Georgetown, Guyana

Why go?

English-speaking Guyana produces excellent rum and its engaging capital comes scented with sweet smells wafting across from the Diamond Distillery, which is set on the east bank of the Demerara River (tasting sessions available). The national capital has some attractive buildings, not always in the finest condition, that reflect its British and Dutch heritage – the latter’s talent for engineering is manifest in numerous canals and a sea wall that runs along the coast for 450km. St George’s Cathedral, built in 1892 and one of the tallest wooden structures in the world, is the flagship photo op while cricket fans will want to see the historic Bourda ground and its modern successor, Providence Stadium. Save time, too, for the National Museum and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which is devoted to the country’s indigenous peoples.

Don’t miss: A sunset cruise on the Demerara River, passing under Harbour Bridge to visit mangroves and banks rich in birdlife including egrets, herons, kites and sandpipers (book via wilderness-explorers.com).

Local flavours: Run by chef Delven Adams, the Backyard Cafe serves healthy, fresh, organic Guyanese food in a casual setting; market tours and cookery classes are also available (facebook. com/backyardcafegy).

Our tip: Head to the free-entry Botanical Gardens, which a good place to look for some of Georgetown’s 200 bird species, including Blood-coloured Woodpecker, macaws, parrots and great horned owls; sightings are optimum at dawn or dusk.

Wooden wonders (clockwise from top) Guyana’s plentiful supply of wood means many of Georgetown’s older buildings were constructed from timber; Stabroek is the city’s largest market; topping out at 43.5m, St George’s Cathedral is one of the tallest wooden churches in the world; Guyana’s Mashramani festival, held in February, takes its name from an indigenous Amerindian word meaning ‘celebration of a job well done’