From the thunder of Kaieteur Falls to the long, lazy sweep of the Essequibo River, Guyana is a place of deep green forests, smoky kitchens, and bright market stalls.

The air carries wildflower honey and the tang of cassareep; at dusk you’ll hear Amerindian drums mingling with the hum of Georgetown’s streets. It’s a country where craft and culture feel lived-in, not staged—every object has a story.

Whether you’re hunting handcrafted keepsakes, bold flavors, or something truly local, this guide will steer you to the best Guyanese souvenirs to bring a piece of the interior, coast and culture home.

1. Demerara Rum

Why pick this up: Demerara rum is the spirit of Guyana — dark, rich and full-bodied with notes of molasses, caramel and tropical fruit. It captures the country’s sugarcane heritage and makes a memorable gift or bar-cart centerpiece.
What to look for: Bottles from Demerara Distillers (including single-barrel or aged expressions) and small-batch releases. Check for age statements (5–15 years) or limited-edition labels.
Price bracket (2025): G$4,000–G$20,000 for most bottles; premium or aged bottles up to G$40,000.
Where to find it: Duty-free at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, liquor stores and supermarkets in Georgetown (Stabroek-area shops) and distillery outlets.

2. Cassareep

Why pick this up: Essential to Guyana’s national dish pepperpot, cassareep is a glossy, bittersweet syrup made from cassava. It’s smoky, slightly medicinal and uniquely Guyanese — perfect as a glaze, marinade or cultural curiosity for your pantry.
What to look for: Dark, well-aged cassareep in sealed jars; small-batch varieties from Rupununi or kitchen cooperatives often have more complex flavors.
Price bracket (2025): G$800–G$3,000 per jar.
Where to find it: Stabroek Market stalls, food shops in Georgetown, and village craft co-ops in the Rupununi and Essequibo regions.

3. Guyanese Hot Pepper Sauce

Why pick this up: From scotch bonnet heat to tangy chutney blends, local pepper sauces are a concentrated taste of Guyanese spice culture — drizzle on grill fare or add to stews for an authentic kick.
What to look for: Small-batch varieties (artisan bottlers or family recipes), or pepper sauces infused with cilantro, mango or cassareep for local flair.
Price bracket (2025): G$200–G$1,200.
Where to find it: Markets like Stabroek, craft fairs, roadside stalls in Lethem and Annai, and specialty food shops.

4. Amerindian Basketry and Woven Goods

Why pick this up: Handwoven baskets, mats and bags made by Wapishana, Makushi and Warao artisans are practical, beautiful and full of indigenous weaving traditions passed down through generations.
What to look for: Tight, even weaves made from natural fibers (palm, moriche) and patterns unique to the community. Authenticity is often indicated by a village origin or artisan name.
Price bracket (2025): G$1,200–G$12,000 depending on size and intricacy.
Where to find it: Village markets in the Rupununi, craft cooperatives in Lethem and Annai, and souvenir stalls in Georgetown and Bartica.

5. Greenheart Wood Carvings

Why pick this up: Greenheart is a dense Guyanese hardwood prized for durability and a glossy honey tone when finished. Carvings—bowls, masks, walking sticks—carry a tactile, earthy quality.
What to look for: Smooth finishes, clear grain, and carvings by known carvers from Essequibo or the coast. Avoid unstable or poorly sealed pieces.
Price bracket (2025): G$2,000–G$35,000.
Where to find it: Woodshops in Bartica, craft stalls in Essequibo, and artisan markets in Georgetown.

6. Rupununi Leatherwork

Why pick this up: The Rupununi savannahs produce skilled leatherworkers who make rugged, stylish goods—boots, belts and saddlery—with a distinctive South American frontier flair.
What to look for: Full-grain leather, reinforced stitching and pieces made in Lethem or Annai for authentic Rupununi provenance.
Price bracket (2025): G$6,000–G$40,000 for boots; smaller accessories G$1,000–G$6,000.
Where to find it: Lethem markets, Annai village shops, and specialty stores in Georgetown that stock Rupununi artisans.

7. Single-Origin Guyanese Chocolate

Why pick this up: Guyana’s rainforest-grown cacao produces beans with floral, fruity notes. Small bean-to-bar chocolatiers are turning local harvests into silky bars — a delicious, exportable taste of the interior.
What to look for: Single-origin or co-op labels indicating region (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo or Essequibo), and minimal additives to savor pure cacao character.
Price bracket (2025): G$600–G$2,500 per bar.
Where to find it: Artisan shops in Georgetown, farmers’ markets, and co-op stalls in cacao-growing villages.

8. Shell and Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry

Why pick this up: The Guyanese coast and riverbanks yield beautiful shells that local jewelers turn into earrings, necklaces and bracelets with a subtle Caribbean shimmer.
What to look for: Handcrafted pieces using mother-of-pearl or polished shell inlaid into silver or brass; ask about sustainable sourcing.
Price bracket (2025): G$800–G$6,000.
Where to find it: Stabroek Market, Brickdam craft stalls, and beachfront vendors in Essequibo and Bartica.

9. Batik and Textile Art

Why pick this up: Local artists interpret Guyanese flora, river scenes and Amerindian motifs in batik cloths, scarves and wall hangings. The vibrant colors are great reminders of jungle canopies and market bustle.
What to look for: Hand-dyed batik with clear, crisp patterns and artist signatures. Smaller items are easier to pack and make excellent gifts.
Price bracket (2025): G$1,500–G$10,000.
Where to find it: Georgetown galleries, Duke Street art shops, and cooperative stores showcasing local textile artists.

10. Folk Art and Paintings

Why pick this up: Paintings, prints and mixed-media pieces by Guyanese artists capture scenes from Kaieteur, Amerindian life, urban Georgetown and the savannahs with bright, personal vision.
What to look for: Works by known local painters, limited prints, or portfolio pieces sold at galleries and weekend art markets; ask about provenance.
Price bracket (2025): G$3,000–G$50,000 depending on size and artist.
Where to find it: Georgetown galleries (Queenstown and Camp Street areas), craft fairs, and art cooperatives in Bartica and Lethem.

Tip: Leave a little extra space in your bag for hand-sized Guyanese souvenirs—a bottle of Demerara rum, a bar of single-origin chocolate, or a woven basket—so you can bring the flavors, textures and colors of Guyana home. 🌴

Guyanese souvenirs are best bought from makers and cooperatives when possible — you’ll carry home not just an object, but a story.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!