Backpacking Suriname: your ultimate guide to an adventurous start

Q: What is the difference between Bigi Pan and Bigi Pan Nature Reserve?

Bigi Pan refers to the vast wetland itself, while Bigi Pan Nature Reserve designates the officially protected area rich in waterfowl and caiman. Backpackers visit this reserve during the dry season for optimal bird-spotting opportunities. Access is often via boat excursions from Nieuw Nickerie, where local guides take you through mangrove forests and shallow lagoons. The area is known for its special flora and fauna that you will not find anywhere else in Suriname.

Q: Can I visit coffee plantations during my backpacking trip?

Absolutely! Coffee plantations Mariënbosch and other Coffee and cocoa plantations offer tours that fit perfectly with a backpacking budget. You will learn about colonial history and taste fresh coffee produced on site. Some plantations are located near Berg en Dal, so you can combine a visit with nature walks. These experiences provide insight into how Surinamese cuisine and agriculture are intertwined.

Q: Which airlines fly domestic routes in Suriname?

Blue Wings, Gum Air and Guyana Airways provide small-scale flights to remote regions such as the Marowijne area and the Upper Suriname River. These air connections are essential for backpackers who want to reach areas where no roads lead to. From JAP airport , these flights depart regularly, although schedules can be flexible depending on the wet season. Ideally, book well in advance and be aware of baggage weight restrictions on these small aircraft.

Q: What makes the Central Suriname Nature Reserve so special for backpackers?

The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its pristine Amazon forests and incredible biodiversity. With over 1.6 million hectares, it offers endless opportunities for multi-day trekking and wildlife spotting. Backpackers discover hidden waterfalls and camp accompanied by local guides representing indigenous communities . This area is rightly called Earth's Greenest Treasure and is regularly in the top 8 of undiscovered nature destinations according to travel experts.

Q: How does the Brokopondo reservoir function for tourism?

The Brokopondo reservoir, also called Brokopondo Lake , is an artificial reservoir that was built for hydroelectric energy. Backpackers use it as an access route to the deep interior through organized boat excursions. Along the way, you will pass drowned forests that rise above the surface of the water and spot exotic birds. The area around the lake offers simple accommodations with local communities. Some operators combine a visit to the reservoir with trekking to nearby nature reserves and hidden waterfalls.

Q: Which sights should I not miss in Paramaribo?

Fort Zeelandia is the historic heart of the capital and shows the colonial history of this Tropical old Netherlands. Walk through neighborhoods full of wooden mansions that perfectly reflect the colonial charm of colonial cities . The Torarica hotel in the city center serves as a landmark and meeting point for backpackers. Near the Suriname River , you will find local markets where you can taste moksi alesi and other authentic dishes. You can combine city tours with nature adventures for a complete experience.

Q: What are the best trails for adventurous backpackers?

The Jungle Adventure Route leads you along the Coppename River and through the Brownsberg Nature Park to Blanche Marie waterfalls. Along the way, you'll spend the night with indigenous communities and learn about traditional ways of life. Alternatively, the culture-rich city route offers a combination of colonial towns and plantation visits. For those who want both worlds, plan a trip via the East-West connection that connects all the highlights.

Q: Where can I taste authentic Surinamese food during my trip?

Try tjauw min at local markets in Paramaribo and moksi alesi at food stalls along the East West connection. Surinamese cuisine is a fusion of indigenous, Javanese, Chinese and Creole influences that you won't find anywhere else. In Nieuw Nickerie and the Marowijne area , family restaurants serve fresh fish and traditional stews. Also visit the surroundings of Coffee and cocoa plantations where you can buy local products directly. Local guides know the best places to eat outside of the standard tourist routes.

Q: How do I pay during my backpacking trip through Suriname?

Both the Surinamese Dollar and US Dollars are widely accepted, especially in Paramaribo and tourist areas such as Brownsberg nature park and Kabalebo Nature resort. In the Surinamese interior and among indigenous communities , cash is essential, because ATMs are scarce. Exchange enough money before heading towards the Coppename River or Upper Suriname River .

How do you prepare for a backpacking adventure through one of the most surprising countries in South America?

Door Suriname Travels redactie

Backpacking Suriname: your ultimate guide to an adventurous start

How do you prepare for a backpacking adventure through one of the most surprising countries in South America?

Why Suriname is the perfect backpacking country

Backpacking Suriname guarantees an unforgettable mix of dense Amazon rainforest, authentic indigenous communities and colonial charm in bustling cities. You will explore Central Suriname Nature Reserve, an area so vast that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and get to know the rich flora and fauna along the Suriname River. Whether you choose the culture-rich city route with its wooden mansions or the Jungle Adventure Route to hidden waterfalls, each route offers something unique.

Start your trip in the dry season for the best accessibility to nature parks such as Brownsberg Nature Park and Bigi Pan Nature Reserve. In the capital you can admire Fort Zeelandia and taste the Surinamese cuisine, such as moksi alesi and tjauw min. Don’t forget to arrange your yellow fever vaccination before you arrive via JAP airport. Payment can be made with both US Dollars and the Surinamese Dollar.

Things to Know Before You Go

Flight and arrival planning

You will land at JAP airport near Paramaribo, the starting point for every backpacker. Check if Blue Wings, Gum Air or Guyana Airways offers domestic flights to remote areas like the Marowijne area or Nieuw Nickerie. For those who prefer budget travel, local buses along the East-West connection are often the best option. Remember that a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and keep your vaccination certificate safe.

When to go

The dry season between February and August is ideal for backpackers who want to venture deep into the Surinamese interior. During the wet season, some trails to Blanche Marie waterfalls and the Indian Nature Reserve are more difficult to navigate, but nature is at its best. Lonely Planet mentions Suriname among the special countries that you can visit in any season, as long as you stay flexible with your Backpack itinerary Suriname.

Accommodation for every backpacker

In Paramaribo, you can find budget options near Torarica hotel, where you can taste the atmosphere of the colonial cities among the wooden mansions. For nature lovers, Kabalebo Nature resort along the Upper Suriname River is a unique base. Do you really want off-grid? Then consider staying with indigenous communities that offer simple but authentic accommodation.

Inland transport

Rent a 4×4 through Sunny Cars or Local Hero Travel if you want to drive independently to the Coppename river or the Brokopondo reservoir . Please note: the roads to the Central Suriname Nature Reserve require experience with off-road driving. For those traveling without a car, local operators organize boat excursions across Lake Brokopondo and towards the hydroelectric power plants. A Brazilian term for this kind of adventure is ‘selvagem’ – and that’s perfectly accurate.

Food along the way and local markets

Backpacking means tasting, and Suriname does not disappoint. In addition to moksi alesi and tjauw min , you will discover fresh products from coffee and cocoa plantations at local markets. In Nieuw Nickerie and along the Marowijne River, food stalls serve authentic dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Also visit the Mariënbosch Coffee Plantations for a tour that shows you how Surinamese cuisine is connected to the country itself.

Why Suriname is called Earth’s Greenest Treasure

This Tropical old Netherlands is in many top 8 of undiscovered nature destinations. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve covers more than 1.6 million hectares of Amazon forests, where hidden waterfalls and rare animal species cross your path. Riksja Travel and other specialists emphasize the value of slow travel through these areas.

Frequently asked questions

Which local travel agencies are available in Suriname?

Local Hero Travel and Riksja Travel are among the reliable agencies that offer authentic backpacking experiences. These agencies know the Surinamese interior through and through and organize tours to remote areas such as the Indian nature reserve and the Upper Suriname River. They offer small-group guidance with local guides who know the hidden gems.

What is the difference between Bigi Pan and Bigi Pan Nature Reserve?

Bigi Pan refers to the vast wetland itself, while Bigi Pan Nature Reserve designates the officially protected area rich in waterfowl and caiman. Backpackers visit this reserve during the dry season for optimal bird-spotting opportunities. Access is often via boat excursions from Nieuw Nickerie, where local guides take you through mangrove forests and shallow lagoons. The area is known for its special flora and fauna that you will not find anywhere else in Suriname.

Can I visit coffee plantations during my backpacking trip?

Absolutely! Coffee plantations Mariënbosch and other Coffee and cocoa plantations offer tours that fit perfectly with a backpacking budget. You will learn about colonial history and taste fresh coffee produced on site. Some plantations are located near Berg en Dal, so you can combine a visit with nature walks. These experiences provide insight into how Surinamese cuisine and agriculture are intertwined.

Which airlines fly domestic routes in Suriname?

Blue Wings, Gum Air and Guyana Airways provide small-scale flights to remote regions such as the Marowijne area and the Upper Suriname River. These air connections are essential for backpackers who want to reach areas where no roads lead to. From JAP airport , these flights depart regularly, although schedules can be flexible depending on the wet season. Ideally, book well in advance and be aware of baggage weight restrictions on these small aircraft.

What makes the Central Suriname Nature Reserve so special for backpackers?

The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its pristine Amazon forests and incredible biodiversity. With over 1.6 million hectares, it offers endless opportunities for multi-day trekking and wildlife spotting. Backpackers discover hidden waterfalls and camp accompanied by local guides representing indigenous communities . This area is rightly called Earth's Greenest Treasure and is regularly in the top 8 of undiscovered nature destinations according to travel experts.

How does the Brokopondo reservoir function for tourism?

The Brokopondo reservoir, also called Brokopondo Lake , is an artificial reservoir that was built for hydroelectric energy. Backpackers use it as an access route to the deep interior through organized boat excursions. Along the way, you will pass drowned forests that rise above the surface of the water and spot exotic birds. The area around the lake offers simple accommodations with local communities. Some operators combine a visit to the reservoir with trekking to nearby nature reserves and hidden waterfalls.

Which sights should I not miss in Paramaribo?

Fort Zeelandia is the historic heart of the capital and shows the colonial history of this Tropical old Netherlands. Walk through neighborhoods full of wooden mansions that perfectly reflect the colonial charm of colonial cities . The Torarica hotel in the city center serves as a landmark and meeting point for backpackers. Near the Suriname River , you will find local markets where you can taste moksi alesi and other authentic dishes. You can combine city tours with nature adventures for a complete experience.

What are the best trails for adventurous backpackers?

The Jungle Adventure Route leads you along the Coppename River and through the Brownsberg Nature Park to Blanche Marie waterfalls. Along the way, you'll spend the night with indigenous communities and learn about traditional ways of life. Alternatively, the culture-rich city route offers a combination of colonial towns and plantation visits. For those who want both worlds, plan a trip via the East-West connection that connects all the highlights.

Where can I taste authentic Surinamese food during my trip?

Try tjauw min at local markets in Paramaribo and moksi alesi at food stalls along the East West connection. Surinamese cuisine is a fusion of indigenous, Javanese, Chinese and Creole influences that you won't find anywhere else. In Nieuw Nickerie and the Marowijne area , family restaurants serve fresh fish and traditional stews. Also visit the surroundings of Coffee and cocoa plantations where you can buy local products directly. Local guides know the best places to eat outside of the standard tourist routes.

How do I pay during my backpacking trip through Suriname?

Both the Surinamese Dollar and US Dollars are widely accepted, especially in Paramaribo and tourist areas such as Brownsberg nature park and Kabalebo Nature resort. In the Surinamese interior and among indigenous communities , cash is essential, because ATMs are scarce. Exchange enough money before heading towards the Coppename River or Upper Suriname River .