last edited Dec 11, 2019
Types of Travel in French Guiana
Location Map of French Guiana
Travel Themes
Interests (rated ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays .
Nature-Adventure
Nature and adventure are what best define French Guiana. The Amazon rainforest is never far away, offering all the discoveries and activities it has to offer—though at a much higher price than in other countries in the region. Aside from a few sites or occasions, ecotourism in French Guiana almost always requires local providers, if only for safety reasons.
Culture
While the remnants of the penal colony that marked this land are still very present, it is the diverse populations that make up Guianese society, with their unique traditions and customs, that represent the primary "cultural interest" of the destination.
Relaxation-Holidays
Despite its nearly 400 kilometers of coastline, French Guiana is not a beach destination and has no resorts to speak of. Opportunities for "relaxation-holidays," whether on the coast or inland, are extremely limited or nonexistent in the usual sense.
Independent Travel
French Guiana is an easy destination for independent travel and well-suited for beginner travelers. However, its (Amazonian) interior, the most challenging part, almost always requires guided support.
Organized Travel
French Guiana is not really part of the mainstream tourist circuit, and very few professionals offer organized trips from mainland France (and even fewer from elsewhere). What is most commonly proposed by travel agencies is a customizable system, where you purchase services (flights, car rentals, accommodations, day trips, etc.) as needed. That said, once on the ground, you’ll easily find the few essential local agencies that can help you explore the rainforest or marshes.