Suriname is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers on the northeastern coast of South America. Rich in cultural diversity, dense landscapes, and a unique blend of historical influences, this small yet captivating country promises an unforgettable experience for those looking for an off-the-beaten destination. This article shows several adventurous and interesting things to do in Suriname.
From day hikes to trekking tours in the jungle, day activities exploring the surroundings of Paramaribo, and captivating workshops where you can learn a new skill and a bit of history. There are plenty of things to keep one busy in Suriname.
If you want to know more about these adventurous things to do in Suriname, fast your seatbelts and keep reading. Let’s go!!
Table of Contents
Bigi Pan
Situated along the northern coast of Suriname, Bigi Pan is a vast lagoon and wetland area that shows the country’s rich biodiversity. This expansive area, covering approximately 135,000 hectares, is a paradise for nature lovers, particularly those interested in birdwatching and aquatic ecosystems.
Bigi Pan is bounded by vast mangrove forests, adding beauty to the scenic area. Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecosystems, protecting against storm tides.
Tours to Bigi Pan usually range from 2 to 3 days, with visits to Groningen and the fish village of Boskamp, where they have traditional smokehouses.
The Hindu town Nieuw Nickerie is close to Bigi Pan, the third largest city in Suriname, and is famous for its vast rice fields.
Fredberg
Fredberg is a mountain that’s part of the Bakhuis Mountains. The Bakhuis Mountains are located in the southwestern part of Suriname with a range of 110km and are known for their rugged terrain and tropical rainforest.
The ascent of Fredberg is one of the most popular trekkings in Suriname. The hike to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and, on clear days, views of the vast Amazon basin.
In this tour, you will have a chance to see macaws and wake up with the howler monkeys in the area surrounding the summit. Tours to Fredberg usually are within 3 or 4 days, depending on the group.
I tried to do this tour by myself, but it is not currently possible. The transportation to the mountain is complicated to and very expensive if arranged by yourself. Fred Eco Tours offers tours for this experience!!
Night hike in Peperpot
This adventure brings you to the Peperpot Nature Park, where wildlife is diverse. It’s a night hike for animal spotting, ranging from snakes to spiders in their natural habitat.
It is an exciting adventure where you get unique lanterns to spot the animals without scaring them. Rather than focusing on speed, the focus is strolling without making much noise to appreciate nature at its finest.
Seeing the wildlife activity in the park during the evenings was special for me. It is necessary to take a lot of care while walking, but an experienced guide will be present to ensure everything goes well.
Peperpot Nature Park is only a few minutes from Paramaribo; you can easily reach it by cab and arrange with the driver the time for him to come back and bring you back to your accommodation.
Anaula Resort
Anaula Nature Resort is nestled along the Upper Suriname River, surrounded by lush rainforest in the heart of the Amazon basin. It’s in the Brokopondo District, approximately a few hours’ drive from Paramaribo.
The resort offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy cabins to river-view lodges. The accommodations provide a comfortable and immersive experience in the natural surroundings.
While in the resort, you can take a boat tour along the Suriname River, engage with local Maroon communities, and learn about their traditions, customs, and history. You can explore the surrounding rainforest on guided nature walks to discover the diverse flora and fauna.
One of the cool things about this experience is the chance to taste the flavors of Surinamese and Maroon cuisine with delicious meals prepared using local ingredients.
Voltzberg
Voltzberg is in the heart of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main attractions of Voltzberg is the opportunity for hiking and exploration. You can embark on guided treks that lead through dense rainforest trails, eventually reaching the summit of Voltzberg at 240 mts.
The hike can be challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Visiting Anjoemara Falls is usually part of the tour agencies offer.
Galibi
Galibi is a coastal region in the northeastern part of Suriname, sharing its borders with neighboring French Guiana. It is known for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and turtle-watching.
The region is home to the indigenous Galibi people, who have inhabited the area for centuries. There, you have the unique opportunity to engage with these communities and learn about their traditions, crafts, and ways of life. The village of Christiaankondre is a famous place for cultural interactions.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Galibi is its significance as a nesting ground for sea turtles. The beaches of Galibi, particularly during the nesting season (mainly from February to August), attract sea turtles. The turtles swim thousands of km to be in Galibi, make a nest, and shed their eggs.
Galibi is an excellent place for birdwatchers, with its diverse bird population. The region has many bird species, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers.
Houttuyn Resort
The Houttuyn can be a good option for those seeking a place to rest. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Suriname River, not far from Paramaribo. Its proximity to Paramaribo (45 minutes by car)makes it a convenient destination for a day trip.
The resort is built on where it was once part of a vast network of plantations that played a crucial role in Suriname’s economy, particularly during the era of sugarcane and coffee cultivation.
Visitors can enjoy the sunset over the Surinamese River and choose options from a menu of wellness packages and treatments.
Thinking about flying to Suriname? Check flight options on Kiwi, it's my favorite way to book plane tickets:
Suriname Cooking Workshop
Surinam’s rich and diverse culinary heritage reflects the country’s multicultural history, blending indigenous, African, Indian, Javanese, and Dutch influences. If you want to explore the flavors of this unique cultural mix, Surinamese cooking workshops offer an immersive and hands-on experience.
Surinamese cuisine is celebrated for its harmonious fusion of flavors and ingredients. Cooking workshops provide an opportunity to get into this culinary fusion, exploring the mix of spices, herbs, and techniques that define the country’s dishes.
Participants in Surinamese cooking workshops can expect to learn the secrets behind iconic dishes such as Roti, a delicious Indian-influenced flatbread often paired with flavorful curries, and Saoto Soup, a Javanese-inspired broth teeming with aromatic herbs and spices.
Workshop with Candles
Surinamese scented candles often feature symbolic motifs and imagery rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions. Workshops offer insights into these symbol’s meanings, allowing you to infuse your creations with personal significance.
Beyond their visual appeal, Surinamese scented candles often incorporate aromatic elements, enriching the experience. Participants can work with local scents, such as tropical flowers, spices, or herbs, creating different candles.
Workshop with Cacao
Suriname is home to a rich cacao heritage that blends indigenous, African, and European influences, offering a unique experience for chocolate fans. In this workshop, you will taste the fine-flavored products of the producers and have the opportunity to get your hands dirty and make your piece of skate (cacao bar).
Another advantage of the workshop is the opportunity to learn more about the influence of cacao on Surinamese culture. Learning the history, traditions, and the role of cacao in local celebrations and rituals is essential, providing a better understanding of its importance in Surinamese culture.
Kalebas Lamp
Lamps created with calabash, a type of gourd commonly used for various crafts in many parts of the world, are common in Suriname. Gourds grow in Nieuw Amsterdam, a small coastal town near the Suriname River, across from Paramaribo.
Choose a design and learn how to work with tools, taking the end product with you. Artisans may create patterns inspired by local flora, fauna, or cultural symbols.
Paramaribo Coffee Workshop
Suriname’s lush landscapes and favorable climate provide an ideal environment for coffee cultivation. Coffee arrived around the 1710s by the Dutch, and for many decades, several coffee plantations and farms were built in the country.
The coffee culture stayed in Suriname, and in coffee workshops, you will learn how everything started and how to produce the loved coffee we consume.
Suriname’s coffee culture is more than a daily ritual; it celebrates heritage, flavors, and the joy of shared moments. Being part of a coffee workshop is a cultural journey that resonates with history, diversity, and the warmth of Suriname’s coffee-loving communities.
Dolphin and Sunset Tour
This tour starts at the Leonsberg Ferry Terminal, where you will take a boat and explore the Surinamese River looking for dolphins. During the tour, I realized how the dolphins love to receive attention from humans. As soon as we start clapping and making noises to attract them, they show up and start jumping out of the water.
Tours usually bring you to former plantations on the other side of the Surinamese River from the Leonsberg Terminal. There, you will have the opportunity to walk through the village and talk to locals, learning about their lifestyles and the history of these plantations.
Brownsberg
Brownsberg is a nature reserve in the interior of Suriname. You can explore Brownsberg on a day tour or stay in one of their lodges, exploring the reserve for many days. I went on an adventure alone, staying five days in Brownsberg, and it was a fantastic experience!!
Brownsberg has a mix of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to montane forests. The varied altitudes within the reserve contribute to its rich biodiversity, hosting many plant and animal species that live in different habitats.
It’s a famous place for birdwatchers and people looking to spot other animals like howler monkeys. Every morning, I was awakened by their intense howling.
City Tour
In Paramaribo, it is possible to do city tours by walking, cycling, or by bus. City tours are great opportunities to visit the highlights of a city and learn more about its history. In Paramaribo, this wouldn’t be different. The city is very walkable, so I recommend walking the tour.
There are many historical buildings to visit, like Fort Zeelandia, Independence Square, and the Central Market; Paramaribo has been on the World Heritage list by UNESCO since 2001 because of its unique, ancient architectural style.
You can get insights into Suriname’s Maroon heritage by visiting the Maroon Market and exploring neighborhoods where Maroon communities reside.
Braamspunt
Braamspunt is a picturesque sandbank on Suriname’s coast. This coastal area, located near the estuary of the Suriname River and the Atlantic Ocean, is an excellent place for Dolphin and turtle spotting.
The sea turtles come to the shores of Braamspunt shore from Brazil or even from Canada. Usually, two types of turtles reach the sandbank: the soup turtle and the leatherback.
The best period of the year to spot turtles in Suriname is from February to August. During this period, the turtles reach the shore to lay their eggs.
Quad and Zipline
The Parabello Resort offers a tour where you can experience the rich Javanese food and drive a quad through the jungle. It is possible to combine this adventure with ziplining.
This is a day tour where the highlight is the unique view of the natural surroundings of the resorts. Suriname is a country where more than 90% is only jungle, but each part visited feels magic and unique.
This tour can be an unforgettable experience for those who crave adventure and nature immersion.
Maroom Villages
The Maroon villages stand as living testaments to the resilience, heritage, and unique culture of the Maroon people. These communities, descendants of African slaves who escaped Dutch plantations, have forged a distinct way of life that didn’t change much over the years.
Traditional Maroon villages feature wooden houses designed to suit the tropical climate. The way the villages are built reflects a communal spirit, with houses arranged near each other to encourage interaction and shared resources.
On my visit to Suriname, I stayed a few days in Ping Pe. From there, I took a boat to the surrounding villages to learn new words and get in touch with the locals and their culture.
Other activities include hiking to Pineapple Mountain and visiting a small waterfall near the villages where many fishermen stop by to swim and refresh during the day.
Recommendations
There are a couple of tour agencies offering activities in Suriname, most of them organize trips from Paramaribo. During my stay, I used the services of Jenny Tours Suriname. They were very professional and I was satisfied with their services.
About accommodation, my stay was at the Twenty4 Hostel, the only hostel available during my trip. They were very flexible about payments (I could use Wise to make a transfer and pay for the accommodation) and the hostel itself had everything I needed for a short stay.
Conclusion
This article presented ideas of interesting things to do while exploring Suriname. It’s a great country for those who love nature and are willing to check an off-beaten destination. There’s a lot of culture, and I learned a lot from my stay there.
If you plan to visit Suriname, check this list of things you should know before visiting. That will help you to have a better picture of the country.
See ya on the next adventure!! Bye!!
