10-Day Itinerary for Exploring Suriname
Suriname is one of South America’s most underrated countries. Its blend of cultures, pristine rainforests, and wildlife make it a destination worth exploring. This 10-day itinerary will give you a mix of must-see attractions and unique, lesser-known experiences. You’ll get a chance to explore both the bustling capital city and the quiet wilderness, while also soaking up the diverse culture that defines Suriname.
Day 1: Paramaribo – Arrival and Exploration
Arrive in Paramaribo, Suriname’s capital, and settle into your accommodation. Spend the morning getting your bearings. If you’re staying near the historic center, take a walk around the central market and Independence Square. Paramaribo’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Dutch colonial architecture.
You’ll want to check out Fort Zeelandia, which dates back to the 17th century. End the day with a stroll along the Waterkant—sip a cold Parbobier while the sun sets over the Suriname River. A great way to get your trip started!
Day 2: Paramaribo – Cultural Highlights
Spend your second day diving deeper into Paramaribo’s cultural side. Start the morning with a visit to the Neveh Shalom Synagogue and the Mosque Keizerstraat. These two religious buildings sit side by side, showcasing the religious tolerance of Suriname.
From there, head over to the Palmentuin, a beautiful park filled with towering palm trees. It’s a great spot to relax and escape the midday heat. For lunch, try some delicious Javanese food from one of the local warungs on Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat. In the afternoon, consider taking a guided walking tour through the historic parts of town.
Day 3: Commewijne Plantation Tour
Get an early start and take a tour to the Commewijne District, just east of Paramaribo. This area is filled with former plantations, many of which now serve as cultural heritage sites. You can opt for a boat tour along the Commewijne River, where you’ll likely spot dolphins swimming nearby.
One must-visit place is Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, an old colonial fort that’s now a museum. Continue visiting other plantations such as Peperpot or Rust en Werk, where you can learn about Suriname’s agricultural history. After a full day of exploring, return to Paramaribo for a relaxing night in town.
Day 4: Brownsberg Nature Park
Leave the city today and head to Brownsberg Nature Park, a few hours away. This park sits on a plateau overlooking the Brokopondo Reservoir. Take one of the many hiking trails here and immerse yourself in the jungle. You’ll likely see monkeys, colorful birds, and maybe even a sloth or two.
The highlights here are the Irene and Leo Falls, where you can take a dip to cool off after the hike. If you’re into nature and wildlife, Brownsberg is hard to beat. After a day of trekking, spend the night at the nearby eco-lodges or head back to Paramaribo.
Day 5: Brokopondo and Afobaka Dam
Take today to explore the Brokopondo Reservoir area. The huge man-made lake was created after the construction of the Afobaka Dam. While controversial, the reservoir is now a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can take a boat tour across the reservoir, stopping at small, distant islands along the way. Some tours even include fishing or wildlife exploration. Alternately, simply kick back at one of the lodges in the area and enjoy the lake’s peaceful atmosphere.
Day 6: Suriname River and Danpaati
Today, you’ll begin a river journey into the heart of Suriname. Hop on a boat from Atjoni and ride along the Suriname River to Danpaati. This remote lodge offers a relaxing experience in the middle of the rainforest.
Spend the afternoon exploring or simply relaxing by the river with a good book. Birdwatching from the comfort of the lodge is a great way to pass time too. Danpaati is also a great place to learn about the local Maroon culture. Many Maroons (Suriname’s Afro-descendant population) live within the forest, and some villages in the area welcome respectful visitors.
Day 7: Relaxing in Danpaati
Take it easy today. Start with a jungle hike or a canoe safari, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the stillness of nature. The area is known for being home to many species, including caimans, exotic birds, and monkeys.
In the evening, you can experience how the locals fish using traditional methods or see a cultural performance at a nearby village. The people here are friendly and eager to share bits of their lives with visitors, giving you a deeper look into Maroon traditions.
Day 8: Return to Paramaribo via Nieuw Nickerie
Sail back to Atjoni in the morning and catch a bus or car back to Paramaribo. On the way, consider a detour through Nieuw Nickerie. An overnight stop here allows you to see a different side of Suriname. Nieuw Nickerie is the country’s second-largest city and is famous for its rice fields and proximity to the Bigi Pan Nature Reserve.
If you have time, take a boat tour on Bigi Pan, where you can spot scarlet ibises, herons, and other birds. If you want something more relaxing, head to one of the local spots and enjoy some roti while watching the sunset.
Day 9: Bigi Pan Nature Reserve
Spend a full day exploring Bigi Pan today. You can arrange a tour or rent a boat to venture into the muddy wetlands. The area is rich in birdlife, particularly during migration seasons. Keep your eyes open for flamingos, caimans, and likely plenty of mosquitoes (so bring some repellent!).
The peaceful nature here is wonderful for exploring on your own or with a guide. After a day of birdwatching and wildlife spotting, unwind in one of the floating lodges nearby. You can even opt for a night on the water if you’re feeling adventurous.
Day 10: Back to Paramaribo – Departure
It’s your last day! Return to Paramaribo for some last-minute souvenir shopping or exploring. If you haven’t visited already, check out the Surinaams Museum for a deeper dive into the country’s history.
Relax at the Cultuurtuin Park, or grab one final meal in one of the city’s many multicultural restaurants. Whether it’s Indonesian, Chinese, or Creole cuisine, Suriname will leave your taste buds happy. Depending on your flight, you can spend the rest of the day wandering the city before heading to Johan Adolf Pengel Airport for your flight out.
Final Thoughts
This 10-day itinerary gives you a balanced mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation. Suriname is a small country, but it’s packed with unique experiences and distinct cultures. Whether you’re in the city or deep in the rainforest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly people and rich traditions. Enjoy the journey and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of South America’s hidden gems.
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