French Guiana-4-day-itinerary

French Guiana Travel Itinerary - 4 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Cayenne and Exploration

  • Arrival: Arrive at Félix Éboué Airport (CAY) in Cayenne, the capital city of French Guiana.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, and some other countries do not need a visa to enter French Guiana. Check with your government’s website for specific requirements.
  • Accommodation: Check-in to a hotel in downtown Cayenne, such as Hotel La Marée or Hôtel Le Relais.
  • Places to Go:
    • Place des Palmistes: A vibrant public square in the heart of Cayenne, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
    • Cathédrale de la Trinité: A beautiful Catholic cathedral built in 1899.
  • Things to Know:
    • French Guiana is a territory outside of Europe, but still part of France. You’ll see a mix of French and Caribbean influences throughout your trip.
    • Be prepared for high humidity and temperatures around 30°C (86°F).
  • Transportation: Rent a car or take taxis to get around Cayenne.

Day 2: Nature and Wildlife

  • Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at a local café in Cayenne.
  • Places to Go:
    • Cayenne Botanical Garden: Explore the lush tropical garden, featuring over 1,500 plant species.
    • Réserve Naturelle Intégrale de la Trinité: A protected area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a chance to spot exotic birds and animals.
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided hike in the reserve to explore the natural beauty of French Guiana.
    • Visit the Cayenne Botanical Garden’s greenhouse for an educational experience on tropical plants.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, such as Le Petit Café or La Maison des Tropiques.

Day 3: Kourou and Space Exploration

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast in Cayenne before departing for Kourou (about 1 hour drive).
  • Places to Go:
    • Cité de l’Espace: A space museum showcasing the history of space exploration, with interactive exhibits and a chance to see real spacecraft.
    • Guiana Space Centre: Take a guided tour of the launch site where Ariane rockets are launched.
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Cité de l’Espace’s planetarium for an immersive experience on astronomy and space travel.
    • Explore the nearby forest, known as La Trinité, which offers hiking trails and scenic views.

Day 4: Return to Cayenne and Departure

  • Return: Head back to Cayenne (about 1 hour drive) and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions.
  • Departure: Depart from Félix Éboué Airport, bringing back memories of your amazing journey in French Guiana.

Additional Tips:

  • Be prepared for high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.
  • Don’t miss trying local cuisine, such as coconut crab and grilled fish.
  • Learn a few basic French phrases to interact with the friendly locals.
  • Keep an eye out for unique wildlife, such as jaguars and toucans.

Budget Breakdown:

  • Accommodation (4 nights): $400 - $600
  • Food and drink: $200 - $300
  • Transportation: $100 - $150
  • Activities: $200 - $300
  • Total: $900 - $1,450

Note: Prices may vary depending on individual preferences and exchange rates.