{"id":53142,"date":"2025-02-17T18:45:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T16:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=53142"},"modified":"2025-11-04T14:02:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T12:02:59","slug":"travel-three-guyanas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-three-guyanas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to travel overland across the 3 Guianas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/feature-georgetown-suriname-french-guyana-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/feature-georgetown-suriname-french-guyana-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/feature-georgetown-suriname-french-guyana-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"georgetown-suriname-french-guyana\" class=\"wp-image-53170\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, popularly known as \u2018\u2019the 3 Guianas\u2019\u2019, are three countries located on the eastern shoulder of South America &#8211; and probably the least visited countries in the all the Americas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are overlanding across Latin America or just traveling here for a few weeks, it\u2019s easy to combine the 3 countries in one single trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will show you how to cross the 3 Guianas (Guyana-Suriname-French Guiana) overland, from Georgetown to Cayenne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PIN1-How-to-travel-overland-across-the-3-Guyanas-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PIN1-How-to-travel-overland-across-the-3-Guyanas-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PIN1-How-to-travel-overland-across-the-3-Guyanas-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"overland 3 guyanas\" class=\"wp-image-53253\" style=\"width:458px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Guyana travel guide, you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#tips-for-egypt\">Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Getting in<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\">How to travel the 3 Guianas overland<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#5\">Georgetown-Paramaribo-Cayenne<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\">Guyana to Suriname<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\">Suriname to French Guiana<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\">More Information<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Guyana<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With its Backpacker plan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=guyana_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Guyana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=guyana_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">Introduction to travel in the Guyanas: Why are they called the 3 Guianas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Guyana is a geographical area comprised of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guiana_Shield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guiana Shield<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Politically-speaking, this area today refers to Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana but, theoretically, it also includes the Guayana region in eastern <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/venezuela-travel\/\"><strong>Venezuela<\/strong><\/a> and Amap\u00e1 state in Brazil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, during colonial times, Venezuelan Guayana was referred to as Spanish Guyana, while Amap\u00e1 state was Portuguese Guyana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, Guyana (the country) was known as British Guyana, and Suriname as Dutch Guyana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>French Guiana never got its independence and today, this tiny country is an overseas department and region of France, and as such is part of the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/canaima\/\">Canaima National Park<\/a><\/strong> is part of The Guyana<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/travel-3-guyanas-1024x576.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/travel-3-guyanas-1024x576.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/travel-3-guyanas-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"The Guyanas is mostly dense forest, photo taken in South Guyana (British)\" class=\"wp-image-53176\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Guyanas is mostly dense forest, photo taken in South Guyana (British)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">How to get to the 3 Guianas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to start from, Guyana or French Guiana?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From a logistical perspective, it really doesn\u2019t make any difference you should start from wherever is more convenient for your kind of trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I personally started from Georgetown (Guyana), and the only advantage I can think of is that I liked ending my trip in Cayenne (French Guiana), where I found pretty amazing restaurants serving decent French food and wine, something which is hard to find in the other 2 Guianas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to the 3 Guianas by land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Guyana by land<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/llanos-venezuela\/\">Venezuela<\/a>:<\/strong> There\u2019s no official border between the two countries, not even roads, just thick jungle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Check our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/venezuela-travel\/\">travel guide to Venezuela<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From Brazil: <\/strong>The border is open at Lethem, easily reached by public transportation from Boa Vista. If you are <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/venezuela\/\">traveling in Venezuela<\/a><\/strong>, you should get yourself to the southern city of Santa Elena de Uair\u00e9n &#8211; there are direct buses from Caracas &#8211; and then cross into Brazil to Boa Vista.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey from Lethem to Georgetown is a very long one, over 500km of mainly unpaved road including a river crossing by ferry, and it&#8217;s difficult to do it in one go, so do stay somewhere in between, like the area of Rupunini or Iwokrama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Suriname by land<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Suriname has a border with Brazil but there aren\u2019t any roads, so you can only get in from either Guyana or French Guiana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to French Guiana by land<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Macap\u00e1, a city that lies on the Amazon delta, is the main transportation hub to Saint-Georges, the border town from this part of French Guiana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to the 3 Guianas by flight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before getting into the Guianas, I was traveling in Trinidad and Tobago for a couple of days, and from there I flew into Georgetown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) there are inexpensive daily flights to Georgetown, meaning that adding Trinidad and Tobago onto your 3 Guianas adventure is quite feasible, especially because from a cultural perspective, they are similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Georgetown by flight<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Georgetown has two international airports &#8211; Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL) and Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides Port of Spain (POS), common connections are Panama (PTY), Miami (MIA), New York City (JFK) and Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Cayenne by flight<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides a daily flight to Paris (CDG) with Air France, the International Airport of Cayenne (CAY) has barely any connections, only to the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">How to travel the 3 Guianas overland: Georgetown-Paramaribo-Cayenne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Guyana<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With its Backpacker plan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=guyana_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Guyana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=guyana_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">The route Georgetown-Paramaribo-Cayenne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The distance between Georgetown and Paramaribo is 840 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that the countries are not connected by road, and are separated by a river with no bridge, meaning you can only cross by boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1DTSMYYvZ4b6dHM4vbQp1biMBBAb0sGc&#038;ehbc=2E312F&#038;noprof=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">How to get from Georgetown to Paramaribo (Guyana to Suriname)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Georgetown-to-Paramaribo-The-main-cathedral-in-Paramaribo-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Georgetown-to-Paramaribo-The-main-cathedral-in-Paramaribo-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"53179\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Georgetown-to-Paramaribo-The-main-cathedral-in-Paramaribo-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The main cathedral in Paramaribo\" class=\"wp-image-53179\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The main cathedral in Paramaribo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Guyana-to-Suriname-Main-market-in-Georgetown-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Guyana-to-Suriname-Main-market-in-Georgetown-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"53181\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Guyana-to-Suriname-Main-market-in-Georgetown-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Main market in Georgetown\" class=\"wp-image-53181\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Main market in Georgetown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the steps you need to follow to travel from Guyana to Suriname by land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Get your Suriname e-visa and complete the online immigration form<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Suriname is the only country in the Guianas that requires a visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get your <a href=\"https:\/\/suriname.vfsevisa.com\/suriname\/online\/home\/index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>e-visa at this portal<\/strong><\/a>. It costs 58 USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The portal recommends applying 72 hours in advance, but I applied the day before and got mine right there and then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After securing your visa, you need to fill out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/icf.sr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the following online form<\/a><\/strong> and show the respective QR code upon arrival in Suriname.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f564648f\">A <strong>yellow fever certificate<\/strong> is also an entry requirement for Suriname<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Georgetown to Molson Creek<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Molson Creek is the border town with Suriname, where you need to catch the ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the type of vehicle used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have two options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1) Booking a shared taxi in advance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This has the added benefit that they will pick you up from your hotel. A second shared taxi will be waiting for you across the border to take you to Paramaribo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this, you should book a couple of days in advance to secure your spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick-up is between 4 am and 5 am and the journey takes about 3 hours. It costs 50 USD, including the second leg of the journey, from the border to Paramaribo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that the ferry ticket isn&#8217;t included in the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I can recommend a man named Rudolf, a very easy-going, kind local guy from Georgetown. You can message him on WhatsApp: +592 641 6010<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2) Going by local bus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The advantage of going by bus isn\u2019t really the price difference but personally, I prefer going by public transportation, as it\u2019s usually a great way to meet locals. Option 1 is just too easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important: <\/strong>there\u2019s only one daily ferry crossing the river, so if you want to catch it, you\u2019ll have to be at the station extra early, no later than 4 or 5 am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem, however, is that the minivans depart from Stabroek market, one of the sketchiest areas in the city, and you\u2019ll have to be there when it\u2019s still dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Georgetown is well-known for its violent crime so, if possible, try to get there by taxi from your hotel don\u2019t walk alone around this area!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you could just show up in the middle of the day, and spend the night at the border town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Is-Guyana-safe-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Is-Guyana-safe-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Is-Guyana-safe-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Due to all the safety issues in Georgetown, Stabroek market in Georgetown features a massive surveillance screen\" class=\"wp-image-53183\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Due to all the safety issues in Georgetown, Stabroek market in Georgetown features a massive surveillance screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Immigration and ferry crossing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In Molson Creek, you\u2019ll need to get to the ferry terminal, where you\u2019ll go through immigration and purchase your ferry ticket, costing 20 USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my experience, the border was quite busy, but the whole process didn\u2019t take more than 25 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Guyana-to-Suriname-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Guyana-to-Suriname-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/How-to-get-from-Guyana-to-Suriname-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Guyana \/ Suriname border\" class=\"wp-image-53185\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Guyana \/ Suriname border<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After getting your passport stamped, all you have to do is wait for the ferry. Apparently it departs at any time between 9:30 am and 1 pm. In my case, it departed at 11 am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey by ferry takes 1 hour 30 minutes, and it\u2019s incredibly slow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ferry-Guyana-Suriname-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ferry-Guyana-Suriname-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ferry-Guyana-Suriname-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The ferry that takes you from Guyana to Suriname\" class=\"wp-image-53187\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The ferry that takes you from Guyana to Suriname<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Suriname immigration and South Drain to Paramaribo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as you cross the river, get off the boat quickly to skip the immigration line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On leaving customs, you\u2019ll be approached by several shared-taxi drivers looking for passengers to Paramaribo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey shouldn\u2019t cost more than 20-25 USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the border to Paramaribo takes another 3 to 4 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7&quot;\">How to get from Paramaribo to Cayenne (Suriname to French Guiana)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the steps you need to follow for overland travel from Suriname to French Guiana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Complete your online immigration form<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly to what you did when entering Suriname, you will also need to fill out the same online form to exit the country. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/icf.sr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Here\u2019s the link<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Paramaribo to Albina<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To travel to French Guiana, you can easily take a local shared taxi to the border town of Albina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The taxi terminal is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Vwn453bwdMJ68eAS6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">located right here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey takes 2 hours and costs 20 USD. Too easy&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Look for the actual customs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ferry-to-French-Guyana-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ferry-to-French-Guyana-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ferry-to-French-Guyana-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The boats that take you to French Guyana, actual European Union\" class=\"wp-image-53189\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The boats that take you to French Guyana, actual European Union<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This could prove confusing for some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The local shared taxi will drop you at a very busy spot by the river banks, an area packed with small boats that take you across the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These boats take people into French Guiana illegally, but I was never able to understand why there isn\u2019t <em>any<\/em> control over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you are sure to be approached by some of their captains, remember that first, you\u2019ll need to get your exit stamp at the <strong>actual<\/strong> customs, located 500 meters away from where you probably are. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/VYPhv4jLv2vgo1cGA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Right here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After obtaining your exit stamp, it doesn\u2019t matter whether you take the official boat or go back to the \u2018\u2019illegal\u2019\u2019 port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, the guy who stamped my passport encouraged me to take one of the illegal boats, since it\u2019s way faster, but he told me to make sure I go through French immigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I went back to my initial location and, when I got on one of the boats, the guy said: <em>Do you want to be dropped off at the French customs?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was the only person who actually got off at the customs, the rest entered French Guiana somewhere else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/is-French-Guyana-part-of-France-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/is-French-Guyana-part-of-France-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/is-French-Guyana-part-of-France-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"This is what you find upon arriving in French Guyana\" class=\"wp-image-53191\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is what you find upon arriving in French Guyana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Cayenne<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The French have invested very little in their South American colony\/enclave, especially when it comes to public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, this is a rarely-transited border crossing, so the chances of not seeing any drivers at all are pretty high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have 2 options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Walk to the center of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and take the 1 pm bus to Cayenne. There are 2 daily buses, one at 6 am and another at 1 pm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At the customs, you\u2019ll see a few boat owners. If you can\u2019t see any taxi, ask them to call a shared taxi for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/paramaribo-to-cayenne-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/paramaribo-to-cayenne-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/paramaribo-to-cayenne-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Cayenne. the capital of French Guyana\" class=\"wp-image-53193\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cayenne. the capital of French Guyana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In my case, I decided to spent the night in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, which I can strongly recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The town is packed with street vendors most likely from Suriname, there&#8217;s a nice market and the Transportation Camp for the prisoners going to the Salvation Islands (remember the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Papillon_(1973_film)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">book\/movie Papillon?<\/a><\/strong>). It\u2019s hard to believe the town belongs to the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next day, at around 10 am, I headed to the bus station only to find out that I&#8217;d already missed the first bus (it was at 10 am) so I went back to customs, where I managed to find a shared taxi thanks to one of the boat men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can either try your luck there or just call this number: +594 694 21 18 28 (Nell)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey takes 3 hours by car and costs 40 USD. French prices!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">More travel information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More travel guides from the Americas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/venezuela-travel\/\">Venezuela Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/canaima\/\">How to visit Angel Falls<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/llanos-venezuela\/\">How to visit Los Llanos<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-haiti\/\">Haiti Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/haiti-itinerary\/\">Haiti Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PIN2-Travel-the-3-Guyanas_-Georgetown-Paramaribo-Cayenne-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PIN2-Travel-the-3-Guyanas_-Georgetown-Paramaribo-Cayenne-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PIN2-Travel-the-3-Guyanas_-Georgetown-Paramaribo-Cayenne-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"crossing the Guianas overland step-by-step\" class=\"wp-image-53241\" style=\"width:458px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, popularly known as \u2018\u2019the 3 Guianas\u2019\u2019, are three countries located on the eastern shoulder of South America &#8211; and probably the least visited countries in the all the Americas. Whether you are overlanding across Latin America or just traveling here for a few weeks, it\u2019s easy to combine the 3 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":53170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[342,344,343],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-53142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-french-guiana","category-guyana","category-suriname"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53142","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53142"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53142\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53377,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53142\/revisions\/53377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}