Landforms of Guyana

Situated in the southern part of Guyana, the Acarai Mountains quietly shape the landscape with their wet, forested highlands. Contributing to the nation's biodiversity and natural beauty, these mountains, covered in lush rainforests, serve as a backdrop to Guyana's diverse terrain and are crucial in forming the Essequibo River, one of the nation's significant waterways.

The Essequibo River, a titan among South American rivers, gracefully meanders through the heart of Guyana, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's landscapes, biodiversity, and history. This majestic watercourse, the longest and most comprehensive in Guyana, is a testament to the country's natural splendor and cultural significance. Encompassing more than half of the country, the Essequibo's basin is a complex network of waterways, intricately woven by tributaries that further enrich the Essequibo's course.

Nestled in the heart of Guyana's Rupununi region, the Kanuku Mountains are a breathtaking natural wonder, boasting an unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna. This east-west mountain range, which divides the Rupununi from the north's wetlands and the south's savannas, is a true gem in the country's ecological tapestry. The Kanuku Mountains Protected Area is a sanctuary for countless rare and endangered species.

Mount Roraima and the Pacaraima Mountains represent some of South America's most awe-inspiring and geologically significant landscapes. With their unique ecosystems and dramatic geological features, these towering tepui plateaus hold a central place in the natural heritage of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. Their geographical, ecological, and cultural significance highlights their unique characteristics and the rich biodiversity they support.

Kaieteur Falls, located in the heart of Guyana's Potaro-Siparuni region, stands as one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Plunging from a sandstone plateau into a deep gorge, it is the largest single-drop waterfall by water volume. Surrounded by the lush rainforests of Kaieteur National Park, this iconic feature of the Guyanese landscape attracts thousands of visitors yearly. With a blend of awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural legends, Kaieteur Falls and its national park offer a window into the untamed wilderness of the Guiana Shield.

The Guiana Shield is one of the three cratons of the South American Plate. It is a 1.7 billion-year-old Precambrian geological formation in northeast South America that forms a portion of the northern coast. The higher elevations are known as the Guiana Highlands.

The Rupununi region in southwestern Guyana is one of the Earth's last significant wilderness areas, offering a glimpse into an ecosystem of unparalleled diversity and ecological importance. Bordering the Brazilian Amazon, this region is a complex mosaic of savannas, wetlands, forests, and rivers rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Divided by the Kanuku Mountains into the Northern and Southern Rupununi, this area represents one of Guyana's most unique and biologically rich landscapes.