Suriname

Suriname offers a fascinating blend of culture and nature. The capital, Paramaribo, is the heart of the country, a city where mosques and synagogues stand side-by-side, and its historic inner city is filled with beautiful, white-painted wooden colonial buildings. The Commewijne River provides a glimpse into the country's plantation history, with old coffee and cocoa plantations now being reclaimed by nature. The true essence of Suriname, however, lies in its vast, untouched interior. This is the realm of the Amazon rainforest, home to indigenous and Maroon (descendants of escaped slaves) communities who have preserved their traditional cultures.

Travel in Suriname's interior is an adventure, involving journeys by dugout canoe ('korjaal') to remote lodges. It is a destination for travelers seeking a deep cultural immersion and a pristine rainforest experience, far from the typical tourist trail.

Reasons to Visit

• Unique Cultural Mix: Experience an incredible and harmonious blend of cultures from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
• Historic Paramaribo: Explore the UNESCO-listed historic inner city of the capital, with its distinctive wooden colonial architecture.
• Pristine Amazon Rainforest: Journey into one of the most untouched and biodiverse rainforests in the world.
• Plantation History: Take a boat trip along the Commewijne River to discover the country's fascinating colonial plantation past.

Things to Avoid

• Independent Travel in the Interior: All travel into the jungle should be done with a reputable tour operator for safety and to respectfully engage with local communities.
• Ignoring Safety in Paramaribo: The capital has a risk of street crime. Avoid walking alone at night and be aware of your surroundings.
• Drinking the Tap Water: It is recommended to stick to bottled or purified water.
• Being Unprepared for the Climate: Suriname is hot and humid year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing.

Local Transportation Tips

Within Paramaribo, taxis are common, but agree on a price beforehand. To travel into the interior, organized tours that use a combination of minivans and motorized dugout canoes ('korjaals') are the only practical option. There are some domestic flights to remote airstrips.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A polite handshake is the standard greeting.
• Politeness: Surinamese people are generally laid-back and friendly. A respectful and calm demeanor is appreciated.
• Asking for Photos: Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
• Respect for Diversity: The country is a proud melting pot. Show respect for all the different cultures and religions.

Did You Know?

Suriname is the most forested country in the world, with over 93% of its land area covered by forest. It also has one of the lowest population densities on the planet.

Cool Suriname Stats

• A Dutch Past: Suriname was a colony of the Netherlands until it gained independence in 1975, which is why Dutch is the official language.
• UNESCO Capital: The historic inner city of Paramaribo was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.
• Side-by-Side Worship: The Neveh Shalom Synagogue and the Mosque Keizerstraat famously sit right next to each other in Paramaribo, symbolizing the country's religious tolerance.

Recommended Age Group

Suriname is most suitable for adventurous and culturally curious Adults who are comfortable with basic travel conditions in a tropical environment.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not recommended.
• Teens (13-19 years): Not recommended, unless they are very experienced and resilient travelers with their families.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended for adventurous travelers seeking a unique cultural and deep rainforest experience.
• Seniors (65+ years): Not recommended due to the challenging travel conditions and tropical climate.

Accessibility Level: Low

• Suriname's infrastructure is not designed for accessibility.
• The historic center of Paramaribo has uneven pavements and open drainage ditches.
• Travel into the interior is by boats and on jungle trails, which are not accessible.
• Accessible hotels and transportation are not available.