Guyana

The updated Bradt Guyana guidebook, now in its fourth edition, remains the only guide to Guyana from a major publisher. Fascinating and comparatively little known, yet increasingly accessible from Europe and North America, South America's only English-speaking country is an emerging destination that offers ample remarkable opportunities for adventure. A wild frontier nestling between Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname, this hidden gem harbours dense rainforests, Amazonian wildlife, Amerindian villages and golden savannahs where cowboys herd cattle.

As the updated Bradt Guyana guidebook makes clear, Guyana's capital - Georgetown - is a cultural melting pot, where strong Caribbean influences intertwine with past Dutch and British connections. Here steel drums echo off colonial architecture as tropical sea breezes transport the heady aromas of rum shops and freshly cooked street food. By day, there are games of cricket; by night, the capital comes alive with a playful atmosphere.

Georgetown is also the gateway to the country's lush interior, 80% of which is swathed in tropical rainforest. Typically accessed by aircraft or boat, this offers endless opportunities for nature-rich exploration:

. Immerse yourself in Guyana's pristine wildernesses by searching for jaguar, giant anteater, giant otter, arapaima (the world's largest freshwater fish), black caiman and harpy eagle in the self-styled 'home of the giants';

. Stay in community lodges with Amerindian guides for an authentic cultural experience;

. In this 'land of many waters', Kaieteur Falls is the world's tallest single-drop waterfall, nearly five times higher than Niagara;

. Gawp from canopy walkways in the million-acre Iwokrama jungle reserve, discover Aishalton's petroglyphs or enjoy thrills (but hopefully not spills) on the powerful Essequibo and Demerara Rivers;

. Watch turtles nesting on Shell Beach, ride with vacquero cowboys on Rupununi's savannahs or simply 'lime' (Guyanese for 'relax') in a hammock at one of the country's tropical waterfront resorts.

Written by Kirk Smock, who spent seven years helping set up many of Guyana's ecotourism operations, and extensively refreshed with practical information researched by experienced travel writer and South America overlander Becca Marsh, the updated Bradt Guyana guidebook offers everything you need for an eye-opening trip to this exceptional South American nation.