Palm Square → Fort Cépérou → Cayenne Market → Alexandre Franconie Museum → Seaside sunset and Creole dinner. Cayenne is compact and walkable.
Remire-Montjoly Mangroves & Beach, or a light hike along the Montagne des Singes trail. Return to town in the afternoon for market browsing and sampling fresh vegetables grown by the Hmong community.
Head to Kourou to visit the Guiana Space Centre (by reservation) and see the launch facilities for Ariane and Vega rockets. If there’s a launch window, arrange to watch the launch. Spend the afternoon at Kourou Beach or exploring the town.
Take a morning boat to the Salvation Islands to explore penal colony ruins, then return to Cayenne for your flight. If time allows, consider visiting Awala-Yalimapo to see sea turtles (best done in the evening).
The distance between Cayenne and Kourou is about 60 km; driving or taking a private transfer takes around one hour. Car rental is available at both the airport and in town—book early and confirm insurance coverage. Most accommodation options in Cayenne are located in the city center and along the coast, with mid-range hotels priced around $99–$155 per night. Kourou has fewer lodging choices, especially during rocket launch windows. Local public transport is limited, so for tight itineraries, renting a car or hiring a local guide for the full trip is recommended. Trips into rainforests, rivers, and sea turtle beaches often require advance booking with operators and may include or exclude transfers and insurance.
During rocket launch days, accommodation in Kourou and Cayenne fills up quickly—book rooms and viewing spots well in advance. Sea turtle viewing requires nighttime travel, so plan enough time to return and avoid driving while tired. Book rental cars online early, especially during peak seasons when availability is limited.