Suriname Vacation and Trip Information

On the Atlantic Ocean in South America, between French Guiana and Guyana, lies the continent’s smallest independent country, Suriname. Largely tropical rain forest, the small population lives mostly along the coast in the capital, Paramaribo, and several smaller cities. A Dutch colony beginning in 1667, the country gained independence in 1975. Since then, the government has changed hands between civilian and military control, but a democratically elected government has ruled since 1991.

Suriname is home to many cultures, including large East Indian and Afro-Surinamese communities as well as Javanese, Marrons, Amerindian, Chinese, Lebanese and others. Each group preserves much of its particular culture in the various districts and cities. In Paramaribo, the past Dutch influence can be found in the historic heart of the city and the 17th century Fort Zeelandia along the Suriname River. The country’s rivers provide access to the interior, some expeditions traveling in local dugout canoes or korjalen (on the major rivers river cruise boats are more common for those who prefer to paddle less). Along the way, visit one of the villages along the riverbanks, one of the old plantation houses only accessible from the rivers or Jodensavanne, a 17th century Jewish settlement on the Suriname River, a popular trip from Paramaribo.