Practical information Guiana

35135  sq.mi

The journey takes 9 hrs 30 mins, with a connection in Paris, Orly. Cayenne is 4,387 mi from London.

209000 hab.

The international airport of Rochambeau, located in the town of Matoury, is 10 miles from Cayenne. There is no bus service, but there are taxis which go to the capital for about ?20 (£17).

Going up a Guianese river or hiking in the Amazonian forest are trips that need some preparation. It is strongly recommended that you call on tourist professionals for the planning of excursions inland, where it is easy to get lost.
In contrary to what you may have been told, the dangers do not lie with the poisonous animals; every animal species has its own territory and bad encounters remain very infrequent.
The bushmaster, the biggest snake, together with the small and wild coral snake, can be seen during walks in the forest, and rattlesnakes can be seen in the savannah on the coastline.
As for batrachians, be careful of the bright blue tree frogs; the sap they emit can be deadly if it is inhaled.
In regards to fish, the famous piranha does not deserve its reputation as an attacker, just as the trapdoor spider and its poison do not represent a real threat. However, be careful of red ants when you set up your bivouac in the forest.

French is the written language, but 90% of Guianese people also speak a French Creole without forgetting the American Indian languages.

A national identity card is sufficient, but a passport can be useful, especially since Brazil is close by.

87% Catholic. American Indians and Maroons are animists.

The currency is the Euro. The cash machines accept the same cards as in the UK. It is worth remembering, though, that only Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni have ATM machines. Banks are open from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 3.00pm to 5.00pm except on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday afternoons. It is best to take small amounts and low denominations with you when visiting villages further away from the cities.

Bus, taxis and shuttles operate in Cayenne, but car rental is the best way to get to the surroundings of the capital and to the coastline. However, although the road conditions are continually improving, be vigilant as the region frequently breaks the record of accidents per number of inhabitants. No problems are posed if you're wanting to get from Cayenne to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, except maybe a possible lack of petrol because sometimes gas stations are only open three hours a day. Otherwise, there are flights leaving from the capital three times a week, which link the cities of Maripasoula, Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock, Régina and Saü. There is also the pirogue, which is perfect if you want to get closer to the forest and access the unreachable villages.

Only one vaccine is mandatory: yellow fever. However, vaccinations against hepatitises A and B are strongly recommended, as well as DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) and typhoid vaccinations for forest areas. It is best to plan ahead, as certain vaccines involve booster shots. If you are planning a trip in the river area: an anti-malaria treatment is mandatory. Other recommendations include drinking bottled mineral water, bringing a mosquito repellent product and a powerful sunscreen with you and checking the guarantee of your medical insurance according to your travel tour.

Voltage is 220V. The electrical outlets are identical. Power cuts can be frequent.

Rules are the same as in mainland France.

To call Guiana from the UK, dial:05 94 + number you wish to call.
To call the UK from Guiana, dial: 0044 + number you wish to call.