Guyana is a sparsely-populated nation on South America’s Northern coast, surrounded by Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela. English is the official language, but Guyanese Creole is commonly spoken. The people are a mixed bag, East Indian, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, and a mix of the above in origin. The country’s terrain includes mountains, rainforests, and marshes. The Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development is devoted to responsible environmental management and development, and this area contains the world’s highest recorded number of fish and bat species, the world’s largest freshwater fish (arapaima), and the biggest otters anywhere. The waterfalls at Kaieteur National Park are also extraordinary.

Rice and sugar are important crops in Guyana. Cassava bread, dumplings, and British-influenced pastries like cheese rolls are common foods. Typical seafood includes gilbaka, butter fish, tilapia, catfish, and hassa. Try crab soup with okra, or pepperpot, stewed meat with cinnamon, cassareep (a special sauce made from the cassava root), and hot peppers. You can find more health-conscious food options in Georgetown, like vegetarian Ital, Creole, or Carbibbean cuisine. An organic juice or sorrel drink with hibiscus goes well with just about anything, or tastes great all on its own!