Suriname

Suriname travel guide

Suriname is not the most obvious travel destination in South America. And that is exactly why it is so interesting. It is green, humid, multicultural and a little rough around the edges. You do not come here for polished perfection. You come for wooden colonial houses, jungle sounds, river crossings, good food and stories that slowly unfold while you travel.

My Suriname trip started in Paramaribo, and I returned there several times between tours. The capital is the main base for most trips in Suriname, which makes it practical for planning, resting and repacking before heading out again. Paramaribo itself is small and easy to explore, with beautiful old buildings, Dutch history, lively food spots and a fascinating mix of cultures.

From Paramaribo, I traveled to Commewijne and Peperpot. This area shows a quieter side of Suriname, with old plantations, cycling paths, monkeys and river views. It is an easy escape from the city and a lovely way to slow down after arriving in the country.

Seliba showed me the nature side of the Suriname jungle. The journey itself already felt like an adventure, with a bus ride, cassava bread, a boat trip and the forest waiting at the end. I stayed in a glamping-style tent, which made it feel adventurous but still comfortable.

Knini Paati gave me a different experience in the Suriname interior. More focused on river life, local culture and the Indigenous communities who live along the water. It felt like a slower and more human side of the jungle, with stories, traditions and daily life close by.

Bigi Pan was completely different again. Wide water, birds, silence and simple comfort in the middle of nature. I also traveled west to Nickerie and crossed the border from Suriname into Guyana. Not the prettiest part of the route, but very useful if you want to combine both countries and even continue my trip to Tobago for some beach time!

Suriname is not cheap and it is not a classic backpacker destination. But if you like boutique travel, nature, culture and soft adventure, it is a fascinating country to explore. In my separate Suriname blogs, I share my route, where I stayed, what I liked and what I would do differently.

Planning your own Suriname trip? Read my separate blogs below for the full route, honest tips, places to stay and the little practical details I wish I had known before going. Some links in my blogs are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It is a small way to support my work and helps me keep sharing honest travel guides.

You can also follow my travels on Instagram: please let me know what you think of Suriname!

What to do in Paramaribo before the Suriname Jungle

Paramaribo is the best place to start your Suriname trip before heading into the jungle. Not because you need a full week here, but because the city gives you context. You feel the heat, see the wooden colonial houses, taste the cultural mix and slowly adjust to the...