17 Most Instagrammable Places in Guyana for 2025: A Photographer’s Paradise

Introduction: Why Guyana Should Be On Your Instagram Bucket List

The first time I stepped off the plane in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, I had no idea what visual wonders awaited me. Six visits later, I’m still discovering new angles and hidden spots in this photogenic paradise. When my followers see my Guyana photos, their first reaction is almost always, “Wait, that’s in South America?” That’s precisely what makes Guyana so special – it’s South America’s best-kept secret, an English-speaking country where pristine rainforests meet thundering waterfalls and where cultural diversity creates a tapestry of photographic opportunities.

Unlike its more famous neighbors Brazil and Venezuela, Guyana remains wonderfully under-the-radar, meaning you won’t be jostling with crowds for the perfect shot. In 2025, as sustainable travel continues to trend, Guyana stands out as a destination that has prioritized eco-tourism and community-based experiences over mass tourism – making it both responsible and incredibly rewarding for photographers.

In this guide, I’ll share my favorite Instagrammable spots across Guyana, from the iconic must-sees to the hidden gems I’ve discovered through local friendships and sometimes getting gloriously lost. I’ll include practical tips on the best times to visit each location, camera settings that have worked for me, and how to respect the cultural and natural environments while capturing your perfect shot.

So charge your batteries, clear your memory cards, and join me on a visual journey through the land of many waters. Wan tru wan (“one true one” in Guyanese Creole) – truly, there’s nowhere quite like it!

Iconic Natural Wonders: Guyana’s Photographic Masterpieces

1. Kaieteur Falls: The Crown Jewel

No Instagram feed featuring Guyana is complete without Kaieteur Falls, and for good reason. Standing at the edge of this 741-foot single-drop waterfall – nearly five times taller than Niagara Falls – I felt my heart race as I captured its raw power. What makes Kaieteur special isn’t just its impressive statistics but its pristine setting, with no guardrails or commercial development to disturb your perfect shot.

On my third visit, I learned a valuable lesson: the rainbow that forms in the mist appears most vividly around 2-3 PM on sunny days. I’ve found that a wide-angle lens captures the scale best, but don’t forget to zoom in on details like the tiny golden frogs that live in the giant tank bromeliads near the falls.

“Insider Tip: Book a stay at Kaieteur Lodge to capture sunrise and sunset shots after day-trippers have left. It costs about G$50,000 (~$240 USD) per night but grants you exclusive early morning access when the light is magical and the falls are all yours.”

2. Iwokrama Canopy Walkway: Above the Rainforest

The sound of howler monkeys echoed through the trees as I carefully balanced my camera on the swaying canopy walkway, 100 feet above the forest floor. The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway offers a unique perspective for photographers – a bird’s-eye view of one of the world’s most pristine rainforests.

I’ve learned that early morning (around 6 AM) produces the most atmospheric shots, with mist rising from the canopy and macaws flying overhead. Bring a zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle to capture the immensity of the green expanse stretching to the horizon.

The walkway consists of several suspension bridges connecting platforms around massive emergent trees. Each platform offers different lighting and perspectives. My favorite is the third platform, which faces east and captures beautiful sunrise shots with golden light filtering through the leaves.

• Best time: 6-8 AM or 4-6 PM for magical lighting
• Cost: G$15,000 (approximately $72 USD) for walkway access
• Stay at: Atta Rainforest Lodge adjacent to the walkway

3. Mount Roraima: The Triple Border Landmark

The ancient tepui (table mountain) of Mount Roraima straddles the borders of Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela, creating a dramatic backdrop for truly epic Instagram shots. While the most common climbing route is from the Venezuelan side, the Guyana face offers more remote and dramatic perspectives.

During my second trip to Guyana, I hired a local guide from Phillipai village to take me to photograph Roraima from the savannah. The mountain’s sheer cliffs rising from the mist create an otherworldly scene that seems straight out of a fantasy film. In fact, Mount Roraima inspired the setting for Disney’s “Up” and Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World.”

A telephoto lens is essential to capture details of the cliff face, while a wide-angle showcases the mountain’s dominance over the landscape. The changing weather means the mountain is often partially shrouded in clouds, which actually adds to the mysterious quality of your photos.

“When I first saw Roraima appearing through the morning mist, I dropped to my knees in awe. My guide laughed and said in Patamona, ‘The mountain has this effect on everyone.’ That moment reminded me why I travel – for those visceral, unplannable reactions to our planet’s wonders.”

Cultural Photography: Capturing Guyana’s Human Stories

4. St. George’s Cathedral, Georgetown

St. George’s Cathedral took my breath away with its stark white wooden architecture soaring 143 feet into Georgetown’s sky. As one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, this Anglican cathedral dating from 1892 provides a magnificent subject for architectural photography.

I’ve found that early mornings (around 7 AM) offer the clearest shots before the day’s humidity builds up. The cathedral’s white exterior against a blue sky creates stunning contrast, while interior shots capture beautiful stained glass and elaborate wooden trusses.

The cathedral is located on Church Street in Georgetown. I recommend using a polarizing filter to enhance the contrast between the white building and the sky. For interior shots, a tripod is essential due to the lower light conditions.

5. Stabroek Market: A Colorful Hub of Activity

The iconic cast-iron clock tower of Stabroek Market has been telling time in Georgetown since 1881 and makes for a classic Guyana Instagram shot. But it’s the vibrant life inside the market that offers the richest photographic opportunities.

One of my most memorable shoots was capturing the early morning fish market section, where vendors in rubber boots arranged gleaming catches on ice as sunlight streamed through the old ironwork roof. The sounds of haggling in Creole (“Abee gat good price today!” – “We have good prices today!”) and the smell of fresh produce created a multisensory experience I tried to convey in my images.

Ask permission before photographing vendors or their goods – I usually buy something small first to establish rapport. A 35mm or 50mm prime lens works well in the market’s varied lighting conditions. Visit between 7-9 AM when the market is bustling but not overwhelmingly crowded.

“Safety Tip: While Stabroek Market is generally safe during daytime, keep your camera gear close and be discreet. I wear my backpack on my front and keep expensive equipment out of sight when not shooting.”

6. Indigenous Villages of the Rupununi

Some of my most meaningful photographs from Guyana came from time spent in indigenous communities like Surama, Rewa, and Yupukari. These community-owned eco-lodges not only provide sustainable tourism experiences but incredible cultural photo opportunities.

In Surama village, I photographed traditional cassava processing, where women transform the toxic root into bread through an elaborate process. The golden flatbread on circular woven stands makes for stunning food photography with cultural significance.

At Rewa, I captured fishermen in traditional dugout canoes (called corials in the local language) silhouetted against sunrise on the Rupununi River. The perfect reflection on still morning waters required waking at 4:30 AM but was worth every mosquito bite!

Village	Known For	Best Photo Opportunity
Surama	Macushi culture, mountain views	Traditional dancing in cultural center at sunset
Rewa	River life, fishing	Arapaima fishing expedition at dawn
Yupukari	Caiman research	Nighttime caiman spotting with red headlamps

“Always approach photography in indigenous communities with respect. I’ve made it a practice to share printed photos with people on my next visit – something increasingly rare in our digital age and deeply appreciated.”

Wildlife Photography Hotspots

7. Karanambu Lodge: Otter Paradise

My heart melted the first time I photographed an orphaned giant river otter being rehabilitated at Karanambu Lodge. This former cattle ranch turned conservation center was home to the late Diane McTurk, the world’s foremost expert on giant river otters, and her legacy continues with otter conservation work.

Beyond otters, Karanambu offers extraordinary wildlife photography opportunities. The lodge is situated on 125 square miles of savannah, wetlands, and forest along the Rupununi River. Giant anteaters, black caiman, and over 600 bird species call this area home.

My photography tip: bring your longest telephoto lens (I use a 100-400mm) and a good quality 1.4x teleconverter. The guides know exactly where to position your boat for perfect reflections of jabiru storks fishing in the early morning light.

• Best time: February-April when wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources
• Cost: Approximately G$60,000 (~$290 USD) per night all-inclusive
• Must-shoot: Giant river otters playing in the early morning (6-7 AM)

8. Shell Beach: Sea Turtle Haven

Timing my visit to Shell Beach during nesting season was one of the best photography decisions I’ve made in Guyana. This remote 90-mile stretch of coastline hosts four endangered sea turtle species coming ashore to lay eggs between March and August.

Working with conservationists from the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, I was able to photograph leatherback turtles (the world’s largest sea turtles) digging nests and laying eggs under the moonlight. These ancient creatures, weighing up to 2,000 pounds with shells the size of small cars, create otherworldly silhouettes against the night sky.

Photography here requires special sensitivity. Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it disorients turtles, so you’ll need a camera with good high-ISO performance and fast lenses (f/2.8 or faster). The guides use dim red lights that don’t disturb the turtles but provide just enough illumination.

“The most emotional moment of my Guyana travels was watching tiny hatchlings make their perilous journey to the sea at dawn. I had to resist every urge to help them, as the guides explained that this journey strengthens their flippers for swimming. Nature can be both brutal and beautiful through a camera lens.”

9. Rupununi Savannahs: Giant Anteater Territory

The vast Rupununi savannahs of southern Guyana offer one of the world’s best opportunities to photograph the elusive giant anteater. These bizarre, prehistoric-looking creatures with their tubular snouts and massive claws make for unforgettable wildlife portraits.

I base myself at Saddle Mountain Ranch or Wichabai Ranch, both working cattle ranches that offer wildlife tourism experiences. The ranchers know the anteaters’ territories and habits, dramatically increasing your chances of successful photography.

My technique for anteater photography involves setting out before dawn in an open 4×4 vehicle with a local tracker. When an anteater is spotted, we approach slowly on foot, staying downwind. A 400mm lens is ideal, though I’ve gotten close enough for wider environmental shots showing the animal against the dramatic savannah landscape.

1. Best months: January-March during dry season
2. Best time: 5:30-8:30 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM
3. Camera settings: Fast shutter speed (1/1000+) as anteaters can move surprisingly quickly
4. Cost: G$40,000 (~$190 USD) for a specialized anteater tracking excursion

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Photo Spots

10. Orinduik Falls: Nature’s Jacuzzi

While Kaieteur gets all the attention, the lesser-known Orinduik Falls near the Brazilian border offers equally stunning photography opportunities with a completely different character. These wide, stepped jasper falls along the Ireng River create natural spa-like pools perfect for both photographs and refreshing dips.

I learned about Orinduik from a local pilot who said, “Dem falls na get nuff picture pon internet, but dem real nice!” (Those falls don’t have many pictures online, but they’re really beautiful!) He was right – the reddish-pink stone creates a gorgeous contrast with the white water cascading over multiple levels.

Most tourists visit Orinduik as a side trip from Kaieteur, spending only 1-2 hours. On my second Guyana trip, I arranged a private charter and overnight stay at the basic government rest house, which gave me golden hour and sunrise shots without any other tourists.

“A polarizing filter is essential here to cut through water reflections and enhance the rich red tones of the jasper stone. For a unique perspective, bring a waterproof camera housing and capture half-underwater shots in the pools.”

11. Marshall Falls: The Local Secret

Sometimes the best photo locations come from chatting with locals. That’s how I discovered Marshall Falls, a series of seven cascades hidden in the rainforest near Madhia in central Guyana. When I mentioned I was looking for unique waterfalls to photograph, a gold miner at my guesthouse breakfast table sketched a rough map on a napkin.

The 45-minute hike through dense jungle opens suddenly to a fairytale scene – a secluded waterfall with crystal clear pools surrounded by massive ferns and flowering heliconia. I spent a full day here without seeing another person, experimenting with long exposures and different compositions.

For the best shots, I recommend:

• A sturdy tripod (the ground is uneven and often slippery)
• ND filters for smooth water effects even in daylight
• A macro lens for the tiny orchids and colorful frogs near the falls
• A local guide (G$10,000 or ~$48 USD for the day) as the trail is unmarked

The seventh and final cascade requires some careful scrambling but rewards photographers with a natural stone arch framing the waterfall – a composition that has become one of my most requested prints.

12. Masakenari (Gun’s Village): The Most Remote Community

For truly unique cultural photography, I ventured to Masakenari – also known as Gun’s Village – the most isolated community in Guyana. Home to the Wai Wai people, this settlement is accessible only by chartered aircraft landing on a small jungle airstrip, followed by a boat journey upriver.

The photography opportunities here are exceptional because so few outsiders visit. The Wai Wai maintain traditional practices like hunting with bows and arrows, weaving intricate hammocks, and creating pottery. Their thatched communal houses set against pristine rainforest create powerful visual contrasts.

Visiting requires special permission from the village chief and the Guyana Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. I arranged mine through Wilderness Explorers in Georgetown, which took about two months to process.

“The journey to Masakenari taught me humility. After my camera was dropped in the river (thankfully in a waterproof case), Chief Elka just laughed and said, ‘The river spirit wanted to see its picture.’ These perspective shifts are as valuable as any photograph.”

Urban Instagram Spots in Georgetown

13. Promenade Gardens: Colonial Elegance

Georgetown’s historic Promenade Gardens offer a serene oasis of Victorian landscaping perfect for atmospheric morning photography. The wrought-iron bandstand, reflecting pools, and ancient trees draped with Spanish moss create a romantic setting that transports viewers to another era.

I visited during the early morning (around 6:30 AM) when golden light filters through the trees and local elders practice tai chi on the lawns. The gardens are located on Middle Street, just a short walk from many downtown hotels.

For the best shots, try:

• Using the symmetrical pathways for leading lines
• Capturing reflections in the lily ponds
• Including the Victorian bandstand as a focal point
• Photographing the contrast of old colonial architecture with tropical foliage

14. Stabroek Clock Tower: Georgetown’s Icon

The Stabroek Market’s cast-iron clock tower is to Georgetown what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris – an instantly recognizable landmark perfect for establishing shots of the city. Built in 1881 and painted a distinctive deep green, the tower has become my favorite subject for sunset photography in Georgetown.

I’ve found that positioning myself across the street near the Demerara River provides the best angle, especially around 5:30 PM when the setting sun illuminates the western face of the tower. The busy street scene with minibuses and vendors creates an authentic foreground that captures Georgetown’s vibrant energy.

For unique perspectives, try:

• Using a telephoto lens to compress the tower against distant buildings
• Low-angle shots including the colorful umbrellas of street vendors
• Night photography capturing the illuminated clock face
• Slow shutter speeds to show the motion of traffic around this busy hub

“Safety tip: While photographing around Stabroek Market, keep your gear secured and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. I prefer working with a small mirrorless camera here rather than a large DSLR setup that attracts attention.”

15. Botanical Gardens: Wildlife in the City

Georgetown’s Botanical Gardens offers a surprising wildlife photography opportunity without leaving the city. The gardens’ large ponds are home to West Indian manatees, while the trees host numerous species of birds, including the national bird – the hoatzin (locally called the ‘canje pheasant’).

These prehistoric-looking birds with their spiky crests make for spectacular photographs, especially in the early morning when they’re most active. I spent three mornings in a row photographing a family of hoatzins near the main pond, gradually getting closer each day as they became accustomed to my presence.

The gardens are located on Vlissengen Road and are open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily. The entrance fee is just G$500 (~$2.40 USD), making this one of Georgetown’s best photography bargains.

For wildlife photographers, I recommend:

• A telephoto lens (at least 300mm)
• Visiting between 6:30-9:00 AM for best bird activity
• Checking the lily ponds near the northwestern section for manatees
• Bringing mosquito repellent – the ponds can be buggy in the mornings

Coastal and River Photography

16. Essequibo River Islands: Forgotten History

The mighty Essequibo River, Guyana’s largest, contains over 365 islands – one for each day of the year, as locals like to say. While many are uninhabited, several larger islands hold atmospheric ruins of Dutch colonial forts and plantations that make for haunting photography subjects.

Fort Island (Kyk-Over-Al) contains the moss-covered brick remains of a 17th-century Dutch fort, with crumbling arches framing views of the river. The contrast of red brick against lush greenery creates compelling compositions, especially in the soft light of early morning.

I hired a boat from Parika for G$25,000 (~$120 USD) for a full day exploring multiple islands. Each has its own character – Leguan with its rice fields and Hindu temples, Wakenaam with its sleepy villages, and Hogg Island with its wildlife.

For the best island photography:

1. Visit during dry season (August-April) when river levels are lower, exposing more of the historic ruins
2. Bring a polarizing filter to cut glare on the water
3. Include local fishing boats or canoes in your compositions for scale and cultural context
4. Allow extra time – river transportation often runs on “Guyana time” (meaning delays are common)

17. 63 Beach: Sunset Paradise

While Guyana isn’t known for beach tourism, the coastline near the town of #63 in Berbice offers a photogenic stretch of golden sand and fishing boats that’s perfect for sunset photography. Locals call it simply “63 Beach” (pronounced “sixty-three beach”).

What makes this location special for photography is the combination of traditional wooden fishing boats, often painted in bright colors, against the backdrop of an Atlantic sunset. The fishermen returning with their catch during golden hour create authentic scenes of Guyanese coastal life.

I discovered this spot by chance when my car broke down near #63 Village, and it’s become a regular stop on my Guyana itineraries. The beach is about 3 hours’ drive from Georgetown along the coastal highway.

Photography tips for 63 Beach:

• Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds
• Arrive 2 hours before sunset to photograph fishermen returning
• Use graduated ND filters to balance sky and foreground exposure
• Ask permission before photographing fishermen up close – offering to send them photos via WhatsApp often creates goodwill

“My most memorable experience at 63 Beach was during a magnificent sunset when I put down my camera and helped a family pull in their fishing net. My fingers were raw afterward, but the shots I got of weathered hands working together against the orange sky had an authenticity no staged photo could capture.”

Conclusion: Capturing Your Own Guyana Story

After six visits to Guyana, I’ve only scratched the surface of this photogenic country. What makes it special for photographers isn’t just the untouched landscapes or unique wildlife, but the authenticity of experiences in a place still discovering its tourism potential.

Unlike neighboring countries where you might queue for the perfect Instagram shot, Guyana offers the rare opportunity to create truly original content. The photos you capture here will likely be unlike anything in your friends’ feeds – a compelling reason to visit in 2025 before everyone else discovers this gem.

As I look back through my Guyana portfolio, the images that resonate most strongly aren’t just the epic landscapes but the human connections – the shy smile of a Makushi grandmother teaching me to weave, the pride in a guide’s face when showing his homeland, the laughter shared over a Banks beer after a long day of shooting.

5-Step Action Plan for Photographers Visiting Guyana

1. Plan your visit during dry season (late August through April) for the most reliable photography conditions. February-March offers the best combination of accessibility and wildlife concentration.
2. Book essential experiences in advance, especially Kaieteur Falls flights and indigenous community stays, which have limited capacity and can sell out.
3. Pack minimally but completely – bring essential gear (including backup equipment) as photography supplies are limited in Guyana. I recommend a weather-sealed camera, lenses from wide-angle to telephoto, plenty of memory cards, and extra batteries.
4. Allow buffer days in your itinerary – weather delays are common for remote destinations, and sometimes the most magical photographic moments happen when plans change.
5. Connect with local photographers through groups like the Guyana Photography Group on Facebook or attend events at the Moray House Trust in Georgetown to gain insider knowledge on hidden photo locations.

Insider Money-Saving Photography Tips

• Shared charter flights: Connect with other photographers through guesthouses or online forums to share the cost of chartered flights to remote locations. I saved nearly $400 by sharing a Kaieteur charter with three wildlife photographers I met at Cara Lodge.
• Multi-community packages: If visiting indigenous communities, book through umbrella organizations like Community Tourism Link that offer discounted rates when visiting multiple villages.
• Local transportation: While minibuses aren’t ideal for bulky camera gear, they cost about 1/10th the price of private transfers between major towns. For the Georgetown-Lethem route, I saved G$30,000 by taking the overnight bus instead of flying.
• Bring a student/press ID: Many attractions offer discounts to students or media, though you should verify in advance and be prepared to show examples of your work.
• Sustainable practices: Bringing a water filtration system instead of buying bottled water saved me about G$2,000 (~$10 USD) per day while reducing plastic waste in places with limited recycling infrastructure.

Guyana may not be the easiest destination to photograph, but those challenges are precisely what make the images you’ll capture here so valuable. In an era of over-tourism and identical Instagram shots, Guyana offers something increasingly rare: the chance to create truly original content while supporting sustainable tourism in a country that’s protecting its natural and cultural heritage.

As they say in Guyanese Creole, “Tekk time, nah hurry” (Take your time, don’t rush). Your patience in this remarkable country will be rewarded with photographs unlike any others in your portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photographing Guyana

Is Guyana safe for photographers carrying expensive equipment?

In my experience, Guyana is generally safe for photographers, but common-sense precautions are necessary. In Georgetown, I avoid displaying expensive equipment openly and use a non-descript camera bag. Outside the capital, I’ve found rural areas to be very safe, with curious but respectful locals. The biggest risks to your gear are environmental – humidity, rain, and dust – rather than theft. I recommend bringing weather-sealed equipment and plenty of silica gel packets.

What’s the best time of year for photography in Guyana?

The ideal photography season is February through April, during the dry season when wildlife concentrates around water sources, access roads are passable, and the skies are generally clearer. However, each season offers unique opportunities: May-July brings dramatic storm clouds and lush landscapes, while September-November offers clearer rivers and exposed beaches. I avoid December-January when heavy rains can make many locations inaccessible.

Do I need permits to photograph in Guyana?

For personal photography, no special permits are required in most locations. However, if you’re shooting commercially or for publication, you should contact the Guyana Tourism Authority. Photography in indigenous communities requires permission from village councils, usually arranged through your tour operator. Military installations and some government buildings prohibit photography, so always check before shooting in Georgetown.

What camera gear should I bring to Guyana?

I recommend weather-sealed equipment due to high humidity and occasional rain. My standard kit includes:

• A full-frame mirrorless camera with good high-ISO performance
• 14-24mm wide-angle for landscapes and waterfalls
• 24-70mm standard zoom for versatility
• 100-400mm telephoto for wildlife
• 1.4x teleconverter for extra reach
• Polarizing and ND filters
• A lightweight but sturdy tripod
• Extra batteries and memory cards (charging opportunities can be limited)
• Silica gel packets and dry bags for moisture protection

How can I respectfully photograph indigenous people in Guyana?

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in indigenous communities. I’ve found that spending time building rapport first leads to more natural photos and positive interactions. Offering to share photos via WhatsApp or printed copies on a future visit is greatly appreciated. Some communities have specific protocols about what can be photographed (particularly ceremonial activities), so follow your guide’s advice. Consider supporting community tourism initiatives by paying fair prices for crafts or accommodations rather than just taking photos.

What are the photography restrictions at Kaieteur Falls?

At Kaieteur, there are no specific photography restrictions for personal use, but tripods may require advance permission. Drone photography is prohibited without special permits from the National Parks Commission, which are rarely granted. Commercial photography requires advance permission. The viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points, but staying overnight at the basic accommodation allows photography during the restricted hours when day-trippers aren’t present.

Is internet reliable enough to back up photos while traveling in Guyana?

Internet reliability varies dramatically across Guyana. Georgetown and larger towns have decent connectivity for uploading small batches of photos, but don’t count on backing up RAW files to cloud storage. In remote areas and indigenous communities, internet is often non-existent or extremely limited. I bring multiple portable hard drives and keep them in separate bags as a physical backup solution. Some hotels in Georgetown offer reasonable Wi-Fi for overnight uploads if needed.

References

• Guyana Tourism Authority – Official tourism information
• National Geographic Traveller: Photography Tips for Guyana
• Lonely Planet: Guyana Travel Guide
• Rainforest Foundation US: Guyana Projects
• Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre
• Kaieteur Lodge – Accommodation near Kaieteur Falls
• Guyana Marine Conservation Society – Sea turtle conservation
• Wilderness Explorers – Tour operator specializing in Guyana
• The Guardian: Guyana, the Green Heart of South America
• BBC Travel: Guyana – The South American Country You’ve Never Heard Of
• Digital Photography School: Rainforest Photography Tips
• Community Tourism Link – Indigenous tourism network