Demerara-Mahaica between the coast and Georgetown

Demerara-Mahaica offers a broad regional setting between the coast and rivers; in Georgetown, gardens, markets and historic sites provide concrete places to visit during your trip.

A region between rivers and the coast

Demerara-Mahaica stretches along the coast from the east bank of the Demerara River to the west bank of the Mahaica River. To the south, the region extends to the Moblissa River. It covers an area of 835 square miles (2,165 square kilometers). This expanse provides the geographical framework for the region’s varied places and experiences: the gardens, markets and historic attractions described here are in Georgetown, while a day tour mentioned here goes to St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

Botanical Gardens: Plants and Historic Bridges

The Botanical Gardens in Georgetown, Region 4, are a place that brings nature and people together. One distinctive feature is the pond, which is home to two species of water lily, including the Victoria Regia lily, Guyana’s national flower. In this way, the gardens combine a nature experience with a notable botanical connection to Guyana.

The Kissing Bridges are another notable feature of the gardens. They are two iron bridges that were brought from England to Guyana in 1884. At least one had been installed and was in operation by January 1885. The dates distinguish the separate stages in their history: 1884 refers to their transport, while the installation and operation of at least one of the bridges are documented by January 1885.

Georgetown’s History and Markets

The 1763 Monument commemorates the first blow for freedom on February 23, 1763. The Stabroek Market tells a different story of the city: this cast-iron market hall has a history dating back to the 19th century.

Hibiscus Plaza offers a different emphasis. It is a street market in central Georgetown, where shops sell handmade goods made from leather, cane, balata and fabric. The two markets offer distinct scenes: Stabroek Market is a cast-iron market hall with a historic character, while Hibiscus Plaza is a street market associated with handmade goods.

A City Tour or Insights into Indigenous Culture

A historic city tour of Georgetown described for 2024 includes a visit to St. George’s Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The program also includes a walk along tree-lined Main Street and a visit to Hibiscus Craft Plaza for Guyanese souvenirs. If you would like to plan your trip around this tour, check in advance whether it is currently being offered.

A tour program also dated 2024 presents the Bimichi Experience as a day tour in St. Cuthbert’s Mission, offering insights into Indigenous culture. The two described formats differ in their focus and stated location: the city tour visits attractions in Georgetown, while the Bimichi Experience is associated with St. Cuthbert’s Mission. If this day tour is important to your trip, check its current availability before making plans.

Another urban landmark, Georgetown’s National Park, is considered particularly accessible and is described as the “lungs of the city.” Together, the places described here showcase different aspects of the region: botanical features and historic structures at the Botanical Gardens, city history and markets in Georgetown, and a tour program offering insights into Indigenous culture in St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

Discover more destinations: Georgetown, Hyde Park, Potaro-Siparuni, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Pomeroon-Supenaam.

See the main travel overview: Guyana.