French Guiana travel guide, black and white butterfly on green leaves

French Guiana Travel Guide: Untamed Jungles & Spacefrontiers

Intro to French Guiana Travel Guide

Nestled on the northeastern shoulder of South America, French Guiana blends Amazonian biodiversity, Creole rhythms, and European influence like nowhere else on Earth. This overseas department of France is a wild frontier of rainforest adventures, space launches, and colonial echoes — all accessible with a euro and a French SIM card.

Start planning your journey with our complete French Guiana Travel Guide — covering when to go, how much it costs to travel, regional highlights, top things to do, unforgettable French Guiana tours, and safety tips for your rainforest escape.

Looking for immersive French Guiana tours? From jungle treks and wildlife cruises to rocket launch viewing and island excursions, discover action-packed itineraries in our French Guiana Tours page.

Continent: South America
Country: French Guiana (overseas department of France)
Area: 83,534 km² (32,253 mi²)
Population: ~300,000 (2024 est.)
Density: ~3.6 people/km²
Capital: Cayenne
Regions/Subregions: Coastal Strip, Interior Rainforest, Maroni River Region
Language(s): French (official), Guianese Creole, Indigenous languages
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone(s): GMT-3
Airports: Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY)
Climate: Tropical rainforest; hot, humid, heavy rainfall from December to July
Known For: Amazon jungle, European Spaceport (Kourou), wildlife, multicultural communities, remote ecotourism

As an overseas department of France, French Guiana follows Schengen Zone entry rules.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa required
U.S., Canada, Australia: Visa required (except short stays via France visa policy)
Others: Check Schengen visa eligibility and apply via French embassy
Max stay: 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period
Visa Info – France Diplomacy

Required: Yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (for interior travel)
Medical care: Good in Cayenne and Kourou; limited inland
Travel health updates get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

French Guiana is generally safe, though petty theft can occur in urban areas
Avoid isolated jungle travel without a guide
Drug trafficking and gold mining areas near the Suriname/Brazil borders can be high-risk
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Jan 1: New Year’s Day
May 1: Labor Day
July 14: Bastille Day
Aug 10: Abolition of Slavery Day (local)
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Carnival (Feb–Mar): Major festival season in Cayenne

Currency: Euro (EUR)
Cards: Widely accepted in towns, but bring cash to remote areas
Tipping: Not required, but appreciated (5–10%)
Duty-Free: EU limits apply; customs control when entering via Suriname/Brazil

Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY): Main international gateway
Flights from Paris-Orly (Air France, Air Caraïbes), Guadeloupe, Martinique, Brazil

Local buses operate in Cayenne and Kourou
Car rental is best for exploring remote areas
River boats essential for interior jungle communities
Roads are limited; 4WD recommended for inland travel

SIM cards: Available from Orange Caraïbe, SFR
Coverage: Good near towns; weak in rainforest zones
Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels and cafes in cities

Drinking age: 18
Dress code: Casual, but modest in rural and religious areas
LGBTQ+ travelers: Legal and relatively safe
Cultural tip: French customs apply; greetings and polite formality are valued

Emergency: 112 or 18 (fire), 17 (police), 15 (ambulance)
Embassy (France oversees consular support):
U.S. Consular Services via Embassy Paris

Dry Season: August–November (best time to visit)
Rainy Season: December–July (especially April–June)
Climate: Consistently hot and humid; average temps ~27°C (80°F)
Weather Forecast


French Guiana by Region – Where to Go

Explore French Guiana by its key regions: from coastal towns and riverine communities to the remote Amazonian interior.

Cayenne & Surrounds – Capital & Cultural Hub

Cayenne blends colorful colonial architecture, open-air markets, and beachy vibes. Explore Place des Palmistes, taste Creole cuisine, and take day trips to Rémire-Montjoly’s beaches and forest trails.

Kourou & the Space Coast

A short drive west of Cayenne, Kourou is home to the Guiana Space Centre — the launch site for European space missions. Tour the base, hike to the nearby savannas, or hop a boat to the Îles du Salut, including notorious Devil’s Island.

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni & Western Rivers

On the Surinamese border, this frontier town holds deep colonial history and access to Maroni River boat journeys. Visit Camp de la Transportation, or cross into Suriname for a two-country adventure.

Eastern Interior – Jungle Expeditions

Venture inland to Cacao, a Hmong agricultural village, or to Saül, an isolated rainforest town reachable only by plane. These areas offer true immersion in biodiversity and remote community life.


Top Places to Visit in French Guiana

Cultural Capitals

  • Cayenne: Street art, Creole culture, colonial squares
  • Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: Historical prison towns and river adventures

Nature & Wildlife

  • Kaw Nature Reserve: Boat through flooded forests to spot caimans, scarlet ibis, and monkeys
  • Saül Rainforest Trails: Trek pristine jungle routes with expert guides
  • Îles du Salut: Beaches, prison ruins, and seabird colonies off the coast of Kourou

Science & Space

  • Guiana Space Centre (Kourou): Visit launch sites and exhibits; check the calendar for rocket launches

Cultural Communities

  • Cacao Village: Home to Hmong refugees with markets and exotic crops
  • Awala-Yalimapo: Indigenous Kali’na village near turtle nesting beaches

How to Choose Where to Go in French Guiana

For first-time visitors, base in Cayenne and day trip to Kourou or Cacao.
Space enthusiasts and families should prioritize Kourou.
Adventurous travelers should head to Saül or Kaw for jungle treks.
History lovers will find Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni a perfect western base.
Pair river exploration with beach downtime to experience the country’s full range.


How to Get Around French Guiana

Transportation is challenging but rewarding:

  • Car Rental: Ideal for Cayenne–Kourou–St. Laurent corridor. Roads are paved but remote regions require 4WD.
  • Shared Taxis: Common between towns; cost-effective but unpredictable timing.
  • Flights: Access Saül and Maripasoula via domestic flights.
  • Boat Travel: Essential for deep jungle or river villages. Organize in advance or through local operators.
  • Public Buses: Limited schedules, mostly local use around Cayenne.

Travel Budget & Costs in French Guiana

The cost to travel in French Guiana is higher than neighboring countries due to imported goods and Eurozone prices.

  • Budget travelers: €50–€80/day (hostels, market food, shared transport)
  • Mid-range: €100–€180/day (hotels, rental car, a few guided tours)
  • Luxury: €200+/day (boutique stays, chartered excursions, fine dining)

Sample prices:

  • Hotel room in Cayenne: €70–€120
  • Local meal: €10–€18
  • Car rental: ~€50/day
  • Guided jungle tour: €100–€250
  • Rocket launch viewing tour: €30–€50

Best Time to Visit French Guiana

French Guiana has two main seasons: wet and dry.

  • Best time to visit French Guiana: August to November (dry season) — ideal for jungle hiking, wildlife spotting, and island hopping.
  • December–July: Rainy season with heavy downpours, but still navigable with planning.

Seasonal Highlights:

  • February–March: Carnival with costumes and street dancing
  • April–July: Sea turtle nesting season in Awala-Yalimapo
  • Year-round: Possible rocket launches from Kourou

Must-See Experiences in French Guiana

  • Witness a rocket launch: Times align with space agency schedules — truly a surreal sight.
  • Cruise through Kaw swamp: Nighttime tours reveal glowing eyes of caimans and chorus of frogs.
  • Explore Devil’s Island: Once feared for its prison history, now tranquil with palm-fringed beaches.
  • Attend Carnival: A vivid blend of African, Creole, and French traditions — costumes, satire, and drumming.
  • Trek the jungle around Saül: Remote, breathtaking, and home to rare orchids and toucans.
  • Visit Hmong markets in Cacao: Try pho, spring rolls, and fresh tropical produce.
  • Discover Amerindian crafts: Handmade baskets, jewelry, and traditional techniques.

Best Travel Itineraries in French Guiana

7-Day Explorer Itinerary
Day 1–2: Arrive Cayenne – explore town, visit Rémire-Montjoly
Day 3: Day trip to Kourou – Space Centre + Îles du Salut
Day 4: Cacao market + trails
Day 5–6: Head west to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
Day 7: Return or optional boat trip on the Maroni River

10-Day Jungle & Culture Itinerary
Add 2–3 days in Saül or Kaw Reserve with guided rainforest excursions and overnights in eco-lodges or camp settings.


Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

French Guiana’s food is a multicultural mosaic of Creole, French, Brazilian, Chinese, and Hmong influences.

  • Colombo de poulet: Spiced chicken curry
  • Awara broth: Traditional stew made from palm fruit
  • Grilled river fish & cassava sides
  • Chinese-Hmong dishes: Spring rolls, soups, and rice bowls in Cacao
  • Local desserts: Coconut flan, banana fritters, guava preserves
  • Street snacks: Bokit (fried sandwich), accras (fritters), fresh sugarcane juice

Try a Creole cooking class or food market tour in Cayenne or Saint-Laurent to explore authentic flavors.


Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in French Guiana

  • Safety: Urban areas like Cayenne are mostly safe, but take precautions after dark.
  • Jungle Risks: Follow guides, pack repellent, and wear proper gear.
  • Health: Vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A recommended.
  • Local Customs: French etiquette applies — greet with “bonjour,” respect dress codes, and avoid political debates.
  • Languages: French is official; Creole and indigenous languages also spoken.
  • Cash vs Card: Euros used; cards accepted in cities but bring cash for remote areas.

Where to Go Next – Pair French Guiana with These Destinations

  • Suriname: Cross the Maroni River by boat to explore Paramaribo’s Dutch-Caribbean charm.
  • Brazil (Amapá): Jungle border crossings lead into the lesser-known Brazilian Amazon.
  • Martinique or Guadeloupe: Easy flights to French Caribbean islands for beach relaxation.
  • Guyana: Continue down the coast to explore Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls.

Explore more:

  • Suriname Travel Guide – Rivers, rainforests, and a Dutch colonial twist
  • Brazil Travel Guide – Amazon, beaches, and biodiversity
  • Martinique Travel Guide – French-Caribbean food and volcanic hikes
  • Guyana Travel Guide – Raw, offbeat adventure deep in South America

Final Planning Checklist for French Guiana

  • Finalize route: Cayenne base, plus Kourou, Saint-Laurent, and inland
  • Check rocket launch dates in advance for Kourou
  • Pre-book flights to Saül or boat tours in Kaw
  • Pack insect repellent, water filters, and rain gear
  • Download French language packs and offline maps
  • Confirm health insurance and yellow fever certificate
  • Bring euros and confirm if cards are accepted in remote areas
  • Respect local traditions, especially in indigenous communities

Explore French Guiana with confidence using our trusted tips, local insights, and region-by-region planning tools.