8 Days Exploring French Guiana Itinerary

Travel from Cayenne to Kourou (approximately 1 hour). Start your day with a visit to the Guiana Space Centre, one of French Guiana's most famous attractions. Take a guided tour to learn about space missions and see impressive rocket launch facilities. Enjoy breakfast at Café des Palmistes before diving into space exploration.

In the afternoon, head to the nearby Kourou River for a relaxing boat tour along this scenic river. The tour offers opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the lush greenery surrounding Kourou. For lunch, dine at Le Wapasa, which offers delicious local dishes with river views.

As evening sets in, visit the Museum of Space History located within Kourou's space center complex. This museum provides fascinating exhibits on space exploration history and technology advancements. End your day with dinner at Les Roches, known for its fusion cuisine blending French and Creole flavors.

Begin your journey early from Kourou (approximately 1 hour by boat) to reach Devil's Island, part of the infamous Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands). Start with a guided tour of Devil's Island Penal Colony, where you'll learn about its dark history as a former prison colony that housed notorious criminals including Captain Alfred Dreyfus.

After exploring Devil's Island in-depth during your morning tour, take some time in the afternoon for leisure activities such as hiking around Île Royale or swimming in its clear waters. Enjoy lunch at Auberge des Îles, offering picturesque views over these historic islands while serving delicious local fare.

Return back to Kourou by boat in late afternoon (approximately 1 hour). Once back on mainland French Guiana relax after an adventurous day exploring one of world’s most notorious prison islands! Head out for dinner at cozy restaurant called Le Saint Antoine which serves hearty meals perfect way end long exciting day.

Travel from Kourou to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (approximately 2.5 hours). Begin your day with a visit to the Camp de la Transportation. This historic site was once a penal colony and offers a deep dive into the history of French Guiana's prison system. The guided tour provides insights into the lives of prisoners and the harsh conditions they endured. For breakfast, stop by Café de la Place for a traditional French breakfast.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant local culture by visiting the Saint-Laurent Market. This market is a hub of activity where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and unique souvenirs. It's an excellent opportunity to interact with locals and experience everyday life in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. For lunch, dine at Le Toucan, known for its Creole specialties.

As evening approaches, take a relaxing stroll along the Maroni River. The riverfront offers beautiful views and is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Conclude your day with dinner at La Marina, which offers delicious seafood dishes and a charming riverside ambiance.

Travel from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Kaw (approximately 3 hours). Start your day with an early morning boat tour through the Kaw Marshes. This protected area is home to diverse wildlife including caimans, birds, and monkeys. The guided tour provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and experiencing the natural beauty of French Guiana's wetlands. Enjoy breakfast on board with light refreshments provided during the tour.

In the afternoon, visit the Kaw Village, a small traditional village located within the marshes. Here you can learn about the local way of life and interact with villagers who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Auberge des Marais, which offers local dishes made from fresh ingredients sourced from nearby areas.

As evening sets in, take another boat ride through different parts of Kaw Marshes to witness nocturnal wildlife activities. The marshes come alive at night with sounds of various creatures creating an unforgettable experience! Return back to mainland Kaw village after this exciting night safari tour then head out dinner at cozy restaurant called Le Refuge which serves hearty meals perfect way end long adventurous day.

Travel from Kaw to Cacao Village (approximately 2 hours) early morning start exploring this unique Hmong settlement located deep within French Guiana’s rainforest region! Begin your day by visiting famous Sunday market where you can find exotic fruits vegetables handmade crafts traditional Hmong textiles more! Stop by local café called Café du Marché enjoy freshly brewed coffee pastries before continuing exploration around village.

After spending time wandering around vibrant market head towards nearby waterfall hike trail leading towards beautiful cascades surrounded lush greenery serene atmosphere perfect spot relax cool off swim natural pool beneath falls! Pack picnic lunch enjoy scenic spot before heading back village continue exploration other attractions such as small museum dedicated preserving showcasing rich cultural heritage Hmong community living here since late seventies when they first arrived settle down remote part world far away homeland Laos due political unrest war torn country back then.

As evening approaches visit one main attractions area called ‘Hmong Cultural Center’ where visitors get chance learn more about history traditions customs people living here through interactive exhibits displays performances showcasing traditional music dance forms practiced generations past present times alike making it truly immersive educational experience worth remembering lifetime finally wrap up eventful day delicious dinner served restaurant named ‘Le Papillon’ offering variety mouthwatering dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients ensuring authentic taste flavors every bite taken!

Start your day early with a journey from Cacao Village to the Amazonian Park (approximately 2.5 hours). Begin with a guided tour of the Amazonian Park of French Guiana. This park is one of the largest protected areas in the world and offers an incredible opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. The tour will take you through dense forests, where you can spot exotic wildlife and learn about the unique flora and fauna of this region. Enjoy breakfast at Parc Café, located within the park, offering light refreshments and local delicacies.

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting canopy walk within the park. The Canopy Walkway allows you to experience the rainforest from a different perspective, walking among treetops and observing wildlife up close. This thrilling activity provides breathtaking views and is perfect for nature enthusiasts. For lunch, head to Restaurant de la Forêt, which serves delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

As evening sets in, take part in a night safari tour within the Amazonian Park. The Night Safari offers a unique opportunity to witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. Guided by experienced rangers, you'll explore different parts of the park under the cover of darkness, listening to the sounds of the jungle come alive at night. Conclude your adventurous day with dinner at Le Jungle, known for its exotic dishes inspired by local cuisine.

Travel from Amazonian Park to Roura (approximately 1 hour) early morning start exploring this charming village nestled along banks Oyapock River surrounded lush greenery tranquil atmosphere perfect place unwind relax after days adventure exploration around French Guiana! Begin your day visiting ‘Eglise Saint-Dominique’ beautiful church dating back colonial times offering glimpse into region’s rich history architectural heritage stop by nearby café called ‘Café du Village’ enjoy freshly brewed coffee pastries before continuing exploration around village.

Take leisurely boat ride along Oyapock River afternoon cruise offers stunning views surrounding landscapes opportunities spot various bird species other wildlife inhabiting area making it truly relaxing enjoyable experience perfect way spend last few hours trip French Guiana! For lunch dine restaurant named ‘Le Rivage’ offering variety mouthwatering dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients ensuring authentic taste flavors every bite taken!

As evening approaches visit nearby botanical garden called ‘Jardin Botanique de Roura’ offering variety mouthwatering dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients ensuring authentic taste flavors every bite taken!