In the midst of a global pandemic, international travel has become all but impossible leaving many with an intense case of wanderlust. That travel itch is longing to be scratched as avid travelers are pent up at home dreaming of their next destination getaway. So, to provide a little inspiration for your next trip of a lifetime, check out these five interesting ways to experience the magical world of this little-known South American country. This is Guyana from your sofa.

Book: The Lost World, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Guyana remains uncharted territory for man. It boasts around 85% forest cover from one of only four primary rainforests in the world. Perhaps it comes as no surprise then that this mysterious land of dense jungle and hidden corners were the inspiration behind Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World. Ancient tepuis (table-top mountains) erupt from the jungle canopy while the thick forest itself hides even the world’s largest single-drop waterfall – Kaieteur. Though Guyana is home to giants such as giant river otters and anacondas, you can relax knowing that the prehistoric giants from Doyle’s novel are purely fictional. You can find this book on Amazon.

Podcast: Loyle Carner in Guyana, BBC Sound Odyssey

UK hip hop artist, Loyle Carner, travelled to Guyana in 2019 to discover his cultural roots from his father’s side. He was accompanied by legendary Guyanese flautist, Keith Waithe. The pair travelled as part of a BBC Sound Odyssey project titled Loyle Carner in Guyana. Their aim was to explore Carner’s cultural heritage via the music and gastronomy of the country. They even worked with local musicians to produce a brand new track inspired by their travels. The podcast wets the wanderlust appetite for housebound travelers. The duo transports the listener to the deepest rainforests of Guyana on a cultural, gastronomical and musical voyage. The podcast is readily available on the BBC Sounds app.

TV Programme: Lost Land of the Jaguar, BBC

Back in 2008 four heavyweight wildlife presenters, George McGavin, Steve Backshall, Justine Evans and Gordon Buchanan, all travelled to Guyana. Their aim was to document a journey through the unspoilt Guyanese rainforest. During their travels, they encountered the unique fauna of the region as they went in search of one particularly elusive creature – the mighty jaguar. Highlights from the show include George McGavin climbing into a hollowed-out tree trunk to see what critters are inside and Steve Backshall abseiling the magnificent Kaieteur Falls. This programme is ready for your viewing on BBC One.

Game: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Playstation

Developer Naughty Dog’s Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune was the first instalment of a series that has since become a PlayStation classic. The action-adventure title sees protagonist Nathan Drake travel across Latin America in search of El Dorado. The player delves into the depths of the Amazon rainforest in search of hidden treasures. The immersive experience allows travelers to rekindle their sense of adventure. They can also get a taste of what it’s like to venture into the pristine jungles of Guyana.

Social Media: #DiscoverGuyana

As you scroll through the news and social media channels, you will be bombarded with the constant updates of COVID-19. This can be overwhelming. Fortunately, it is still easy to access stories about Guyana that inspire wanderlust. The Guyana Tourism Authority is still active on social media and sharing images and content. They want to remind you that there is still plenty of beauty in the world. You will also be privy to what is waiting for you here in Guyana when you are ready to travel again. Check them out on Facebook on @GuyanaUndiscovered and on Instagram @discoverguyana.

Travel Better in Guyana

In Guyana, we recognize we have a responsibility to protect and conserve our spectacular natural and cultural treasures. We’re equally blessed that so many of our visitors want to lend a hand in doing so. To find out what you can do to help, please check out our Visitor Guidelines For Sustainable Travel. We look forward to welcoming you to Guyana when the time is right.

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