Enjoy a unique holiday to Suriname, a former Dutch colony with multi-ethnic communities, dense rainforest and a charming colonial city, Paramaribo. Book with Journey Latin America.
Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in ethnic diversity. Its friendly inhabitants are a cultural melting pot of Dutch and British colonialists, Amerindians, Chinese, Indians and Maroons. The country can be divided into two main regions – the northern lowland coastal area, where most of the population lives, and the dense tropical rainforest and sparsely inhabited savannah, which covers the rest of the country.
Your bespoke Suriname holiday awaits
The biggest attraction of the country for visitors is its unique ethnic and social fabric. The inland forest is occupied by small communities of Amerindians and descendants of African slaves, the Maroons, who escaped into the jungle in the 17th and 18th centuries, and live scattered along the banks of its major rivers.
The Dutch colonial centre of Paramaribo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also a melting pot of religious cultures, including Jews who moved here from Jodensavanne – home of one of the oldest synagogues in the Americas. The wilderness interior is somewhat impenetrable and accessed by river, forest road or light aircraft.
Travellers rate our tours 97% on AITO and 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor!
Visit Suriname for…
From its UNESCO-listed colonial capital to remote Maroon villages deep in the rainforest, Suriname offers off-the-beaten-track adventure unlike anywhere else in South America.
- Paramaribo’s colonial heritage – Wander past wooden colonial-era buildings along Waterkant and discover mosques, synagogues and churches standing side by side in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Maroon communities – Travel by motorised canoe to remote villages where descendants of escaped African slaves maintain centuries-old traditions deep in the rainforest interior.
- Pristine rainforest – Navigate the Upper Suriname River through dense jungle, where caimans bask on muddy banks, howler monkeys chatter from the canopy and river birds dive for fish.
- Remarkable ethnic diversity – Dutch, African, Amerindian, Chinese, Indian and Javanese influences create a cultural mix found nowhere else in the region.
- Plantation heritage – Explore abandoned coffee and sugar estates in the Commewijne District, where crumbling colonial infrastructure is slowly being reclaimed by jungle.
- Wildlife encounters – Spot dolphins at sunset on the Commewijne River and search for caiman after dark on evening boat trips into the interior.
Why Suriname with Journey Latin America?
We've been planning trips to Latin America since 1980 – and our team have lived, worked and travelled across the region ever since. That firsthand knowledge means we'll help you find the destination that suits you, from the routes worth taking to the places worth staying.
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Suriname holidays and tours
Suriname holidays with Journey Latin America take you deep into this fascinating corner of South America. Whether you choose a Private Journey exploring Paramaribo's colonial architecture and Maroon villages along the Suriname River, or join a small Group Tour through all three Guianas, we'll create unforgettable experiences in this remarkable country.
Group - Discovery
/ Guyana / Suriname / French Guiana
Coq of the Rock: Trailblazing the Guianas
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Suriname
Cultural Suriname
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Suriname / French Guiana / Guyana
Discovering The Hidden Guianas
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Places to stay in Suriname
Paramaribo offers the widest accommodation choice, from guesthouses to comfortable hotels near the historic centre. In the Upper Suriname River region, remote lodges accessed by motorised canoe from Atjoni offer simple but comfortable accommodation deep in the rainforest – wooden cabins with mosquito nets, river views from verandas and full board dining. Most itineraries split time between Paramaribo’s cultural comforts and interior lodges’ wilderness settings.
Awasi Iguazú is a first class superior lodge offering exclusive, personalised guided adventures from luxury accommodation.
Welcoming, modern little hotel that offers a good value base for exploring Iguazú Falls.
First-class property of understated elegance on the jungle-lined road to Iguazú Falls with excellent facilities and sophisticated design.
When to visit
Tropical in climate, Suriname has roughly four seasons, and the best time to visit is in the dry season from February-April and August-November. However, rain can fall at any time of year, and it’s always hot and humid, with average daily temperatures between 21 and 32°C.
A guide to the seasons
The short dry season (February-April) offers good conditions for travel, though the temperature remains hot and humid with the chance of a short downpour. The long dry season (August-November) is the best time to visit – September and October are the warmest but also the driest months.
The rainy seasons run from December-January (short) and late April-July (long). Temperatures remain high and it can be oppressively humid. Suriname lies outside the hurricane zone, and the most extreme weather condition is the ‘sibibusi’, a torrential rain shower which passes quickly.
Start planning your Suriname holiday today
You can contact our Travel Experts if you feel inspired to book a holiday. We have over 40 years of experience in organising award-winning trips to Central and South America, so you can trust us to book an exciting trip for you.
Things to do in Suriname
From exploring a UNESCO-listed colonial capital to navigating rainforest rivers by motorised canoe, Suriname’s experiences are as diverse as its population.
Take a guided tour of one of South America's most unique capitals, where Dutch architecture meets diverse cultural influences.
Experience a way of life little removed from West Africa in the Maroon communities descended from escaped slaves.
FAQs about visiting Suriname
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Suriname?
The Ministry of Health in Suriname advises passengers travelling to Suriname to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. This is also valid for travellers departing from Suriname towards countries in the Caribbean region. You will be required to present your ’International Certificate of Vaccination’ booklet, which will be checked before departure. You may be denied entree to any country if you fail to present this document. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
When is the best time to visit Suriname?
Suriname has a tropical humid climate. There is a short rainy season from Dec-Jan and Apr-Jul. The most pleasant times to visit are the dry seasons Feb-Apr and Aug-Nov. Throughout the year the average daily temperature varies between 21 and 32°C. Suriname lies outside the hurricane zone and the most extreme weather condition is the “sibibusi” (forest broom), a torrential rain shower which passes quickly.
What is the official language of Suriname?
The official languages of Suriname are Dutch, English and Sranan Tongo, originally the language of the creoles.
What is the official currency of Suriname?
The official currency of Suriname is the Suriname guilder. Currently, only one bank, the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT) has ATMs which accept foreign ATM Visa cards. You can exchange currency at banks, hotels, and official exchange houses; in no circumstances change money on the street. Only a few tourist-inclined establishments accept credit cards.
What is the time difference between Suriname and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Suriname is GMT-4 hours.
Do I need a visa for Suriname?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
What vaccinations do I need for Suriname?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
What other countries combine well with Suriname?
A visit to the two other Guianas, which sit alongside Suriname on the coast: Guyana, the former British Guiana and Guyane, still a French overseas département. It’s not easy to do independently: we recommend you join our annual small group guided tour, named Coq of the Rock.
How long is the flight from the UK to Suriname?
Average flight time to Paramaribo is 12 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK to Suriname; popular routes involve a change in Amsterdam.
What are the festivals, cultural events in Suriname?
The religious festivals of all the main religions represented by the population are celebrated, Christian Christmas and Easter; Hindu Diwali; Muslim Eid al-Adha and Amerindian Mashramani.
Suriname Jazz Festival, Paramaribo; Oct.
Surifesta, Paramaribo; mid Dec-Jan. A festival of shows, street parties, parades and flower markets.
Expert tips on visiting Suriname
“Suriname is one of those places that surprises people. The cultural mix in Paramaribo is unlike anything else in South America – you’ll eat roti for lunch and rijsttafel for dinner. And the river journey into Maroon territory is a real adventure: once the road ends at Atjoni, you’re in a different world entirely.”
Ready to plan your 2026/27 Suriname holiday?
You can contact our Travel Experts if you feel inspired to book a holiday. We have over 40 years of experience in organising award-winning trips to Central and South America, so you can trust us to book an exciting trip for you.
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