Places to discover in Kourou
A visit to the Space Centre
Embodying the city’s high-tech facet, the Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG) is around 5 minutes’ drive from the Hotel Atlantis.
Here you’ll discover Guyaspace Experience, the new version of the Space Museum, completely reinvented to explore the world of space in a fun way. With its cutting-edge digital installations and interactive animations, Guyaspace Experience invites you on a unique immersive space journey.
Some visits are free, just remember to book at least 48 hours in advance. Launches take place roughly once a month.
Another visit is sure to surprise you: the savannahs. These two trails, which run through a protected area, invite you to discover the Guiana Space Centre from a new angle and observe the fauna and flora of Amazonia.
The Salvation Islands
The îles du Salut archipelago is made up of 3 islands:
- Devil’s Island
- Île Royale
- Saint Joseph Island
The visit is an opportunity to discover the prison’s history. Enjoy the white sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms. You’ll come across some of the world’s most unique wildlife.
The Centre for Amerindian Archaeology and its Carapa engraved rocks
The Kourou Amerindian Archaeology Centre (CAAK) is located in the Pariacabo industrial zone, less than 10 minutes from the Atlantis hotel.
It invites you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the first Amerindian communities to inhabit French Guiana. The Carapa site is one of the most important rock art sites in French Guiana (free access).
The river at Kourou
More than 140 km long, the Kourou river offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the Amazonian flora and fauna. Come aboard a pirogue or canoe for a day or a weekend. You’ll love pausing in a creek to cool off. You can also enjoy other activities on the banks of the river, such as archery, zip-lining or hiking.
After this excursion, take advantage of the hotel’s 2 outdoor pools to recuperate.
The Monkey Mountain botanical trail
This 657-metre-long trail, which is accessible to all, will give you a great insight into the flora and fauna of French Guiana. From the top of the hill, you’ll be blown away by the spectacular view over the town of Kourou, or, for the lucky ones, over a rocket launch.
To get in shape before the hike, you can enjoy a session in the hotel’s fitness room.
Guiana’s carnival and its Touloulous
From Epiphany to Ash Wednesday, French Guiana lives to the rhythm of its legendary carnival. This extraordinary celebration, considered to be the world’s longest carnival, delights visitors and locals alike with its masked balls featuring the emblematic Touloulous.
It was perfect.
Carole B.
19/12/2024