Paramaribo

1. Explore the UNESCO Historic Inner City

Paramaribo’s wooden colonial architecture is one of a kind—Dutch design blended with Caribbean and local influences.
Top sights include:

• Presidential Palace (exterior) and Independence Square

• Old wooden merchant houses

• Historic wooden streets lined with cafes and verandas

This is the heart of the city and best explored on foot.

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2. Visit the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral

A massive wooden basilica and one of the largest wooden churches in the Western Hemisphere.
Inside, warm timber arches and diffused light give it a quiet, ethereal feel.
A must-see landmark.

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3. Walk the Waterkant Riverside Boulevard

A scenic promenade along the Suriname River.
Do here:

• Grab street food

• Watch cargo boats, water taxis, and sunsets

• Sit at small bars or cafés with river views

It’s Paramaribo’s most iconic social space.

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4. Tour Fort Zeelandia

A 17th-century Dutch fort overlooking the river, now housing a museum.
Explore:

• Colonial military buildings

• Exhibits on Surinamese history and resistance

• Views of the river and old city

5. Relax in the Palmentuin (Palm Garden)

A tranquil public park filled with tall royal palms.
Great for shade, wandering, and photography.

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6. Explore Local Markets

Suriname’s multicultural blend is best experienced in local markets:

• Central Market: fresh fruit, snacks, spices, Surinamese ingredients

• Chinese Market: noodles, roast meats, pastries

• Sunday markets featuring Javanese, Maroon, and Hindustani foods

Street food lovers will be very happy here.

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7. Visit the Keizerstraat Mosque & Neveh Shalom Synagogue

Standing side by side, this mosque–synagogue pairing is an iconic symbol of Suriname’s religious harmony.
Both are architecturally unique and photogenic.

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8. Discover Suriname’s Multicultural Cuisine

Top experiences:

• Roti shops (Hindustani)

• Javanese Warungs in Blauwgrond: bami, nasi, satay, saoto soup

• Creole dishes: peanut soup, pom, cassava bread

• Fresh river fish grilled on the spot

 

A food tour is one of the best ways to feel the city’s soul.

9. Visit Commewijne District (Short Day Trip)

Just across the river, this rural district offers:

• Old plantation ruins (Frederiksdorp, Mariënburg)

• Wooden colonial houses

• Riverbank villages

• Cycling routes along quiet roads

Many travelers do a boat-and-bike tour here.

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10. Explore Peperpot Nature Park

Located just outside the city, but close enough to treat as a Paramaribo activity.
Perfect for:

• Monkey and sloth spotting

• Birdwatching (toucans, parrots, tanagers)

• Walking shaded forest trails

• Seeing restored plantation structures

It’s one of Suriname’s top wildlife experiences.

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11. Enjoy Paramaribo’s Nightlife

The city has a relaxed but lively evening scene:

• Riverfront bars and beer gardens

• Small clubs playing Caribbean, Surinamese, and Latin music

• Late-night street food around Blauwgrond

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12. Take a Suriname River Sunset Cruise

Short cruises depart near the Waterkant.
Views include:

• Paramaribo skyline

• River islands

• Quiet mangrove-lined shores

 

A calm, atmospheric way to end the day.

 

What Is There to Do in Brownsberg Nature Park

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1. Hike to Brownsberg’s Waterfalls

Brownsberg is known for several rewarding jungle trails leading to secluded waterfalls. The most popular ones include:

• Leo Falls

A steep but scenic trail descending into dense rainforest; great for spotting monkeys and birds. The falls cascade down a moss-lined rock wall—perfect for cooling off.

• Irene Falls

One of the most photogenic spots in the park. A slender waterfall that drops into a rocky clearing surrounded by thick foliage. The trail offers excellent wildlife encounters.

• Mazaroni Falls (optional)

A bit more remote but peaceful and less visited.

All waterfall hikes offer a classic Surinamese rainforest experience: thick canopy, vines, orchids, frogs, and humidity that hits the moment you step into the forest.

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2. Enjoy Panoramic Views Over Brokopondo Reservoir

From various viewpoints on the plateau, you get vast sweeping views over the Brokopondo Reservoir—an enormous artificial lake dotted with tree stumps from the flooded forest.

Top viewpoints:

• Mazaroni Plateau

• Brownsberg Lookout

• Stone Island viewpoint (from nearby)

These are some of the best panoramic scenes in Suriname.

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3. Spot Wildlife (Monkeys, Birds & More)

Brownsberg is one of the easiest places in Suriname for wildlife viewing. You may encounter:

🟢 Red howler monkeys (often heard before seen)
🟢 White-faced capuchins
🟢 Spider monkeys (more elusive)
🟢 Agoutis
🟢 Sloths
🟢 Toucans, parrots, hummingbirds
🟢 Frogs, butterflies, insects

The early morning and late afternoon are the best times for animal activity.

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4. Go Birdwatching in a Tropical Biodiversity Zone

With over 350 bird species, Brownsberg is a paradise for bird lovers. Expect:

• Harpy eagle (rare but possible)

• Macaws and parrots

• Motmots

• Manakins

• Trogons

Guided birding tours are available and highly recommended.

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5. Hike the Rainforest Trails

Brownsberg offers a network of trails with varying difficulty:

• Easy: shorter walks near the visitor center

• Moderate: routes to lookouts

• Challenging: waterfall trails with steep descents and ascents

All trails pass through rich primary rainforest with towering buttress-root trees.

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6. Stay Overnight at an Eco-Lodge

Brownsberg has rustic accommodation options near the plateau’s edge.
Staying overnight gives you:

• Morning fog over the Brokopondo Lake

• Night sounds of howler monkeys and tree frogs

• Cooler temperatures

• Better chances for wildlife sightings

A classic Surinamese jungle experience.

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7. Night Walks for Nocturnal Creatures

Guides can take you into the forest after dark to look for:

• Tree frogs

• Tarantulas

• Nocturnal birds

• Bats

• Caimans (on specific routes nearby)

The rainforest transforms completely at night.

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8. Learn About the Park’s Ecology

The visitor center provides background on:

• Suriname’s rainforest ecosystems

• Local fauna and flora

• Conservation efforts

• Indigenous and Maroon communities living in the region

Brownsberg forms the northern edge of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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9. Photography (Landscapes & Wildlife)

Brownsberg is ideal for:

• Misty rainforest shots

• Wide lake-view panoramas

• Waterfalls framed by green walls

• Macaws and monkeys

• Dramatic clouds rolling over the plateau

 

Bring a protective cover for your camera—the moisture is intense.

What Is There to Do on the Brokopondo Reservoir

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1. Take a Boat Trip Through the Flooded Forest

Brokopondo’s most iconic sight is the forest submerged during the creation of the reservoir—thousands of tree trunks rising from the water like ghostly sculptures.

Boat trips allow you to:

• Navigate between skeletal tree columns

• Photograph surreal landscapes

• Learn about the reservoir’s history

• Observe quiet coves and small islets

This is one of Suriname’s most photogenic environments.

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2. Visit Stone Island

Stone Island (Ston Eiland) is the most accessible recreational area on the lake.

You can:

• Swim in clear lake water

• Rent boats or paddle around the shoreline

• Picnic at shaded shelters

• Enjoy panoramic viewpoints over the lake

• Stay in simple cabins for a lakeside overnight

Great for families and relaxed travelers.

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3. Go Fishing on the Reservoir

The lake supports healthy fish populations thanks to nutrient-rich floodwaters.

Common catches include:

• Tucunare (Peacock Bass)

• Piranha

• Patshe (catfish varieties)

Locals often offer guided fishing trips from villages around the lake.

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4. Stay at a Lakeside Lodge

Several lodges and eco-resorts near the lake provide access to water activities. From these you can:

• Enjoy wildlife sounds at night

• Watch sunrise over the reservoir

• Swim off the docks

• Relax in hammocks overlooking the lake

• Join guided walks into the surrounding rainforest

Lodges near Brownsberg are most popular.

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5. Hike to Brownsberg’s Overlooks Above the Lake

Though not on the reservoir, the Brownsberg Nature Park sits right above it and offers spectacular viewpoints.

From the Mazaroni Plateau and other lookout points, you can:

• Photograph the lake from high elevation

• Spot monkeys and birds

• Watch mist rise over the water at dawn

It’s one of the best ways to appreciate the scale of Brokopondo.

6. Visit Lakeside Villages

Around the reservoir are small Maroon communities where visitors can learn about:

• Traditional Saramaccan and Aucan culture

• Local crafts

• River-based lifestyles

• Community fishing practices

Visits should be arranged respectfully through tour operators or local guides.

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7. Learn About the Afobaka Dam

The reservoir exists because of the Afobaka Dam, an important hydroelectric project.

At the dam area, you can:

• View the massive structure from observation points

• Learn about Suriname’s electricity and aluminum production history

• See how the Suriname River transforms into the reservoir

It’s a worthwhile stop on the drive to Stone Island.

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8. Wildlife Observation

Although the lake itself is open water, its edges and islands are rich in wildlife. Visitors may see:

• Parrots & macaws

• Monkeys in shoreline trees

• Waterbirds

• Occasional caimans in quieter areas

Morning and late afternoon are best for nature viewing.

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9. Kayaking & Canoeing

Some lodges and picnic areas offer kayak rentals.

Perfect for:

• Exploring narrow channels

• Getting close to flooded trees

• Enjoying calm water at sunrise or sunset

A peaceful way to experience Brokopondo.

What Is There to Do in Atjoni

Atjoni itself is a small riverside settlement, but it plays a major role as the launch point for all travel deeper into the rainforest and to Maroon villages along the Upper Suriname River. Most activities revolve around river life, culture, and nature.

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1. Watch the Korjaals (Traditional Wooden Canoes) Depart

Atjoni’s docks are full of long, beautifully carved wooden boats called korjaals, used by Saramaccan Maroons to travel between villages.

Here you can:

• Observe boats loading goods, passengers, and supplies

• Take photos of the vibrant river activity

• Watch skilled captains navigate the rapids

• Experience the heartbeat of rainforest transportation

It’s one of the most culturally authentic scenes in Suriname.

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2. Take a Boat Trip Up the Upper Suriname River

This is the main reason travelers come to Atjoni. You can board a korjaal to reach:

• Anaula Nature Resort

• Isadou Island Lodge

• Kwamalasamutu (farther interior)

• Raleighvallen (with multiple boat transfers)

• Saramaccan Maroon villages like Pikin Slee, Laduani, Asindohopo

Along the river you’ll see:

• Dense rainforest

• Island rapids

• Fishermen

• Stilted riverside homes

• Kids playing in the water

This is one of Suriname's most beautiful river journeys.

3. Visit Saramaccan Maroon Villages (Via Boat)

While Atjoni is the entry point, the cultural experience lies upriver.

From Atjoni you can arrange visits to:

• Pikin Slee – the region’s cultural center

• Laduani – a common stop on the river route

• Other small villages where traditional life continues largely unchanged

Activities include:

• Meeting community members

• Learning about Maroon crafts and drum-making

• Seeing woodcarvings and traditional houses

• Cultural performances (when arranged respectfully)

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4. Visit the Saamaka Museum (via boat from Atjoni)

Located in Pikin Slee, the Saamaka Museum offers one of the best introductions to Maroon history and culture.

You'll learn about:

• Traditional Saramaccan spiritual beliefs

• Woodcarving heritage

• Village history

• Art, crafts, and daily life

This stop is often included in multi-day river tours.

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5. Relax at Atjoni’s Riverside Area

While Atjoni is mostly a transit point, you can still enjoy:

• Riverside benches and small huts

• Watching daily life unfold on the river

• Buying drinks or snacks from small stalls

• Photographing the merging of rainforest and riverlines

It’s lively but scenic.

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6. Buy Local Snacks & Drinks

Atjoni has small shops where travelers and locals pick up supplies.

You may find:

• Local baked goods

• Snacks for the boat ride

• Cold soft drinks or beer

• Basic provisions

It’s a good place to stock up before heading upriver.

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7. Organize Your Multi-Day Jungle Stay

Atjoni is where you join boats going to:

• Eco-lodges (Anaula, Isadou, Pasensie, etc.)

• Jungle resort stays

• Village homestays

Guides often wait at the docks, but it’s easiest to arrange tours beforehand.

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8. Photography & Videography

Atjoni is excellent for capturing:

• Boats gliding through brown river water

• Forest-covered banks

• The organized chaos of the docks

• Traditional craftsmanship of canoe-building

Morning and evening offer the best light.

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What Atjoni Is Not

It’s important to set expectations:

• Atjoni is not a tourist town

• It has no major attractions beyond the river docks

• Its purpose is transport, culture, and access to the interior

But as the starting point for journeys into Suriname’s heartland, it’s essential and fascinating.

What Is There to Do in Peperpot Nature Park

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1. Walk the Shaded Forest Trails

Peperpot is filled with quiet, well-marked walking paths that take you through:

• Secondary rainforest

• Old plantation roads

• Marshy canals

• Bamboo thickets and hanging vines

These trails are flat and easy, making them accessible for all fitness levels.

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2. Spot Sloths, Monkeys, and Wildlife

This is the closest wildlife hotspot to Paramaribo, and sightings are frequent.

Animals commonly seen include:
🟢 Sloths (two- and three-toed)
🟢 Red howler monkeys
🟢 Squirrel monkeys
🟢 Capuchin monkeys
🟢 Agoutis
🟢 Armadillos (more rare)

Peperpot is especially good for travelers who want rainforest fauna without long travel times.

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3. Enjoy Excellent Birdwatching

With over 200 bird species, Peperpot is a major birding destination.

Common species include:

• Toucans & aracaris

• Motmots

• Herons and kingfishers along the canal

• Woodpeckers

• Tanagers

• Parrots and parakeets

Early morning is best.

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4. Explore the Historic Plantation Buildings

Peperpot was a coffee and cocoa plantation founded in the 1700s. Several structures have been restored, including:

• Drying sheds

• Processing buildings

• Old colonial houses

These stand as reminders of Suriname’s plantation era and are excellent for photography.

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5. Walk or Cycle Through the Park

Bicycles are allowed on the main paths, making Peperpot a great half-day cycling trip from Paramaribo or nearby communities.

Cycling offers:

• More coverage of trails

• Easier access to birding hotspots

• A relaxing way to see both forest and plantation landscapes

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6. Explore the Canal Areas

The water channels running through the park attract dozens of species.

Here you may see:

• Kingfishers diving

• Herons stalking fish

• Caimans sunning (occasionally)

• Turtles on logs

These areas are also excellent for reflection photography.

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7. Visit the Small Visitor Area / Rest Stops

Near the entrance, small shelters and picnic spots allow you to:

• Take a break

• Enjoy the forest scenery

• Watch for wildlife passing through

The area is quiet, peaceful, and family-friendly.

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8. Learn About Local Ecology

Interpretive signs throughout the park explain:

• Animal habitats

• Forest succession

• Bird species

• The plantation’s history

It’s a good educational stop, especially for travelers interested in Suriname’s environment.

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9. Photography

Peperpot is great for photography due to its diversity:

• Close-up wildlife shots

• Forest trails with dramatic light

• Reflections in the canal

• Historic plantation ruins

• Tropical flowers and vines

It’s one of the most photogenic locations near Paramaribo.

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10. Combine With a Visit to Commewijne

Peperpot sits in the Commewijne district, making it easy to pair with:

• Frederiksdorp plantation

• Mariënburg plantation ruins

• Cycling tours through the countryside

A perfect full-day nature + heritage trip.