Travel to Suriname - Episode 953

Hear about travel to Suriname as the Amateur Traveler talks to Mike Powers from SmallOfTheRoad.blogspot.com about his recent trip to this South American country.

Why should you go to Suriname?

Mike says, “It’s an undiscovered little gem. I’m just surprised it’s not more popular. The number one draw there would be nature and ecotourism. There’s a ton to see. As much as 95% of the country is covered in rainforest. And so ecotourism and the wildlife, especially a lot of birds, monkeys, etc. The second one would be diversity. So, it’s actually a very diverse country. And in particular, I found the maroon communities that live inland fascinating. These are descendants of former escaped slaves. And then finally, I’d say Paramaribo, which is the main city in Suriname. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with these old buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.”

Here’s the itinerary Mike recommends for Suriname:

1. Interior Rainforest Lodge (3 nights).

Get deep into the primary rainforest to experience wildlife and pure Amazonian jungle. Mike went to Nature Resort Kabalebo, which offered guided river trips, forest hikes, waterfalls, night walks, abundant birds, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and tapirs.

Budget note: about US$1,200 for 3 nights when he went.
Alternatives if budget or logistics differ: Palumeu Jungle Lodge (fly‑in; combines rainforest + Indigenous culture), Voltzberg in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve (UNESCO; Guianan cock‑of‑the‑rock), or drive/boat‑accessible Brownsberg Nature Park (shorter, cheaper, closer to town).

2. Upper Suriname River / Maroon Culture (2–3 nights).

Boat upriver from Atjoni to a lodge such as Anaula Nature Resort (Mike’s pick) to visit Aurora/Nieuw‑Aurora and other Maroon villages (matrilineal culture, cassava bread, Winti religion, river travel only, no roads). You also get to experience the natural beauty of the river, including birds, monkeys, and swimming in the rapids.

3. Bigi Pan Wetlands (2 nights).

Drive to Nickerie, boat into the lagoon, and stay in an overwater spot like Akira Overwater Resort – Bigi Pan. Massive flocks of waterbirds (egrets, scarlet ibis, herons, wood storks, ospreys); night outings for caiman; optional mud bath in the shallow lagoon.

Essential Paramaribo Time (interspersed “buffer” days)

You will naturally spend days in Paramaribo between excursions. Use them to explore:

UNESCO‑listed historic core: Presidential Palace, Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square (Sunday songbird contests), Palm Tree Garden riverfront.
Sacred sites: Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, Paramaribo (huge all‑wood interior), Neveh Shalom Synagogue (sand floor) beside a major mosque.
Markets: Central Market and adjacent Maroon Market.
Lodging cluster Mike used: Royal Torarica, Torarica Resort, Eco Torarica; also Hotel Palacio, Paramaribo and Holland Lodge.

Easy Nature & History Day Trips (≤1 hr or so from town)

Braamspunt evening turtle watch (March–July best; green, leatherback, hawksbill; combine with Guiana dolphin spotting in the estuary).
Peperpot Nature Park for close‑to‑town wildlife walks; pair with Peperpot Plantation stay if desired.
Green Heritage Fund Suriname (sloth and other wildlife rehabilitation).
Neotropical Butterfly Park.
Plantage Resort Frederiksdorp (restored plantation with guided history; gardens).
Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam open-air museum (featuring colonial and WWII relics).
Jodensavanne (longer day; early Sephardic Jewish settlement ruins) with a knowledgeable guide.

Booking & Logistics Tips

Book excursions through a local operator like Orange Travel Jungle Tours
Multi-day packages typically include transportation (air/boat/road), a guide, meals, and lodging; please confirm your payment method.
Cash cushion: Bring USD or euros; ATMs/cards are unreliable outside the capital.
Connectivity: Good in Paramaribo; limited to none in remote lodges.
Gear: Binoculars and telephoto lens for birds; light rain gear; some insect repellent (bugs are surprisingly manageable in the dry season, but come prepared).

subscribe: rss feed | Apple podcasts

right click here to download (mp3)