local guides. Locals also share stories about growing up in this stunning landscape. Go to the villages in Kanuku, which is the home of the Wapishana group of Indigenous Peoples. Immerse yourself with the locals and know more about their traditions and sense of community.

An economy car can also get you closest to the Kanuku Mountains. If you’re from Surama Lake, you’ll get to Lethem Airport in about 2 hours. There’s no driving road directly to Kanuku Mountain, so the airport can be the closest you can drive. Here’s your guide:

• Head south on Rupununi Road.
• Continue straight to stay on Rupununi Road.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit.
• Continue straight.
• Turn left to reach Lethem Airport.

If you find out you need an International Driving Permit in Guyana on short notice, visit the application page. Once you apply and get confirmation, you can get your IDP in a few hours. IDA will send the digital copy of your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana via your email. The entire process is easy to follow, but if you have any questions about International Driver’s Permit in Guyana, call the number of the IDA’s customer representative.

Driving in Guyana is safer and smoother if you know the essential road traffic rules implemented in the place. You also need to carry both your valid driver’s license and your International Driver’s Permit. If you do not have it yet, get your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana today by applying at the International Driver’s Association’s page.

In Guyana, the allowed blood alcohol content is 0.08%. Police officers can randomly do breath testing to check your alcohol content. If you violate this road traffic law, you need to face a fine of $7,500 for the first offense. For a repeat offense, you will face a 12-month cancellation of a driver’s license. In your third offense, you cannot obtain a driver’s license anymore. Drunk drivers are dangerous because they can kill many lives of road users.

There is a maximum speed limit in Guyana, depending on your driving area. In urban areas, you can drive up to 50 km/h. Outside urban areas, the maximum speed limit is 80 km/h. While driving on highways, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h. Always follow the set speed limit to keep all the road users safe.

As long as you have both your local driving license and your International Driver’s Permit in Guyana, you’re a legal foreign driver in the country. The functions of IDP are mainly to translate your valid driver's license to a language that is understandable by the road traffic authorities and to certify that you are a legal driver in your home country. If you want to know more about the International Driver's License in Guyana, check IDA’s update here.

• Complete application form
• Passport-size photos
• Application fee