Guyana - has anyone been?

[Socy]

I'm hoping to visit Guyana later on this year on my own but joining a small group tour. Travel agents are happy to book everything but don't seem to have any experience of visiting. I was wondering about walking around Georgetown on my own and any general tips/advice. TIA

Have you read the government advice? It says never to walk alone in Georgetown and not at night at all.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guyana/safety-and-security

Thanks yes I've read that but sometimes the FCO advice tends to over cautious. I'd love to hear from someone who has been there.

Not been and I wouldn't risk it.
You can think FCO advice is "outdated" but your travel insurance won't care what you think. That's their go to if they don't want to pay out.

Even the US State department advise travellers to reconsider going there due to crime. You may well consider their advice over cautious as well but its written for good reason.

My FIL is from Guyana & he wouldn’t go back, even to vist!

I’ve not been personally but my cousin has as his dad is from there. They both visited two years ago for a funeral and my cousin says he’ll never go back. He loved it, it was beautiful and the people were welcoming but it’s also a VERY dangerous country. Not the type of country you’d go too as tourists and if you do, it’s recommended to stay in the resort and don’t venture out at all.

I’d rethink the destination if possible, why take the risk?

I'd save the trip for a few years down the line. They've found copious oil there so fortunes will rise, but, yes, too dangerous to go.