French Guiana and Suriname

An introduction to a unique part of South America that is less visited and known.

Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana are part of a region often referred to as the Guianas. During the colonial times the Spanish, British, Dutch, French, and Portuguese all claimed parts of this area. Today, Venezuela (Spanish), Guyana (British), Suriname (Dutch), and Brazil (Portuguese) are all independent countries. However, French Guiana has remained a part of France. In each region, people speak different languages based on the ruling colony, which had great cultural impact to the different areas. In addition, each colonizing power brought labor from various nations, adding to the unique mix of cultures in each country. This means that Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana are each culturally unique.

For example, in French Guiana, the primary language spoken is French and you will find bakeries with French baked goods (think croissants and baguettes) throughout the country. However in Suriname, people speak Dutch along with other Creole languages. The indentured labor that was brought to Suriname was primarily Javanese (Indonesian) and Hindustanis (Indian), greatly impacting the cuisine of the country with the merging of these cultures with Dutch flavors.

From an ecological standpoint, the Guianas region is mostly covered in rainforest that is part of the Amazon. However, it is geographically separate from the Amazon basin by a ridge of enormous rocks that define this region. Being lightly populated countries, the rainforest in the Guianas region is largely untouched, making it an amazing place to find unique wildlife and plants in a largely undeveloped environment.

French Guiana

European Space Station

France and Europe developed their space station in French Guiana due to its ideal location for a space center. Along with a museum, the space center provides tours of the site, including behind the scenes visits of control centers and launch pads.

French Penal Colony

French Guiana was colonized by France to be a penal colony and later a harsh jail. Today, you can visit the remains of these prisons in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and the Iles du Salut (off the coast of Kourou).

The Top Things to Do in French Guiana

A French Guiana itinerary to help you explore this department of France over 5 days.

Pristine Rainforest

Most of the land within Suriname is untouched and undeveloped, making it an amazing and rugged place to explore. If you are interested in the Amazon rainforest, you can go into this jungle to see animals in the wild with a guide.

Diverse Population

Suriname is a country that has been impacted by many different cultures over its history. The food and culture here is diverse and completely unique. (Descendants from native populations, escaped African slaves, northern India, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and more...)