Things to Do in Suriname

About Suriname

Where the Amazon rainforest meets Dutch colonial architecture and Caribbean rhythms blend with Javanese traditions, Suriname stands as South America's most intriguing cultural mosaic. This small nation harbors extraordinary diversity within its borders—a place where synagogues stand beside mosques, where pristine wilderness covers 90% of the land, and where languages from five continents echo through vibrant streets. Here lies a destination that has remained refreshingly untouched by mass tourism, offering travelers an authentic encounter with one of the world's most multicultural societies.

Travel Tips

• Currency & Cash: Bring US dollars or euros for exchange, as Surinamese dollars (SRD) are difficult to obtain abroad and ATMs frequently run out of cash; many businesses in Paramaribo accept USD directly.

• Language: While Dutch is the official language, learning a few phrases in Sranan Tongo (the local creole) will greatly enhance your interactions, as it's widely spoken across all ethnic groups and shows cultural respect.

• Interior Travel: Book rainforest lodges and river transport to interior destinations like Palumeu or Raleighvallen well in advance through tour operators, as independent travel into the jungle is extremely difficult without local guides and proper permits.

• Food Safety: Embrace the diverse street food scene including roti, bami, and pom, which is generally safe to eat at busy stalls, but always drink bottled or filtered water as tap water in Paramaribo is not recommended for visitors.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Suriname is during the short dry season from mid-August through November, when temperatures hover around 27-31°C (81-88°F) with lower humidity and minimal rainfall (averaging 100-150mm monthly), making it ideal for exploring the interior rainforests, visiting Brownsberg Nature Park, and spotting sea turtles nesting at Galibi Nature Reserve from February through August, with peak activity in April-July. February brings the vibrant Suriname Jazz Festival and the multicultural Phagwasession (Hindu spring festival), while November features Diwali celebrations that illuminate Paramaribo's streets, though these events can drive up accommodation prices by 30-40%. The long rainy season (late April through mid-August) brings intense downpours with 200-400mm of monthly rainfall and oppressive 85-95% humidity that can make jungle treks uncomfortable and render some interior roads impassable, though budget travelers benefit from 20-25% lower hotel rates and fewer tourists at popular sites like the colonial UNESCO-listed Paramaribo waterfront. Avoid the short rainy season (December through early February) when brief but heavy afternoon showers disrupt outdoor activities and river levels can fluctuate dramatically, potentially canceling planned boat trips to indigenous villages along the Suriname River, though temperatures remain relatively pleasant at 26-29°C (79-84°F).