Make discover Guiana

Thanks to its geographical location at the junction of the Caribbean and Amazonia, French Guiana’s environment is one of rare diversity and wealth. At this special location, you can find many protected species in protected areas; they will fill you with wonder and emotion.

Hattes Beach and Montjoly Beach

Hattes and Montjoly Beaches are, without doubt, the best areas to observe the leatherback turtle. Between April and July, you can observe these marine giants, which can reach almost 6 feet (1.80 m) long and weigh up to 1500 lbs (700 kg), as they lay their eggs. August to October offers the amazing spectacle of the birth of thousands of these turtles. One day, they too will return to lay their eggs on one of these beaches.

To reach Hattes Beach:

162 miles (260 km) from Cayenne – Take RN1 to Mana, then take the direction to Awala-Yalimapo – Access free

To reach Montjoly Beach:

5 miles (8 km) from Cayenne – Drive to Montjoly, then follow the signs to Montjoly Beach

Kaw Swamps

Located 30 miles (50 km) from Roura, this nature reserve, containing several biotopes, is a paradise for birds—the toco toucan, hoatzin, and greater flamingo, among others—and amphibians, including the aquatic lizard, the anaconda, the Mata-Mata turtle and the unforgettable caimans, which you can see at night.

Fourgassié Waterfalls

These extremely invigorating waterfalls give you the chance to relax and enjoy. The sheltered site is ideal for picnics.
A trail has been created to allow you to reach the basins where the successive stages of the cascade fall. Cross the three walkways, linked together by stairs and stepping stones, to appreciate the full splendor of the falls.

To get there:

From Cayenne, take the direction to Kaw, then Roura. At the first intersection, take the laterite track, which will take you into the small valley where the Fourgassié Creek races down a rocky outcrop.
This site can also be reached by dugout, via the Orapu River.
There are food facilities near the site and places to stay in Roura.

Ascending the Maroni River

Surrounded by magnificent scenery, this 323-mile (520 km) river, with numerous rapids, separates Suriname from French Guiana.
With its banks lined with picturesque villages, such as Apatou, Grand Santi, and Papaichton, where communities of the Maroon and Amerindian peoples have lived for ages, the Maroni’s beauty and grandeur captivates all.

In four days, you can ascend the Maroni by dugout as far as Maripasoula, with stops at the villages, hikes in the forest, nights in a hammock in carbets (wooden houses), then return to Cayenne by plane.

The reverse trip is also possible: fly to Maripasoula and then descend the Maroni to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.

The Oyapock River

Throughout your journey between Brazil and French Guiana, you will discover a fascinating region. Indeed, the Oyapock River provides the most beautiful falls in French Guiana.
Nine miles (15 km) from the town of Saint Georges, on the border with Brazil, the Maripá Falls is one of French Guiana’s most beautiful natural sites.
You can reach it by trail or dugout and spend the night before, perhaps, ascending the Oyapock to discover its many Amerindian villages.
And who knows, maybe you’ll discover the fabulous city of Eldorado, which legend says lies at the source of the river.

The Mana River

French Guiana’s most untamed river, the Mana, descends directly from French Guiana’s central plateau to the south of Saül. The Mana River’s 270 miles and 100 rapids are packed with thrills. Its descent or ascent takes several days. The river is a challenge for people who love excitement, those who want to explore the wilderness, and experienced sports enthusiasts.

Visit Saül

Explore the center of French Guiana. Saül is a magnificent wilderness area, ideal for hikes focused on ecology and culture. Trails created by the National Forestry Department (ONF) and the Institute of Scientific Research for Cooperative Development (IRD, formerly ORSTOM) allow you to hike in complete safety and explore the traces left by the first inhabitants of French Guiana, or discover the large variety of plants, birds, and small animals.

The Sinnamary Estuary

This is a magnificent place to see the famous scarlet ibises, wading birds that were venerated in ancient Egypt as incarnations of the god Thot.
Starting from the Sinnamary jetty, take a pleasant trip by dugout to watch the breathtaking flight of these flame-colored birds.

The Approuague River

This 180-mile (270 km) river, whose source is in French Guiana’s central plateau, is renowned for its magnificent rapids, such as Grand Machicou and the most spectacular in the region, Grand Canori, with its 63 feet (19 meters) of descents awaiting the most adventurous.

After a dugout trip of several hours from Régina in the midst of the lush forest, discover fabulous sites containing well-equipped camps offering facilities for bathing, fishing, gold panning, and canoeing.

The site at Approuague is also a magnificent area for trekking and learning the techniques of forest living.

Voltaire Falls                                             

One of French Guiana’s most beautiful falls, the Voltaire Falls drops 115 feet (35 m) in a distance of 655 feet (200 m). You can reach it by a 45-mile (73 km) road through primary forest.

To get there:

- A 45-mile (73 km) road, then an approximately 1 hour 30 minute hiking trail (contact the Tourism Office in Saint Laurent to find out whether the road is passable).

Macouria Animal

More than 3000 animals of 250 different Amazon jungle species live in semi-freedom in this animal park.
Young and old will enjoy seeing the big cats, birds, mammals (including a large number of monkeys), and reptiles—especially 6 PM Sundays, the weekly feeding time for the big caimans.
A 2-mile (3 km) botanical trail provides educational information on the species you come across.

Gabriel Creek

Only 35 minutes from Cayenne, Gabriel Creek flows through a range of landscapes.
Here, you have a true maze, where the plant cover mixes and merges with its reflection in the water. Ideal for a walk of a few hours or a whole day, you will also discover the remains of the old plantations of Cacao and Bois de Rose and admire the many morpho butterflies, whose electric blue is in vivid contrast to the green surroundings.