Kourou Region Attractions

Situated on the west bank of the Kourou River, the second largest city in French Guiana is a modern town surrounding an older colonial core.

Once the home of an infamous penal colony, the area is now known for the Centre Spatial Guyanais.

One third of the area's population is European and although roughly 1,500 people work at the Centre Spatial, all the activities in town are indirectly based on the industry. Kourou has 19,000 inhabitants.

The Kourou River crosses an area of typical French Guyanais vegetation. Short trips can be taken up the river and the surrounding creeks.

There is a botanic footpath where the great diversity of forest can be discovered.

St Elie was a gold prospectors village. From the village is an old 20km/13mi mining trail lined with superb forest and good bird watching.

The Sooty Barbthroat, Spotted Antpitta, and a number of rare cotingas, including the incredible Crimson Fruitcrow, can be seen.