Ancient History
Arawaks and Caribs were the first known tribes to inhabit Guyana. The peaceful Arawak populated the coast, while the Carib lived in the rainforest, as many still do. Existing tribes include the Wapishiana, Akawaio, Macushi, Patamona, and the Wai Wai. Anthropologists believe these peoples may have originated farther inland in South America and populated Guyana during territorial expansion.
Colonial Guyana
Columbus sighted Guyana in 1498, but did not drop anchor. Instead, the first European settlers were the Dutch. Though they established fertile plantations on reclaimed land, the English took command in 1814, in one aftereffect of the Napoleonic Wars.
In 1831, three separate settlements united into British Guiana. Laborers were imported for the plantations; their descendants would bring Guyana great diversity. A third of the modern population descends from African slaves brought to grow sugar. Nearly half comes from East Indian laborers imported after slavery ended. Perhaps 10% of the population is Amerindian, surviving mostly in the hinterlands. Other ethnic groups include descendants of British, Portuguese, and Chinese immigrants.
After World War II, the colonial world ended. As Guyana moved towards independence, two factions formed, one of Indo-Guyanese and one of Afro-Guyanese. Independence came in 1970, though Guyana remains a Commonwealth nation.
Adventure Life has done a great job helping us plan both an Arctic and an Antarctic expedition cruise. We trust them completely!
Kbear
1 day ago
Very efficient and friendly service.
Kris Ganase
3 days ago
I spent 2 entire days trying to find my Alaska small boat trip, with no success. Then Erin from Adventure Life gave me 4 choices on the same day I contacted her. She was caring and very efficient. I'm very excited about the cruise she found for me.
Janet Houts
4 days ago
Everything about our Galapagos experience was top-notch. I highly recommend this trip if you like be active. Everyone from the planners to the guides to the crew set us up to experience and soak in everything the Galapagos has to offer. They took care of every detail so we could learn and enjoy.
Luanne
5 days ago
We had an amazing trip. The accommodations of our hotel first 3 nights and the accommodations of the ship were perfect. Our guides were amazing. They went snorkeling with us everyday and took amazing pictures and pointed out various species of fish. On the land adventures, they explained everything about the islands and animals that we were looking for and seeing. They also took amazing photos and videos that they shared with us in a whats app group with the entire ship. This gave us the ability to upload our own video and pictures along with other shipmates so we all got these great photos from everyone. It was a once in a lifetime trip that left us with many amazing memories and very possible we would consider going back.