Cultural Suriname
6 days from £1,870
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You’ll be collected at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport and escorted to your hotel in Paramaribo, a journey of about 75 minutes. You’ll soon realise you have arrived somewhere very special, and very different from anywhere you may have been before in South America. More than half of Suriname’s tiny population of just about a quarter of a million lives in the coastal capital, which has a pleasant small-town feel. Suriname was colonised by Holland, and Dutch immigrants founded this unusual town, which expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries. As a result of its unique charms and cosmopolitan mix of cultural influences, Paramaribo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
The original and highly characteristic street plan of the historic centre remains intact, partly owing to low economic activity. Its buildings illustrate the gradual fusion of Dutch influence with traditional indigenous techniques and materials which blend to create a new architectural idiom.
This tropically-infused architecture is characterised by wooden mansions embellished with ornate balconies and a smattering of Dutch churches. Present-day culture and cuisine are manifested in the town with an intriguing fusion of indigenous South American, European, African and Asian elements.
The eco-conscious hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre and close to a district famed for its fashionable restaurants. Formerly a townhouse, the Eco Torarica has been renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its Dutch colonial architecture. There’s a country-style terrace restaurant serving local dishes and international fare, a bar, and a separate hut on the grounds for breakfast. The leafy tropical grounds host an outdoor swimming pool with decking.
The standard guest rooms are bright and modern, each equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary Wifi, cable TV, fridge, iron, hairdryer, safe and a private bathroom with eco-friendly amenities. Meanwhile the Riverside rooms also feature a balcony with views over the river or the tropical garden.
You’ll be escorted to the Commewijne district, east of Paramaribo across the Suriname river, travelling through former colonial plantations, most of which are now abandoned. You make a stop at Peperpot, one of the oldest plantations in Suriname, established by the English before Suriname was conquered by the Dutch in 1667. This is one of the last former plantations still in its former original state: you can still see coffee and cocoa plants as well as an ancient shed and factory, the manager’s residence and a kampong (workers’ living area). Peperpot is renowned for the many birds which can be spotted in the grounds.
Later you make a stop at the mini-museum of Marienburg, a former sugar plantation before enjoying lunch in a typical Javanese restaurant before moving on to the confluence of the Commewijne and Suriname rivers at Nieuw Amsterdam to visit the outdoor museum, a fortress built as a defence for the crop fields which were situated along the upper parts of both rivers.
Continue on to the pier at Nieuw Amsterdam for a sunset dolphin tour. Enjoy a drink and the breeze while the captain scans the horizon for dolphins. Normally pods of up to 20 dolphins can be seen, sometime they’re curious and may breach and play close to the boat. Continue to another former plantation for snacks on a wooden deck near the waterfront of the Commenwijne river.
The eco-conscious hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre and close to a district famed for its fashionable restaurants. Formerly a townhouse, the Eco Torarica has been renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its Dutch colonial architecture. There’s a country-style terrace restaurant serving local dishes and international fare, a bar, and a separate hut on the grounds for breakfast. The leafy tropical grounds host an outdoor swimming pool with decking.
The standard guest rooms are bright and modern, each equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary Wifi, cable TV, fridge, iron, hairdryer, safe and a private bathroom with eco-friendly amenities. Meanwhile the Riverside rooms also feature a balcony with views over the river or the tropical garden.
Depart Paramaribo, travelling on a road through remote hilly landscapes for 190km and arriving at the Maroon village Atjoni. Maroons originally arrived as slaves from Africa, many escaping from plantations and others intermarrying with indigenous indians, creating a Creole population. For hundreds of years they were able to develop a culturally rich community life in relative isolation, although economically they always remained dependent on the coastal markets for certain manufactured goods.
This little river port is a staging post for local villages but is now also a base for ecotourism, still in its early stages. Motorised canoes are lined up on the beach, painted in bright primary colours, and you climb aboard one for the next stage of your adventure. A skilled crew will navigate up the rainforest-fringed upper Suriname river – known for its breathtaking rapids – to the Danpaati River Lodge. Your day comes to an end back on the water with a river trip looking out for caiman sprawling on the banks.
Danpaati River Lodge is set in an exceptionally remote and tranquil spot on an island in the Suriname river, fringed by Amazonian rainforest. Located close to the Maroon village of Dan, famed for its unique culture where African traditions and rituals have been preserved, the lodge is deeply integrated into the local community, and coordinates projects with 12 villages in the vicinity, including a media centre for children. The lodge welcomes visitors offering accommodation for couples, families and groups in a variety of spacious A-frame wooden cabins on the waterfront, with amenities including mosquito nets, fresh coffee served in the mornings and unbeatable views from hammocks set on the verandah. There’s a breezy lounge facing the river and a large outdoor pool surrounded by a hardwood yoga deck, with access to one of the few areas of the Suriname river where it is safe to swim.
Today you will visit one of the 12 villages which are affiliated with Danpaati. There will be a guided tour through the village where you will be introduced to the way of life of the local population and to the traditions brought from Africa by their ancestors. After the tour you visit the Maroon museum Saamaka which is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Saramak Maroon population. Pikinslee is located 30 minutes by boat from Danpaati. In the museum you will learn about the history of the Maroons, their ancient traditions and crafts. After the tour you return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will discover the secrets of the rainforest during a walk in the woods. Afterwards you could choose to enjoy a massage using a combination of traditional and Western techniques. Opportunities to explore the surrounding area are available; go fishing or take a dugout canoe around the island.
After dinner, settle down to watch traditional dancing performed by the local population. Your guide will explain the cultural significance of each dance.
Danpaati River Lodge is set in an exceptionally remote and tranquil spot on an island in the Suriname river, fringed by Amazonian rainforest. Located close to the Maroon village of Dan, famed for its unique culture where African traditions and rituals have been preserved, the lodge is deeply integrated into the local community, and coordinates projects with 12 villages in the vicinity, including a media centre for children. The lodge welcomes visitors offering accommodation for couples, families and groups in a variety of spacious A-frame wooden cabins on the waterfront, with amenities including mosquito nets, fresh coffee served in the mornings and unbeatable views from hammocks set on the verandah. There’s a breezy lounge facing the river and a large outdoor pool surrounded by a hardwood yoga deck, with access to one of the few areas of the Suriname river where it is safe to swim.
This morning you still have some time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and take pictures. After saying good bye to the staff, you depart by dugout canoe from Danpaati to Atjoni. From Atjoni you continue your journey back to Paramaribo by road.
The eco-conscious hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre and close to a district famed for its fashionable restaurants. Formerly a townhouse, the Eco Torarica has been renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its Dutch colonial architecture. There’s a country-style terrace restaurant serving local dishes and international fare, a bar, and a separate hut on the grounds for breakfast. The leafy tropical grounds host an outdoor swimming pool with decking.
The standard guest rooms are bright and modern, each equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary Wifi, cable TV, fridge, iron, hairdryer, safe and a private bathroom with eco-friendly amenities. Meanwhile the Riverside rooms also feature a balcony with views over the river or the tropical garden.
Consider extending your stay by moving on to neighbouring Guyana and French Guiana to encounter strikingly different cultures and the vestiges of a chequered history.,
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
As a destination for visitors, or by any measure, Suriname is a unique and very special country. One of the three Guianas occupying territory which transitions between the jungle-tangled Caribbean coast and the steamy forests of the interior, its remote rivers and modest fishing and agricultural communities welcome you to learn about their traditional way of life. Indigenous groups, the descendants of African slaves and Dutch colonial masters have created a melting-pot society with a plethora of languages spoken. This is best reflected in the architecture and cuisine of the capital, Paramaribo.
On this short tour you will experience a taster of the delights this little country reveals, exploring by boat and country-style road, staying at a comfy hotel in the port which serves as the capital as well as a riverside lodge deep in the interior where you will mingle with the local communities. Wildlife is not without a presence, you may spot exotic birds, caimans, dolphins, brightly coloured reptiles and monkeys abound, some clamouring for your attention..
Rosie Kay
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Language
Dutch is the official language. 50% of the population speak Sranan, an English-based creole language, a mixture of seven different languages.
- Transport
2 journeys by road and river.
- Accommodation
Mid-range hotel in Paramaribo, small jungle and wildlife lodge at Danpaati.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch day 2; full board days 3,4.
- Summary Of Nights
6 days, 5 nights: Paramaribo 2, Danpaati 2, Paramaribo 1.
- Money
Suriname uses the Surinamese dollar.Take cash in US$ ATMs which give access to cash are available in Paramaribo but it’s worth having plastic for both Visa and Mastercard. We recommend a daily budget of $US35-40 per person per day to cover the cost of meals and daily expenses including tips and taxes.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
International airport tax should be included in the cost of your ticket.
- Climate
The climate is tropical, so your holiday will be hot and humid throughout. Along the Caribbean coast of Suriname a October is statistically one of the driest months in the year.
- Vaccinations
Preventative jabs or tablets are recommended for: malaria, typhoid, polio, tuberculosis, tetanus and hepatitis A. Consult your local GP, or health clinic – he or she will probably refer you to the NHS fitfortravel website.
Take precautions against being bitten -by applying insect repellent, especially in the evenings out of cities. A valid yellow fever certificate or official doctor’s note stating why you cannot be vaccinated must be produced when crossing some borders, so it is essential that these are carried.
The Ministry of Health in Suriname advises passengers travelling to Suriname to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. This is also valid for travellers departing from Suriname towards countries in the Caribbean region. You will be required to present your ’International Certificate of Vaccination’ booklet, which will be checked before departure. You may be denied entree to any country if you fail to present this document. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.
There are several brands of gel or foam which can be used for washing your hands where no clean water is available.
- Clothing And Equipment
Clothing should be casual and comfortable – plenty of light cotton (or light-weight wicking fabric which controls perspiration and dries quickly). Light colours are beneficial against sun and bugs. Dark clothes attract mosquitoes.
For wildlife viewing, the best colours to wear are pastel tones, such as brown, beige and green, which don’t highlight your silhouette in the landscape and camouflage you in foliage. Avoid strong colours like yellow, bright blue and red.
Shorts and short-sleeve shirts should be avoided in the evenings, especially away from cities. Air-conditioning in rooms and restaurants is the closest you’ll get to being cold, so a light sweater or “layers” will suffice.
A backpack or soft holdall (ideally with some degree of waterproofing) is the most comfortable way to carry your belongings, along with a small day-use backpack (25-40l capacity).
- Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Suriname?
The Ministry of Health in Suriname advises passengers travelling to Suriname to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. This is also valid for travellers departing from Suriname towards countries in the Caribbean region. You will be required to present your ’International Certificate of Vaccination’ booklet, which will be checked before departure. You may be denied entree to any country if you fail to present this document. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- When is the best time to visit Suriname?
Suriname has a tropical humid climate. There is a short rainy season from Dec-Jan and Apr-Jul. The most pleasant times to visit are the dry seasons Feb-Apr and Aug-Nov. Throughout the year the average daily temperature varies between 21 and 32°C. Suriname lies outside the hurricane zone and the most extreme weather condition is the “sibibusi” (forest broom), a torrential rain shower which passes quickly.
- What is the official language of Suriname?
The official languages of Suriname are Dutch, English and Sranan Tongo, originally the language of the creoles.
- What is the official currency of Suriname?
The official currency of Suriname is the Suriname guilder. Currently, only one bank, the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT) has ATMs which accept foreign ATM Visa cards. You can exchange currency at banks, hotels, and official exchange houses; in no circumstances change money on the street. Only a few tourist-inclined establishments accept credit cards.
- What is the time difference between Suriname and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Suriname is GMT-4 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Suriname?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- What vaccinations do I need for Suriname?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What other countries combine well with Suriname?
A visit to the two other Guianas, which sit alongside Suriname on the coast: Guyana, the former British Guiana and Guyane, still a French overseas département. It’s not easy to do independently: we recommend you join our annual small group guided tour, named Coq of the Rock.
- How long is the flight from the UK to Suriname?
Average flight time to Paramaribo is 12 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK to Suriname; popular routes involve a change in Amsterdam.
- What are the festivals, cultural events in Suriname?
The religious festivals of all the main religions represented by the population are celebrated, Christian Christmas and Easter; Hindu Diwali; Muslim Eid al-Adha and Amerindian Mashramani.
Suriname Jazz Festival, Paramaribo; Oct.
Surifesta, Paramaribo; mid Dec-Jan. A festival of shows, street parties, parades and flower markets.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
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Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Danpaati River Lodge is a delightful property with wooden cabins set on the shores of a remote island on the Amazonian Suriname river.
Eco Torarica is a renovated colonial townhouse with modern rooms, pool and tropical garden close to the historic centre of Paramaribo.
Papagaio
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