Talking of wild and beautiful tropical nature, Suriname is one of the countries which has been given more than its share. This small country located in the northern coast of South America is best known for its extensive Amazonian rainforests and colorful wildlife, but it hides also fascinating historical towns and a rich cultural heritage.
Rural destinations. From Paramaribo you can travel to the wild inner parts of Suriname, where you can find untouched rainforests and savannas, as well as many national parks. One of the world's most pristine tropical wilderness areas, Central Suriname Nature Reserve awaits you here with its incredible flora and fauna, many species of which have stayed unknown to modern science until our days. More than that, the natural paradise of inner Suriname is also filled with stunning waterfalls, wild rivers, and picturesque mountains sceneries which reach their peak at Juliana Top in 1230 meters above sea level. In another words, Suriname sure is worth seeing if only you have the courage to meet the challenge of getting there!
Traveling to Suriname is easiest by air. International flights to Suriname arrive in Paramaribo, which can be reached by air from North America and from the Netherlands. If you are planning to stay on the coastal region, you will also have no problem moving around with a rental car or by bus.
Getting around. If you want to see the spectacular landscapes of the inner Suriname, the true adventure begins. As the inland has only a few roads, a car is not such a good option, which is also the case with railways. Therefore, what remains left is domestic flights and riverboats, of which the latter is the most popular way for traveling to the inner parts of the country.
Historical towns and wild nature: Attractions of Suriname
Although Suriname is definitely not one of the most famous travel destinations of the world, it does hide some interesting treasures which will surely please adventurous visitors to this small south American country. You could start from for example the capital of Suriname, Paramaribo, which has a fascinating historic inner city filled with Dutch colonial buildings. The capital of Suriname offers you also some religious sites, a museum showing national history, and refreshing parks with tropical animals.Rural destinations. From Paramaribo you can travel to the wild inner parts of Suriname, where you can find untouched rainforests and savannas, as well as many national parks. One of the world's most pristine tropical wilderness areas, Central Suriname Nature Reserve awaits you here with its incredible flora and fauna, many species of which have stayed unknown to modern science until our days. More than that, the natural paradise of inner Suriname is also filled with stunning waterfalls, wild rivers, and picturesque mountains sceneries which reach their peak at Juliana Top in 1230 meters above sea level. In another words, Suriname sure is worth seeing if only you have the courage to meet the challenge of getting there!
Suriname, a diverse and adventurous destination
Weather in Suriname is tropical with steady warm temperatures available all year round. In addition to hot temperatures, another thing characterizing Suriname's weather is high amount of rainfall. There are two wet seasons, the first of which is from December to January, and the second being between March and July. Therefore, if you want to try to avoid rain, best time to travel to Suriname is in February, or between August and November.Traveling to Suriname is easiest by air. International flights to Suriname arrive in Paramaribo, which can be reached by air from North America and from the Netherlands. If you are planning to stay on the coastal region, you will also have no problem moving around with a rental car or by bus.
Getting around. If you want to see the spectacular landscapes of the inner Suriname, the true adventure begins. As the inland has only a few roads, a car is not such a good option, which is also the case with railways. Therefore, what remains left is domestic flights and riverboats, of which the latter is the most popular way for traveling to the inner parts of the country.
Photo: bartvanpoll, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Boats are available in most coastal towns of Suriname with big rivers running through.
Safety. Suriname is not one of the safest places on earth. Robberies and carjackings do happen, and pickpocketing is rife especially in towns such as Paramaribo. Therefore, traveling alone or after dark should be avoided. It might also be wise to keep your valuables hidden and car doors locked when getting around in Suriname. There are of course also dangers provided by wild tropical nature, which you will meet if you travel to inner parts of the country. However, with safety procedures followed, you will probably do just fine during your visit to Suriname.
From Dutch colonialism to independence: History of Suriname in brief
A small South American country which was explored by the Spanish in the 16th century and settled by the British a century later, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. After this, the country suffered a two hundred year period of slavery, which in addition to identured labourers from Asia, also brought to Suriname a good portion of Africa and Asian traditions. The years of colonialism in Suriname lasted until year 1975, when Suriname became an independent country. Today, it is a multicultural country with inhabitants of African, Asian, European and indigenous amerindian descent.hint See also these nearby destinations: Central Suriname Nature Reserve
