Volunteer Programs in Guyana

Though it’s technically in South America, Guyana has a distinct culture all its own. As the only English-speaking country on the continent, it shares many cultural and economic ties with neighboring Caribbean islands. Its history has also created a diverse population, and you’ll find people with roots from as far away as India, Africa, and Asia living alongside indigenous groups. Whether you’re interested in a more urban experience or want to volunteer deep in the rainforest, Guyana has got you covered. 

Georgetown. Though it’s the capital of Guyana, this city remains relatively small, with only about 118,000 inhabitants. Known as the “Garden City of the Caribbean”, it sits along the Atlantic coast, surrounded by sugar cane fields and marshes. All volunteers will spend at least a little time in Georgetown due to its proximity to the international airport and regional transport stations. Be sure to check out the busy Stabroek Market, which has sold everything from clothing to produce since its construction in 1881. 

Rural Areas. This is where the majority of volunteer opportunities take place, and volunteers should be prepared to go off the grid, sometimes literally. Dense rainforest covers most of the country, and towns are few and far between, connected only by dirt roads and winding rivers. In the southwest corner of the country, the rainforest subsides into vast savannas, where cowboys raise cattle and eco-lodges are popping up to allow tourists to explore this biologically diverse region.