Before you go

Your trip to Kourou.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Kourou – Caiena Destination Caiena, Kourou and the Ilhas da Salvação about 60 km from Caiena

How to get there

Aéroport Cayenne-Félix-Éboué (CAY) Matoury · 60 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. The nearest airport is Félix-Éboué, in Matoury, about 60 km away. From Caiena, the coastal road reaches Kourou in about an hour by car; there are also shared taxis.

How many days

Two days: one for the Centro Espacial and the Guyaspace Expérience, with the waterfront in the late afternoon, and another for the Ilhas da Salvação. If you want to watch a launch, schedule flexibly and leave extra days, because launches can be rescheduled.

When to go

From July to November it rains less and the sea is usually calmer for the crossing to the islands. From December to June rains are frequent. Launches take place at various times of the year, according to each mission’s schedule.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Practical info. The space centre, the Guyaspace Expérience, the waterfront and the port are spread across the town, and public transport is limited. For the Ilhas da Salvação you leave the car at the port and the rest of the trip is by boat.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Kourou

Morning
Visit to the Centro Espacial
Take the guided bus tour of the Centro Espacial Guianense's facilities, booked in advance. Bring photo ID.
Afternoon
Guyaspace Expérience
After lunch, explore the Guyaspace Expérience, with its planetarium and interactive areas about launches and satellites.
Late afternoon
Pointe des Roches
Go to the Pointe des Roches, see the Tour Dreyfus and the Ilhas da Salvação on the horizon.
Evening
Dinner on the waterfront
Dine at one of the restaurants near the waterfront and the Pointe des Roches neighborhood.

2 days in Kourou

Day 1

Morning
Centro Espacial
Guided tour of the Centro Espacial Guianense facilities, by reservation.
Afternoon
Guyaspace Expérience
Planetarium and interactive areas of the Guyaspace Expérience.
Late afternoon
Kourou waterfront
Walk along the Pointe des Roches to the Tour Dreyfus.
Evening
Rest
Go to bed early: the boat to the islands departs in the morning.

Day 2

Morning
Boat to Île Royale
Board at Kourou's port for the roughly one-hour crossing to Île Royale.
Afternoon
Return from Île Royale
Walk the trail around the island, with the prison ruins, the chapel and views of Île du Diable. If there is a shuttle service, stop by Île Saint-Joseph.
Late afternoon
Return to Kourou
Return on the afternoon boat and watch the sunset from the port.
Evening
Dinner and return
Have dinner in Kourou or continue to Caiena, about an hour’s drive away.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Kourou's Centro Espacial?

Yes — there are guided tours that must be reserved at least two days in advance and require photo ID. The visit is by bus through the facilities and only admits children aged 8 and up. Confirm before you go.

How to watch a rocket launch in Kourou?

The Centro Espacial opens viewing areas to the public on launch days, with prior registration on the centre’s website. If your registration is confirmed, the invitation arrives by email two or three days beforehand. Launch dates can change; check before you go.

Can you do Kourou as a day trip from Caiena?

Yes, by car: it’s about 60 km, roughly an hour’s drive. To do the space base and the Ilhas da Salvação, though, you need two days, and staying overnight in Kourou avoids an early-morning drive.

How long is the boat to the Ilhas da Salvação?

About an hour from Kourou’s port, depending on sea conditions. Several companies run crossings by catamaran or speedboat; book in advance, especially on weekends and during holidays.

What is the Tour Dreyfus?

A small tower on the Pointe des Roches on Kourou’s waterfront, which was used to exchange signals with the tower on Île Royale during the prison era. The name recalls Alfred Dreyfus, the best-known prisoner of Île du Diable.

Back to Kourou