America > Surinam: Weather, Map, Costs and Travel Guide

Almost completely covered by the jungle, the country groups its inhabitants mainly on the coast.

The capital, Paramaribo, was built in the 17th century on the banks of the river of the same name, and you will discover with pleasure its pretty colonial architecture, with its black and white houses around the squares. Very lively, it has a population of diverse ethnic origin, and the synagogues and mosques live together without any problems. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops, and the historic center has been classified by UNESCO. To see: the presidential palace, the Saint Peter and Paul wooden cathedral, the Hindu temples, the markets, the fort Zeelandia and its museum.

The country is full of rivers and rivers: explore them in pirogue! You can go down the Tapanahoni River which is a tributary of the Maroni, on which you will have to pass several rapids before arriving in the region where the Wajana people live. There are other falls that should not be missed: Anora, Wonotobo, and Raleigh.

Venture into the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, in the center of the country, which is made up of a very dense rainforest, where the vegetation is queen, featuring fascinating landscapes. Another reserve is Galibi, on the Guyanese border, where sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach.

Mount Kasikasima overlooks the tropical forest and can be the occasion for an exciting adventure between hiking and canoeing. And also, lost in the jungle, discover the Amerindian village of Palumeu.

A visa is required to enter the country. You must also have your return ticket.

The current currency is the Suriname Guilder (SRG).

By air, there is no direct flight from France, you have to go through Cayenne, then by road, or stop in Amsterdam: you will then land at the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, 40 kilometers from Paramaribo.

In the country, there are virtually no roads, but mostly runways, to be covered only by 4X4: there is therefore navigation on rivers, or domestic flights, except on the coast, where one can easily find minibuses or Collective taxis.

Health: Get vaccinated against yellow fever (it is obligatory), typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. It is better to follow a treatment against malaria. Drink only bottled water, and eat your food well cooked.

Safety: For any trip in the jungle, you have to be accompanied by a guide. Avoid driving around the city outside the tourist areas, let alone outside the city.

Shopping: you will find gold jewelry, traditional crafts, but also a large selection of spices.