French Guiana 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Cayenne

  • Morning: Arrival at Rochambeau Airport (CAY). After clearing immigration and baggage claim, take a taxi or public bus (Cost: ~€3) to the city center. Start your day with breakfast at a local café like Le Parisien or L’Hibiscus.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Cayenne City Hall and its surrounding square, Place des Palmistes, for a glimpse of local life. Don’t miss the Market of Cayenne (Marche Forain) nearby to shop for souvenirs, fruits, and spices.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Cayenne Space Center (CSG). Here you can learn about French Guiana’s role in space exploration with guided tours available. (Cost: ~€10)

  • Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner at Le Fumé or Le Petit Bocal, both offering Creole and seafood specialties. Then take a stroll along the Cayenne Waterfront for a beautiful sunset view over the Amazon River.

Day 2: Saint-Laurent du Maroni and Suriname Border

  • Morning: Take a shared shuttle or rent a car (Cost: ~€30/day) to Saint-Laurent du Maroni. Visit the Independence Monument commemorating Surinamese independence.

  • Afternoon: Cross the border into Suriname at the Albina-Palao Mayombe border post. Spend a few hours exploring Parmanand Soobhug’s Paramaribo City Hall and the Central Market. Return to Saint-Laurent du Maroni in the evening.

  • Evening: Relax at a local restaurant like Restaurant Le Jardin des Indes for Creole and Surinamese cuisine.

Day 3: Kourou, Space Center & Salut

  • Morning: Drive to Kourou (~1h30) and visit the Guiana Space Centre (CSG). Take a guided tour of Europe’s launch site (Cost: ~€10).

  • Afternoon: Head to the nearby Rochambeau Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic coast. Then, continue to Salut (~45 min) and explore its colorful houses and Creole architecture.

  • Evening: Return to Cayenne and have a farewell dinner at Le Tapao, offering traditional Guyanais dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  1. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  2. Euro (€) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in most cities, but cash is essential for smaller towns and markets.
  3. Visitors require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days for citizens of many countries, including EU member states and the US. Check your specific requirements before traveling.
  4. The climate is tropical, with high humidity year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing and mosquito repellent.
  5. French Guiana’s main airport is in Cayenne (CAY), with direct flights from Paris, Amsterdam, and other European cities. Other transportation options include boats from Suriname or Brazil.