Fort Kyk-Over-Al

Fort Kyk-Over-Al (Dutch for "See Over All") sits on a small island at the confluence of the Cuyuni and Mazaruni rivers near Bartica. Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, the fort once served as the administrative centre of the Dutch colony of Essequibo.

Today only a brick arch and scattered ruins remain, but the setting is magnificent — surrounded by the meeting of two great rivers with the rainforest stretching in every direction. The name says it all: from this vantage point, the Dutch could see over all the river approaches.

Accessible by boat from Bartica, it makes for a memorable half-day excursion.