Orientation

Low-lying Georgetown sits on the east bank of the Demerara River, where it empties into the Atlantic. A long seawall prevents flooding, while the Dutch canal system drains the town, and its position 2.13m (7ft) below sea level helps keep the city relatively cool. Pedestrian paths pass between the traffic lanes of the town's broad avenues.

Georgetown is divided into several districts: Kingston (in the northwest); Cummingsburg, Alberttown, Queenstown and Newtown (in the center); Robbstown, Lacytown, Stabroek and Bourda (south of Church St); Werk-en-Rust, Wortmanville, Charlestown and Le Repentir (further south); Thomas Lands (east, where many of the city's sports clubs and fields are); and Kitty (further east).

Getting There, Getting Around

Getting There

International flights arrive and depart from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (tel: 592-261 2244) 41km (25mi) south of Georgetown, while national flights are serviced from Ogle Aerodrome closer to town. A handful of airlines have offices in Georgetown, and link the capital to Caribbean islands (the main hubs being Trinidad and Barbados), Suriname (via Brazil), New York (USA) and beyond. Smaller planes can be hired to get to the interior.

Minibuses to Parika (bus 32, 1hr) and Rosignol (bus 50, 1.5hr) leave from Stabroek Market. At Parika, you can make boat connections to Bartica (1hr); at Rosignol, catch the ferry to New Amsterdam (15min) with connecting service to Corriverton. These have no fixed schedules and leave when full. Minibuses can be hired straight through to the Suriname ferry at Moleson Creek.

Bus tickets to Lethem (check in , no service Wed & Sat; 12-18hr) are available at the ticket office (159 Charlotte St) at least a day before departure; the buses fill quickly. Buses leave from the Intraserve stop on the corner of Oronoque St and North Rd. The bus is known to break down so be prepared: bring snacks, water, warm clothes and don't be in a hurry to get anywhere. You can also catch minibuses that leave daily from the market (12-18hr) but these are sometimes subject to hijacking and robberies on the road.

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Getting Around

Car rentals are quite expensive (three-day minimum, includes 100km (60mi) per day). With bad road conditions and mad fellow drivers, you're better off in a taxi or bus.

For simplicity and safety, taxis are the way to get around central Georgetown (around the center will only set you back a dollar or so). Have your hotel call a reliable cab company for you and if you find a good taxi driver, take down his phone and car number and you'll have a friendly contact to drive you around safely throughout your stay.

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