Things to do in French Guiana

What to see and do in French Guiana: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in French Guiana

History

Explore Devil's Island

Îles du Salut, near Kourou

Visit the infamous Devil's Island, part of the Salvation Islands, known for its brutal penal colony history and now a haunting historical site.

Adventure

Tour the Guiana Space Centre

Kourou

Take a guided tour of the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, one of the world's busiest launch sites for rockets, including Ariane and Soyuz.

City

Wander through Cayenne's Central Market

Cayenne

Explore the vibrant Marché Central in Cayenne, where locals sell fresh produce, spices, and crafts, offering a taste of daily life.

Nature

Hike the Sentier du Rorota

Régina

Trek the Sentier du Rorota trail near Cayenne through tropical forest to a pristine lake, ideal for nature lovers.

Culture

Visit the Village of Cacao

Cacao, Roura

Discover the unique Village of Cacao, home to a Hmong community that migrated from Laos, and enjoy their cuisine and culture.

Nature

Kayak through the Marais de Kaw

Kaw, Roura

Paddle through the Marais de Kaw, a vast wetland teeming with wildlife like caimans, herons, and monkeys in their natural habitat.

Culture

Attend Cayenne Carnival

Cayenne

Experience the colorful Cayenne Carnival, one of the largest in the Caribbean, with parades, music, and vibrant costumes in February or March.

Adventure

See the Tumuc-Humac Mountains

Saül

Explore the remote Tumuc-Humac Mountains on the border with Brazil, offering challenging hikes and untouched Amazonian wilderness.

History

Visit the Camp de la Transportation

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

Tour the Camp de la Transportation in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, a former penal colony building that now houses a museum on convict history.

Food

Try Colombo Curry in Cayenne

Cayenne

Savor Colombo curry, a signature dish in French Guiana blending French, Creole, and Indian influences, at a local eatery.

Nature

Explore the Îles du Salut

Îles du Salut

Visit the Salvation Islands, a group of three islands with lush vegetation, former leper colony ruins, and stunning ocean views.

Adventure

Go fishing on the Approuague River

Régina

Embark on a fishing trip on the Approuague River, known for peacock bass and other freshwater fish in the Amazonian jungle setting.

Nature

Visit the Jardin Botanique de Cayenne

Cayenne

Stroll through the Jardin Botanique de Cayenne, a botanical garden showcasing tropical plants, orchids, and a peaceful retreat from the city.

Culture

See the Roches gravées de l'Arataye

Saül

Discover ancient rock engravings at Roches gravées de l'Arataye, evidence of pre-Columbian indigenous art in the jungle.

Nightlife

Attend a Creole music performance

Cayenne

Enjoy live Creole music performances in Cayenne or other towns, featuring genres like biguine and zouk that reflect the local culture.

Hidden gem

Visit the Pointe Isère

Matoury

Relax at Pointe Isère, a coastal area near Cayenne with beaches and mangroves, perfect for a day trip.

History

Tour the Musée Départemental

Cayenne

Explore the Musée Départemental in Cayenne, which houses exhibits on the history, culture, and natural environment of French Guiana.

Adventure

Hike to Mont Grand Matoury

Matoury

Hike to the summit of Mont Grand Matoury for panoramic views of Cayenne and the surrounding forest.

Food

Try Boudin Créole

Cayenne

Taste Boudin Créole, a spicy blood sausage made with local spices and herbs, a staple in Creole cuisine.

Hidden gem

Visit the Saül village

Saül

Experience the remote village of Saül, accessible only by plane or river, surrounded by pristine rainforest and ideal for eco-tourism.

Nature

Explore the Canal de Torbeck

Sinnamary

Take a boat trip through the Canal de Torbeck, a waterway through mangroves and forests, offering wildlife spotting opportunities.

History

Visit the Maison des Esclaves

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

See the Maison des Esclaves in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, a historical building related to the slave trade and penal colony.

Culture

Attend a traditional Creole dance

Cayenne

Participate in or watch traditional Creole dance workshops or performances, showcasing the African and European influences in local culture.

Nature

Explore the Trésor Nature Reserve

Régina

Hike through the Trésor Nature Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the jaguar and harpy eagle.

City

Visit the Place des Palmistes

Cayenne

Relax at Place des Palmistes in Cayenne, a central square lined with palm trees, colonial buildings, and cafes.

Nearby destinations

All destinations