The Jonestown Massacre Site

The Jonestown Massacre Site was where more than 900 members of a cult died of cyanide poisoning in 1978. It was one of the largest mass deaths of Americans both inside and outside of the United States in history. Today, the remote village remains an empty graveyard in the South American country of Guyana. Travelers who enjoy a bit of the macabre, or just love experiencing history firsthand, can visit it still today.

Jonestown is located near the jungle town of Port Kaituma. To reach it, you must first fly to Georgetown and then take a charter. As part of the Amazon, the trip can be treacherous at times and travelers are warned to be cautious. The former cult city is overgrown and retaken by nature, which means there are plenty of wildlife threats. It’s best to hire a guide as the site is not an official place on any map, perhaps in an attempt to rid Guyana of the stigma.

You won’t find much left of the old settlement. Pieces of abandoned cars are scattered throughout the area, but many of the buildings were either burnt to the ground or torn apart for scraps. What draws travelers here is the somber tragedy of the event, and the possibility of experiencing a haunted ground firsthand. Locals claim the ghosts of those who died still reside in the region, with locals of Port Kaituma afraid to go near it.

If you’re seeking a somewhat morbid experience to share with your friends, Jonestown is a great opportunity to travel deep into the heart of the Amazon, or experience the life of the isolated people who live nearby.