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This adventurous journey seamlessly blends the stunning flora and fauna with the best of Surinamese culture. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature and connect with the diverse and warm-hearted Surinamese population.
Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders

Rea
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Roundtrip Information
Program
Day 1 – Flight Amsterdam – Paramaribo
Day 2 – City walk through the historic center of Paramaribo
Day 3 – Saramacca, Coronie and to Bigi Pan
Day 4 – Exploring Bigi Pan
Day 5 – The Zeedijk and local market in Nieuw Nickerie, Groningen and to Peperpot
Day 6 – Visit to Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam, Mariënburg and Frederiksdorp
Day 7 – Day at leisure; discover Peperpot or optionally look for dolphins or turtles
Day 8 – Jodensavanne and to Afobaka (cooking course – Surinamese cuisine)
Day 9 – Hike to Brownsberg in the Brokopondo district
Day 10 – By motorized dugout canoe to the island of Isadou
Day 11 – Isadou Tropical Rainforest: (Maroon Village and Caiman Spotting)
Day 12 – Rainforest walk
Day 13 – Back to Paramaribo
Day 14 – Day at leisure – possibility of optional excursion
Day 15 – Flight Paramaribo – Amsterdam
Day 16 – Arrival at Schiphol
Day 1: Amsterdam – ParamariboFlight to Suriname. After arrival at the airport we are transferred to the hotel in Paramaribo, where we will stay for two nights.
Travel distance: Approx. 50 km
Meals: None
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Kook
Day 2: City walk through monumental ParamariboThe historic center of Paramaribo is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to the special buildings, such as the wooden Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, the ethnic groups that live together here are characteristic of the city. During a city walk we discover the rich history that lies behind the beautiful wooden facades of the various buildings. We also see Independence Square, where several historic buildings are located, such as the radiant white presidential palace: a real eye-catcher.
Travel distance: Approx. 0 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 3: To Bigi Pan
We leave the capital of Suriname and travel west. Via the districts Saramacca and Coronie we drive to Nickerie. On the way we stop in the fishing village Boskamp, where freshly caught fish is traded and smoked. In the coconut district of Coronie, where thousands of swaying palm trees adorn the landscape, we see that the slave houses have been preserved in their original style. The first plantations were established here by the British and Scots in the early 19th century. Names like Burnside and Mary’s Hope recall that distant past. After a visit to a rice plantation on the way, we get on the boat and sail in an hour to an eco-friendly resort on the waters of Bigi Pan. We will stay two nights in this special place. After dinner we board again, this time to spot caimans and snakes.
Travel distance: Approx. 250 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: 2 person room (no air conditioning) / shared bath & toilet
Day 4: Welcome to bird paradise!
Set the alarm early and settle in on your balcony before the sun rises. Large flocks of birds leave their roosts at this time: a great spectacle! In the migratory bird season (October-March) we board the boat before breakfast for a birding tour. There are no fewer than 122 bird species in the area, of which 72 species can be observed all year round, such as the characteristic scarlet ibis. The rest of the morning you can book optional activities like: kayaking or traditional crab fishing. In the afternoon there is an extensive boat trip through the swamp to enjoy the special flora and fauna in this enormous nature reserve. In the migratory bird season, this tour ends at the sleeping place of the migratory birds. You witness a magical event as thousands of birds color the sky, looking for their place to sleep for the night.
Travel distance: 0 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: 2 person room (no air conditioning) / shared bath & toilet
Day 5: Nieuw Nickerie, Groningen and to Peperpot
The morning is at leisure. Make sure to enjoy the serene surroundings, the flying birds and the wonderful view from your balcony. After lunch we leave for Nieuw Nickerie, the city that lies close to the border with neighboring Guyana and is surrounded by rice fields. We see the Zeedijk, which protects the city from the ocean, and we take a stroll at the local market located on Brassaplein. After this we continue our journey to the Commewijne district. On the way we first make a stop in the town of Groningen, the capital of the horticultural district Saramacca. In 1845, emigrated Dutch farmers founded a settlement here for the first time in Surinamese history, hoping to build a better life. In the early evening we arrive at our boutique hotel, which is located on one of the oldest coffee and cocoa plantations on the Suriname River and adjacent to the Peperpot Nature Park. We stay here for three nights. 2
Travel distance: Approx. 260 km
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 6: The Commewijne areaDue to the great fertility of the Commewijne area, large plantations were established here from the 17th century by (mainly) the Dutch settlers. Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam was later built on the spot where the Commewijne River flows into the Suriname River to protect the area against attacks by pirates and runaway slaves. After the abolition of slavery in 1863, the plantation culture came to an end, but many of the old plantations can still be visited today. We begin our exploration of the area at Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, which is now an open-air museum. After this we go to the former factory site of Mariënburg. An expert guide will show us around. His fascinating stories about the turbulent past of the former sugar factory bring the ruins to life and take you back to the days of the indentured servants, who worked here under appalling conditions. Finally, we sail across the Commewijne River to Frederiksdorp, where the most beautiful, restored plantation homes in Suriname are located. We take a walk on the former coffee plantation. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a colonial atmosphere (costs not included). (approx. 70 km)
Travel Distance: Approx. 70km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 7: Explore the Commewijne area
The day is at leisure. Our overnight address offers plenty of options for a wonderful day! Plantation Peperpot is one of the oldest plantations in Suriname. A place that breathes history and where nature can be admired up close. There are old plantation buildings on the site and when the plantation fell out of use and was abandoned, a secondary forest was created, which is now protected by the World Wildlife Fund. You can take a walk or rent a canoe or exploring the area by bike. Be sure to look out for sloths, monkeys and many bird species in the nature park! You can also look for dolphins today (cost not included)! You will sail on the Suriname River in a traditional Surinamese tent boat and look for these special animals. We go ashore at the former Rust & Werk plantation. Delicious local snacks are served here and you can take a walk. A relaxed way to spend the day!
Travel distance: 0 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Particularities:
During the turtle season you can take an excursion (cost not included) to the beaches where huge sea turtles lay their eggs. A unique opportunity to witness this special natural phenomenon! The turtle season runs from February to July. The best time to spot turtles is from the second half of February to the first half of July. It is also possible outside of that, but the chance that you will actually spot turtles is smaller.
To avoid disappointment, it is a good idea to discuss/book the activities at Peperpot with the tour guide upon arrival in Suriname.
Day 8: Jodensavanne and to Afobaka
In the middle of the jungle, on the Cassipura creek near the Suriname River, are the remains of Jodensavanne. The first Sephardic Jews arrived here around 1640. The various sugar plantations they built flourished. We see the ruins of the synagogue and the old cemeteries, now overgrown by the jungle. We travel to the Brokopondo district, of which no less than half of the surface is covered by the reservoir of the same name. Near the dam is the small village of Afobaka, where we stay for two nights in a jungle resort on the Suriname River. A cook will stay with us for the next two days, who will teach us the intricacies of Surinamese cuisine. Together we prepare delicious meals!
Travel distance: approx. 100 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / shared bath & toilet
Particularities:
One of the two evenings there will be a cooking course. During this course, a dish is made from the delicious Surinamese cuisine.
Day 9: Hike to the BrownsbergFrom the 500 meter high Brownsberg in the Brokopondo district we have a magnificent view of the nearby reservoir. During a walk we see the idyllic waterfalls and we can come face to face with various animals, such as a agouti, a rodent that only occurs in the Amazon, and all kinds of colorful birds. With a bit of luck, we will also see some monkey species, such as the howler monkey.
Travel distance: approx. 50 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / shared bath & toilet
Particularities:
For the mountain hike it is advisable to wear closed shoes with a good grip. It is also recommended to wear long trousers
Day 10: To Isadou IslandWe travel to Atjoni and board a motorized dugout canoe. This will take us to the island of Isadou in the Upper Suriname River, where we will stay for three nights. Here, deep in the interior of the mystical Surinamese Amazon rainforest, a serene peace reigns! In this part of the river we see impressive rapids and small sandy beaches form at low tide. After arrival we settle into our simple cabañas. Then we are spoiled with a delicious hot lunch. Will you then take a refreshing dip in the river and enjoy the fascinating sulas (water rapids)
Travel distance: approx. 120 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: 2 person room (without air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 11: The tropical rainforest of IsadouWe walk through the village of Jaw Jaw and visit other nearby Maroon villages. The hospitable Saramaccan population is very proud of their culture and are happy to introduce us to their age-old habits and customs. Due to the isolated life deep in the rainforest, these have remained untouched. In the afternoon there is time for relaxation again. You can swim or read a book in a hammock. After dinner you will be joining an exciting night excursion were you are going to spot caimans in a canoe!
Travel distance: 0 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: 2 person room (without air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 12: Hike through the rainforest
After breakfast we get into the dugout canoe to be dropped off for an educational walk through the jungle. Among other things, our guide tells us about the medicinal plants in the area. Back at the lodge you can take a cooling dip in the river. On the shore, only the sounds of croaking frogs, singing birds and roaring monkeys break the silence. In the evening we enjoy our stay in the rainforest one last time by a crackling campfire.
Travel distance: 0 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: 2 person room (without air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 13: Back to Paramaribo
We travel back to Paramaribo, where we stay two nights 20 kilometers south of the city center in the beautiful Houttuyn Resort.
Travel distance: approx. 200 km
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 14: Free dayThe day is at leisure. Take a dip in the swimming pool, relax in the jacuzzi or enjoy a good book from a lounge chair with a beautiful view of the Suriname River! Of course you can take a taxi to Paramaribo, to taste some atmosphere there. Or are you going on an excursion to the largest botanical garden in Suriname (costs not included)? Lovers of exotic plants and flowers can indulge themselves here. Afterwards you will visit Pikin Sranan, an organic farm, where you will receive an explanation about the natural medicinal herbs. After a fascinating tour, a tasty lunch prepared from local products is included.
Travel distance: 0 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 2 person room (with air conditioning) / private bath & toilet
Day 15: Paramaribo – AmsterdamIn the afternoon we go to the airport for the return flight to Amsterdam. (approx. 30 km)
Day 16: Arrival in the NetherlandsIn the morning we land at Schiphol.
Travel details
Frequently Asked Questions
Take-away list
Accommodation
Departure date
General information
For the overnight stays in Bigi Pan, please bring a backpack or a weekend bag for essential items. You can leave the remaining luggage at the hotel in Paramaribo. On day 5, the luggage left in Paramaribo will be transported to the overnight accommodation for that day, so you can have access to it again from then on.
(Changes to the program are reserved. A good physical and mental condition is required for participation in this journey.)