South America

French Guiana

Rainforest, rocket launches and a notorious former penal colony.

French Guiana is an overseas region of France on the northeast coast of South America, and almost all of it is dense Amazon rainforest. The Guiana Space Centre at Kourou launches European rockets, and just offshore the Îles du Salut, including Devil's Island, preserve the ruins of the old penal colony. Cayenne has a lively market and creole houses, while Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni keeps its prison camp.

Food blends French, Creole, Hmong and Brazilian influences, from fresh baguettes to spicy fish stews. Beyond the coastal road, travel is by pirogue on the rivers or small plane. Between April and July leatherback turtles nest on the beaches around Awala-Yalimapo, but August to November is the drier, easier time for exploring.

Best time to visit French Guiana

August, September, October.

Places to visit in French Guiana

• Cayenne: The capital of French Guiana, a small, creole-flavoured city of colonial squares, markets and rainforest close by.
• Îles du Salut: Three small islands off Kourou that once held France's most notorious prison, including Devil's Island.

Essentials

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: French; French Guianese Creole widely spoken
• Plugs: Type C / E, 220 V
• Driving: Right side
• Time zone: UTC−3
• Tipping: Not expected; service is included in restaurant prices
• Getting around: A hire car suits the coastal road; the interior is reached by river boat or small plane
• Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking

Plan a trip to French Guiana