Macouria is a town in Guyana, French territorial community on the South American continent.
Its vast territory of 377 square kilometers is located on the Atlantic coast, between Cayenne south which it borders and Kourou north.
Long mainly composed of agricultural land, swampy mangroves near the coast and savannah, the town experienced a net increase in population since the construction in 1976 of a bridge connecting it to Cayenne. Its population has grown from around 500 people to nearly 12,000!
Discovered in 1604 evangelized from 1710 by the Jesuits, Macouria then see developing coffee and cocoa. The town takes its name from a creek on the coast in the early nineteenth century, but the most important is Tonat town on the coast, a name after the family name of a settler who operated cotton crops in the nineteenth century.
Despite the installation of new inhabitants, Macouria remains popular with visitors and tourists for its environment, its coast and its leisure offer.
Among the attractions of the city include two major sites.
The first is the botanical garden Macouria, a vast space both educational and scientific, which presents the biodiversity of Guyana on more than one hectare. Created by a couple of passionate specializes in growing orchids, which prominently, these are 2500 varieties of plants (mostly floral) are visible to the public in a manicured landscaped and developed. Open Wednesday to Sunday (including holidays) from 9 to 17h. Price: 9 and 15 euros. Information +33 6 94 97 95 13 or +33 5 94 28 17 56.
The second major site located on the town's Zoo Guyana, bordering the city of Montsinnéry. The zoo is lined with descriptive panels. Tropical birds are observed there, felines and other species of local fauna besides snakes installed in vivariums. It also includes a huge tropical greenhouse in which the fauna and flora of Guyana are ideally represented. An area dedicated to the ecosystem of the canopy (upper stratum of the forest, composed of leaves directly exposed to solar radiation) is also fitted. Acrobatic courses for teenagers or adults (monkey bridges, tunnels ropes, zip lines) and playgrounds for young children are available. Price: 9 to 15 euros. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 5:30 p.m. and holidays. Information +33 5 94 31 73 06.
In terms of sports 'nature', yet, the leisure Tropic Entertainment Extreme offers hikes in the forest quad and has a karting circuit. Open Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 18:30.
Other sensations air this time, with the ULM club Ecuador and its field of "light" aviation offers first flights and flight school. Information at +33 6 94 23 23 51.
In another genre, the Ranch Amazonia is a horse farm which includes in a preserved a breeding Camargue, saddle ponies, exotic chickens, ducks and rabbits. Contact +33 5 94 38 78 70. As for the farm of Caesarea, it offers horse rides and lessons for beginners or experienced riders. Information +33 5 94 38 85 36.
Moreover, for a canoe, join the local club at +33 6 94 22 70 75 and even advice for a game of tennis: book runs to +33 6 94 43 21 20.
For hiking enthusiasts on this vast territory between beaches, mangrove forests, excluding urban centers, it is strongly advised not to venture without having received valuable advice. Maps and information +33 5 94 29 65 00.
And same thing for swimming: there are beautiful beaches overlooking the ocean, but swimming is not monitored. For relaxation or cool, being in a group is advisable. Inquire +33 5 94 29 65 00.
Culturally and heritage, the center of Native American traditional craftsmanship of artisans and Macouria hosts exhibitions with sales demonstrations. Information at +33 5 94 38 37 96.
Finally, it is possible to visit the picturesque parish church of colonial style, the old center of the village and its traditional houses, or attend a show at the theater of the city. Information +33 5 94 38 37 96.
