Suriname at a glance
If you have never heard of Suriname, you are definitely not alone. This small South American country, located west of French Guiana, flies under the radar for most people. It is a fascinating destination, defined by its blend of local cultures and vast stretches of untouched jungle.
A multicultural capital
Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, is a place you have to see for yourself. The city carries a unique atmosphere shaped by its complex historical and cultural layers. As a former Dutch colony during the 17th and 18th centuries, the city still holds onto its colonial roots, and its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, Paramaribo is a modern, active city packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. The ethnic diversity, featuring Dutch, Creole, and North American influences, has resulted in a varied architectural style. You can visit the Maison du Gouverneur, the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, or Fort Zeelandia and its museum.
A nature park in the heart of the Amazon
The main attraction in Suriname is Brownsberg Nature Park. Located about 90 minutes from Paramaribo, this park drops you right into the Amazon rainforest. You will find dense vegetation alongside waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, agoutis, and tropical birds. Eight marked hiking trails allow you to explore the park, either on your own or with a guide from the Stinatsu organization that manages the site. You can step off the trails to cool off in the waterfalls, but be careful as the rocks are very slippery. The Stone Island and Tonka islands are popular spots for swimmers and those looking for a scenic walk.
Boat trips and remote villages
Suriname offers plenty of opportunities for excursions beyond the capital. Do not miss the massive Brokopondo Reservoir, a man-made lake created in the 1960s. You can spot caimans and piranhas while navigating by boat between the dead trees emerging from the water. Traveling up the Marowijne River by boat is another worthwhile experience, taking you to a nature reserve where sea turtles come to lay eggs between April and August. You can also head out to explore the Maroon and Amerindian villages in the Sipaliwini district. It is best to use a local agency when venturing into these remote areas, as they are largely cut off from the outside world. For a more accessible experience, you can stay in a Maroon village along the Suriname River.
When to go
The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 30 degrees Celsius). The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from late August to mid-November. The rainy season, from mid-December to mid-August, brings heavy rainfall across the entire country.
How to get there
A flight from Paris to Paramaribo will take over 13 hours with a layover, with tickets typically costing around 900 euros (about $975). You can also enter Suriname from French Guiana by taking a bus, a shared taxi, or a boat.