Things You Should Know Before Visiting French Guiana as a Tourist

French Guiana
French Guiana. Image by Tylda/Wikipedia

French Guiana might not be the prime tourist destination in South America for most people, but that doesn’t mean France’s overseas territory isn’t worth your time. If you decide to pay it a visit, you’ll be surprised with just how many things it has to offer to tourists. The list includes beautiful beaches, untouched nature, and even rocket launches since French Guiana is the primary launch site for European Space Agency.

However, there are some things you should know before heading there as a tourist. Check them out below.

Expect All Things France

You’ll have a feeling that you are in France, and that isn’t wrong to a degree. The official language is French, and Euro is the official currency. Also, the entry rules are the same, meaning that U.S. citizens can visit the territory without a visa.

It’s Best to Be Close to Cayenne

Cayenne is the place where you’ll find all the amenities and services that you might need. The same couldn’t be said for most other parts of French Guiana, which is why you should look to stay close to Cayenne. It helps that the majority of the tourist attractions are located in this city.

The Best Time to Visit is September and October

French Guiana’s tropical climate results in prolonged periods of rain that can make a tourist visit a bit of a nightmare. To avoid this, visit in September and October. The rain is scarce, and the weather is still warm and pleasant.

The Food is Amazing

Food alone is probably the reason why everyone should visit French Guiana at least once. The mix of different cultures and influences resulted in heaven for foodies, and do expect a few pounds extra when you return home.