Tour Suriname: The Ultimate Guide

For a holiday to South America many people do not think alike to Suriname. And that is actually unjustified. This country with a hospitable population likes to show its beauty. Suriname consists for a large part of jungle where you can spot all kinds of animals and visit waterfalls. And the melting pot of cultures, the long history, the Dutch influences and the tropical climate ensure that you don't have to get bored in Suriname.

1. Characteristics tour Suriname

We are happy to put all the information you need when you're going on a tour of Suriname in a row. We will tell you if you need a visa, which vaccinations are recommended, what is the best travel time and which sights you should not skip.

2. Well prepared for travel to Suriname

Before you go on holiday to Suriname, it is important to make an appointment 4 to 6 weeks in advance at a vaccination agency in your area. Here you can get tailored advice about the vaccinations you might need for a tour through Suriname. For a trip to Suriname, vaccinations against DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended. A vaccination against Yellow Fever is no longer mandatory for everyone. This vaccination is mandatory if you come from a country with a high risk of yellow fever or if you have been there for more than 12 hours for a change. Other personal vaccinations may also be recommended. An advisor can tell you all about this during a personal interview. And the most common vaccinations can be put on an equal footing.

The cost of the vaccinations varies per location. Ask your vaccination agency for the exact costs. As an average you can keep a price of €24 for the consultation with a vaccination booklet, an amount of €29 for DTP and €55 for the vaccination against Hepatitis A. By the way, check your health insurance. Most insurances reimburse vaccinations.

In advance you need a visa for your tour of Suriname. From January 2020 the rules have changed and you must have this at least 3 days before your arrival in the country. Please note that applying for the visa can take up to 3 days. So make sure you apply on time. You can apply for a visa easily online and the costs for an E-visa are 40USD. Please note that you need a passport to travel to Suriname. A Dutch identity card is not sufficient. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival in the country.

3. Travel advice tour Surinam

Security risks are reported for a tour of Suriname by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is mainly because there is (violent) crime in the country. Firearms or machetes can be used. At the moment, this violence is not specifically directed against tourists and often involves incidents. We would like to share some precautions to make sure you travel safely through Suriname.

• The advice is not to take to the streets or travel alone after sunset. This advice applies especially to the entertainment center of Paramaribo.
• Don't just walk down the street, not even during the day, and be on your guard.
• Please leave eye-catching or valuable jewellery at home.
  • If you fall victim to a robbery or robbery, offer resistance. This can often lead to (more) violence. So just surrender your possessions.

4. Best travel time for a tour of Suriname

You can divide the climate in Suriname into different seasons. There are two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. Between December and February and from May to mid-August it is rainy season in Suriname. This means that it is the dry season between March and April and from mid-August to November. Of course, this cannot be exactly indicated. It is possible that in the rainy season it will remain dry for a few weeks and that it rains a little during the dry season. If one season turns into another, there may be short, heavy showers with gusts of wind. These are called sibibusi.

5. Transport to and in Suriname

From the Netherlands only the airport of Paramaribo is flown. Travel time with a direct flight is about 9 ½ hours from Schiphol. There are several airlines that offer a direct flight from Amsterdam. If you prefer to do the flight in two parts to stretch your legs in between, you can also opt for a flight with a transfer. In Suriname itself, transport is sometimes a bit adventurous. There is a limited road network, where the quality is not always good. You can also encounter unpaved roads inland, which suddenly end up in the jungle.

If you want to travel around on your own and do not want to go on an organized tour, you can opt for the bus. This is the most common option in the country. Of course you will notice that the road network is not optimal. Buses leave when they are completely full and often do not drive on time. It can also be difficult to see where and what time the bus leaves. It is best to check with your accommodation.

You'd rather drive around on your own? Then you can also rent a car in Paramaribo. You really need a car with four-wheel drive. It is not customary to drive around in this country and it is recommended to travel with a guide. To rent a car it is advisable to compare the rates. These can vary greatly by season and provider. To be able to drive a car in Suriname, you need an International Driving License. However, this is not a replacement for your Dutch driver's license, so you also have to take it with you. Rental companies may also have specific requirements, such as a minimum age. In Suriname, by the way, people drive on the left side of the road. In the city you can also opt for a taxi. These often drive shorter distances along the coast. Taxis are more expensive than buses, the advantage is that it is of course faster. If you take a local taxi, you can often negotiate about the price. And don't be surprised if you don't see a meter in the taxi.

Please note that it is not recommended to make an internal flight in the country. Many of the small planes are not safe and unreliable. The EU has many of these domestic airlines on the blacklist.

6. Sightseeing Suriname

In spite of the fact that a large part of the country consists of primeval forest, you can also experience culture and history in Suriname. We would like to list 17 sights for you that you should not skip during your tour through Suriname. Nice to know! The food in Suriname is fairly varied, as the population consists of many different ethnic groups. Drinking is often offered in a plastic bag with a straw.

6.1. New Nickerie

In the northwest of Suriname you'll find New Nickerie. This place separates Suriname from its neighbour Guyana. If you cross the border to Guyana from Suriname you will do this from here. Although New Nickerie is a city, it has the feeling of a big village. There are perhaps less sights than you will find in Paramaribo, but that does not mean you should skip this place.

 

Bigi Pan nature reserve Here you can enjoy millions of birds that hibernate every year in the Bigi Pan nature reserve. And the Zeedijk is one of the most important sights in Nieuw Nickerie. This dike was constructed to prevent the city from being taken over by the waves. Be sure to walk along the freshwater canal that separates the west and east of the city. This canal is completely filled with water lilies.

6.2. Paramaribo

Not only is Paramaribo the capital of Suriname, it is also the largest city of the country. Did you know that almost half of the country's population lives in this city? In 2002 the Dutch colonial city was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. You will find the historic city centre on the banks of the Suriname River. And the original architecture of the buildings is still largely intact and preserved. In Paramaribo you can discover a large and diverse population of different cultures. Dutch, Hindi, Javanese, Creole, Portuguese-Jewish, during a walk through the city you will quickly see this. For example at the different markets in the city or in the restaurants with the different cuisines. Enjoy this hodgepodge in Paramaribo.

6.3. Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral

In the old town of Paramaribo you will find the Sint Peter and Paul Cathedral. This cathedral is made entirely of wood. The facade is painted in yellow and blue-grey. The use of wood for the cathedral gives the building a warm atmosphere and acoustics. Although the appearance of the cathedral will not be the first thing you notice. The spicy and woody scent of the cedar wood meets you right at the entrance.

The combination of the wood with the European architectural styles that have been used create a beautiful whole. The high church tower has a neo-Gothic appearance, while the arches and the colonnade are built in a neo-Romanesque style. The church was completely renovated between 2005 and 2010, making it in perfect condition again after some decay. In some places in the ceiling you can see which beams have been replaced because of the difference between dark and light parts. .

6.4. Fort Zeelandia

Fort Zeelandia lies on a high piece of land, in the sharp bend of the river. If you want to learn more about the history of the country this is the perfect place to start. The fortress served as a defensive stronghold and is still very impressive today. Where the fort has been conquered several times by different countries, it is now mainly known for the 'December murders' in 1982 that took place here. The fort was also used for political imprisonment and torture. Nowadays the fort serves as a museum. You can walk around the terrain yourself to discover everything. Or go with a guide who will tell you all about the history.

6.5. Waterfront (riverside boulevard)

If you want to take a lovely walk along the Suriname River, in the shade of the almond trees, you should be at the Waterkant (Riverside Boulevard). This street runs parallel to the river. Here you can see 19th century colonial houses in one of the oldest parts of Suriname. Keep in mind that some buildings have fallen into disrepair. Enjoy the ships in the harbor, cars driving over the bridge in the distance and the locals in their daily lives. Join one of the restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine and drink a Surinamese beer. Relax here during your tour of Suriname.

6.6. Central market

You should visit the Central Market before noon because of the hustle and bustle. And don't forget your shopping bag, because after a visit you'll probably have made all kinds of delicious purchases.

6.7. Independence Square

In the historic town centre lies the Independence Square, which consists of grass in the middle. Around the square you can see some important monumental government buildings. And here are almost 40 masts with flags. The flags of the various countries that have embassies in Suriname, of the organizations of which Suriname is a member, of the Caricom member states (the Caribbean trade organization) hang here and of course the Surinamese flag is not missing. This square used to be called Oranjeplein or Parade Square.

The square is the place for national celebrations and manifestations. And every Sunday morning the square hosts a bird market with an original singing contest. The points for the melodies the exotic birds sing are recorded on a scoreboard. To enjoy this spectacle you have to be there early, because it starts at 07.00 hours.

6.8. Presidential Palace

presidential palace. This white colonial palace dates back to the 17th century. Although the wooden building was replaced in later years by a larger stone palace. And in the 19th century the building was even given an extra floor and later a gallery was added. The presidential palace is one of the best preserved examples of Dutch colonial architecture in Suriname. Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors. As much as the palace is officially the home of the head of the state of Suriname, the palace is nowadays only used as a location for government and diplomatic meetings. As part of the inner city of Paramaribo it is also part of the UNESCO world heritage.

6.9. Garden of palms

Beyond the presidential palace is the Garden of palms. In this garden you not only walk past tall royal palms, you will also find tropical birds and capuchin monkeys. If you want to relax the traffic or the warmth of Paramaribo, you should definitely pay a visit to this park. The royal palms are more than 300 years old and some empires up to 25 meters high.

The garden was opened to the public as early as 1685, after the palms were planned by order of the then governor. However, after a group of mutinous soldiers murdered the governor, the garden was closed to the public until the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays there is plenty to do in the park. If you visit the garden with children, you can also go to the playground to spend some time around. And on public holidays, you can come across several stalls. There are also regular Surinamese bands playing in the open air.

6.10. Arya Dewaker

The Hindu organization Arya Dewaker (meaning Aryan Sun) has built one of the largest Hindu temples in Suriname, in the capital. This temple attracts visitors from all over the world, not only Hindus, but also non-Hindus.

The temple consists of an octagonal two-storey building. In the architectural style you can recognize characteristic elements that you come across in Suriname and other Caribbean countries. Where you will find a reception room on the ground floor, the actual temple hall is on the second floor. Here the rituals are performed. The benches for the visitors and clergy are arranged in circles around the middle of the hall. The design of the temple contains many spiritual references. For example, there are three towers each representing one of the, according to Hindu culture, three eternal greats of our reality: God, man and nature.

6.11. Peperpot Nature Park

A former coffee plantation is located a few kilometres from Paramaribo. This is now a nature reserve where you can walk through: the Peperpot Nature Park. In the jungle live monkeys, exotic birds, butterflies and lizards. There is an easy walking path through the jungle full of tropical plants. Along the way you will also come across all kinds of historical buildings. The park was established to preserve the cultural heritage of the old plantation in a sustainable way. In combination with nature and biodiversity. Enjoy a unique experience in nature, where bird watching and nature walks are central. From Paramaribo you can easily reach the Peperpot Nature Park by taxi. If you want to go cycling through the park, you can also go by bike from the capital.

6.12. Commewijne River

where all rivers in Suriname run from south to north, the Commewijne River is the only river that runs from east to west. It originates in the mountains and has a catchment area of 6600 km2. Near the city of New Amsterdam, the Commewijne River meets the Suriname River, after which they flow together in the Atlantic Ocean.

Along the banks of the Commewijne River are old sugar cane plantations, along with the remains of coffee and cocoa plantations, for example. You can also encounter some cattle breeding and fishing here. Explore the Commewijne Rivier by bike by taking one of the marked routes along the plantations. The contrast with the chaos of the capital and the fascinating landscape will certainly give you a special day.

6.13. Mariënburg

In the district of Commewijne, Mariënburg is a former sugar cane plantation. The factory is no longer in use and the terrain with the factory halls has fallen into disrepair. Nevertheless, Mariënburg is a tourist attraction. Here you can discover the history of the plantations. Mariënburg has a cruel history. The plantation was owned by the Nederlandse Handels Maatschappij and the central sugar factory of Suriname. From plantations all over the country the sugar cane was brought here for processing. The contract workers had to work in poor conditions.

6.14. Jodensavanne

At about 50 kilometers south of Paramaribo lies Jodensavanne. This is an old Jewish settlement that lies in the jungle. You can walk around among the ruins yourself or go with a guide, who can tell you all about the history of this place. For a tour you can choose whether you want to be guided through the nature reserve by bus or boat. One of the most impressive sights here are the cemeteries, which are well preserved. The gravestones are often Scottish and lopsided and contain texts and symbols that a guide can decipher for you.

6.15. Galibi Nature Reserve

In the eastern part of Suriname, on the Marowijne River lies the Galibi Nature Reserve. This reserve is known for the large groups of sea turtles that come here during the breeding season (between April and August) to lay their eggs. From Paramaribo, for example, you can make a trip to the reserve. Or take a boat or canoe from the border village of Albina. By the way, the Galibi Nature Reserve offers more than just the sight of the turtles laying their eggs. You'll also find white sandy beaches, beautiful palm and mango trees and a relaxed rhythm of life. Here, life still follows the rhythm of a hundred years ago. In Albina, for example, the cottages of the locals are built directly on the beach.

6.16. Brownsberg Nature park

On just a few hours drive from Paramaribo is a world famous nature reserve: Brownsberg Nature Park. This tropical rainforest lies on a hill about 500 meters high. You will find an abundance of flora and fauna. For example, you can spot howler monkeys and trumpet birds. Keep in mind during a trip through the jungle that the paths are steep and sometimes slippery. So put on sturdy walking shoes. After about three quarters of an hour's walk you will come across the first waterfall: the Leo Falls. A little further on are the Irenevallen, where you can take a dip in the water. Don't forget your camera, because this is a breathtaking environment. From the top of the hill you look out over the Brokopondo dam lake.

6.17. Central Suriname Nature Reserve

In the middle of Suriname lies the largest nature reserve in the country: Central Suriname Nature Reserve. The entire reserve covers approximately 16,000 km2 (about 10% of the country). By comparison, the Netherlands is about 41,000 km2. The reserve is on the world heritage list of UNESCO. The Central Suriname nature reserve is still intact in large parts, where surrounding Amazonian areas are rapidly transformed by, for example, logging and settlements. This jungle is for a large part inaccessible and therefore not influenced by human activities. You can therefore encounter a wide variety of plant and animal species in the reserve. Sloths, jaguars, giant armadillos and monkey species are just examples of the inhabitants of this jungle.

In the nature reserve lies Suriname's highest mountain: the Julianatop of over 1200 meters. And be sure to visit the Devil's egg. This is a boulder that seems to balance on the edge of a mountain peak. During a guided tour (you can't visit this park on your own) you will encounter different kinds of landscapes; from tropical rainforest and waterfalls to mountains and savannas.

7. Book a trip to Suriname: compare accommodations and providers

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