Flights, vaccines, budget, weather, safety, transport — the complete practical guide to prepare your trip to French Guiana in 2026, regularly updated by our team.
French Guiana is served by Félix Éboué international airport, located in Matoury, 15km from Cayenne. It is the only international airport in the territory.
Two airlines serve Cayenne with direct flights from Paris CDG:
Book 3 to 4 months in advance for the best fares. Flights are often full in July–August and during school holidays. Check if a rocket launch is planned — prices soar during these periods.
Regular Air Caraïbes and Air France connections from Martinique and Guadeloupe — approximately 1h30 flight, from €150 return.
Located in Matoury, 15km from the centre of Cayenne. Shuttles and taxis available on exit — allow 30 minutes and €20–30 to reach Cayenne. Car rental on site recommended if you wish to explore freely.
French Guiana is a tropical destination requiring some health precautions. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before departure.
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory to enter French Guiana. The international vaccination certificate must be presented on arrival. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure at an approved international vaccination centre.
This vaccine has been valid for life since 2016 — a single injection is sufficient.
Malaria risk exists in French Guiana, particularly in forest and river areas. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended for stays in the forest or on the Maroni river. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine specialist 6 weeks before departure.
DEET 30–50% repellent essential. Covering clothing from sunset. Impregnated mosquito net for sleeping in the forest.
Do not drink tap water outside Cayenne and Kourou. Bottled or filtered water. In the forest: purification tablets.
Very intense UV in the tropics. SPF 50+ sunscreen essential. Hat and light long-sleeved clothing.
Snakes, spiders, stinging caterpillars. Never walk barefoot in the forest. Always check shoes in the morning.
Cayenne Hospital Centre (CHC) — the main reference facility, emergency services 24/7. Several clinics in Cayenne and Kourou. In remote areas: bring a complete first aid kit.
French Guiana is a French department — prices are comparable to mainland France, slightly higher for imported goods.
| Expense | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return flight Paris–Cayenne | €350–500 | €500–700 | €700–900 |
| Accommodation / night | €30–60 | €60–120 | €120–250 |
| Meals / day | €20–35 | €35–60 | €60–120 |
| Local transport / day | €15–25 | €25–50 | €50–150 |
| Activities / day | €30–50 | €50–100 | €100–250 |
| Total / day (excl. flights) | €95–170 | €170–330 | €330–770 |
| 8-day stay (excl. flights) | €760–1,360 | €1,360–2,640 | €2,640–6,160 |
Our all-inclusive packages (excl. flights) start from €1,490/person for 5 days — often better value than organising independently, thanks to our negotiated rates with local providers.
Bank cards accepted in Cayenne, Kourou and Saint-Laurent in most shops and restaurants. ATMs available in main towns. However, bring cash (€) for remote areas, the Maroni river and villages. Deep French Guiana still largely operates on cash.
Hot and humid equatorial climate all year — 27°C average. Seasons are defined by rainfall, not temperature.
Even in the rainy season, showers are generally short and intense — rarely a full day of rain. A light raincoat is enough for most activities. Some travellers prefer the rainy season for lusher vegetation and lower prices.
French Guiana has only one national road (RN1) running along the coast. The interior is accessible only by canoe, light aircraft or on foot.
The most practical way to explore Cayenne, Kourou and the coast. Available at the airport and in town. French driving licence valid. €45–80/day.
Shared taxis link Cayenne to Saint-Laurent and major towns. Economical (€15–25) but variable timetables. Departures from Cayenne market.
The only way to reach villages on the Maroni and interior areas. Local guides essential. Pass required for certain areas.
Only way to reach Saül and certain remote areas. Flights from Cayenne aerodrome. Book several weeks in advance — limited capacity.
Available in Cayenne and Kourou. No meter — negotiate the price before getting in. Allow €15–30 for town trips. Uber does not exist in French Guiana.
Regular services between Kourou and the Salvation Islands. Also for certain coastal excursions. Buy tickets in advance in high season.
The RN1 runs along the coast from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock via Cayenne and Kourou. It is the only real road in French Guiana — the entire interior is inaccessible by road. Caution at night due to wildlife on the road.
French Guiana is generally safe for tourists who take the usual precautions. A few areas require particular attention.
French Guiana is a French department — French laws and services apply. Cayenne and Kourou are generally safe for the vigilant tourist. Avoid displaying valuables and take care at night in certain areas of Cayenne (notably Saint-Antoine).
Never go alone in the forest — always with an experienced local guide. Inform your accommodation of your hiking plans. Bring a satellite phone or GPS locator for areas without network. The Maroni river can be dangerous in the rainy season — always follow your guide's advice.
Areas near Suriname and Brazil require passes. Certain areas are not recommended due to illegal gold mining. Check with your guide or the CTIG.
The Amazon National Park covers the south of the territory. A pass is required for the park's core zones. Our stays include all necessary authorisations.
Cayenne, Kourou, Awala-Yalimapo, the Salvation Islands, Saül — all areas in our stays are safe and regularly visited by tourists.
The accommodation offer is diverse — from large hotels in Cayenne to traditional jungle carbets, including eco-lodges and family guesthouses.
2 to 4-star range. Air conditioning, wifi, breakfast often included. €60–200/night. Book in advance during rocket launches — hotels fill up quickly.
Our favourite type of accommodation. Built respecting local architecture, integrated into the forest, often without electricity at night. €80–200/night all-inclusive. Booking essential — limited capacity.
Open structures on stilts, hammock provided, mosquito net essential. The authentic accommodation of the Guianese interior. €15–40/night. Unique experience — bring appropriate equipment.
Possible in certain areas of the Amazon National Park with authorisation. Forest bivouac always accompanied by a guide. Specific equipment required — recommended for experienced travellers.
In Amerindian and Bushinengué villages, some families welcome travellers. Total immersion experience. Always through a local guide who has the right contacts.
Sleep in the former wardens' quarters of the penal colony — a unique experience. Rustic bungalows on Île Royale. Hammocks available. Mandatory booking through the management company.
All the information is here. All that remains is to choose your adventure.