Despite its raw feel and reputation for instability, Guyana represents an exciting opportunity to explore a less well-known South American country. Guyana travel is already developing and numbers of people taking Guyana holidays are slowly on the increase.

The capital Georgetown has impressive wooden colonial buildings and a pleasant atmosphere but is essentially a stepping-stone to the country's eco-tourist attractions.

Wildlife holidays in Guyana are taking off as visitors discover the Iwokrama Rainforest, a unique area of virgin rainforest in the centre of the country that's home to jaguars, giant freshwater fish, otters, turtles and other animals; take the 30m high canopy walk to get the best views. There's also plenty of wildlife on the Rupununi Savannas, which are dotted with Amerindian villages such as Macuxi and Wapixana.

The Kaleteur Falls are world-class waterfalls with a 250m cascade plunging into the Potaro River. Swifts, scarlet-coloured cock-of-the-rock and a wealth of frogs can be seen here.

There's even wildlife on the beautiful beaches, with hawksbill and giant leatherback turtles nesting on 140km long Shell Beach. Almond Beach, No 63 Beach and Saxacalli Beach are among the most impressive swathes of sand.