Discover more
Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders
Xiara
Discover the ultimate border adventure from Paramaribo to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in French Guiana in just 2.5 hours.
Step aboard a korjaal and cross the Marowijne River, where you embrace the French atmosphere in the historic town.
Explore the Moiwana Monument, enjoy a boat trip, and admire the French tropics. Follow the historical route related to the Interior War and immerse yourself in the rich history.
Don’t miss it: a journey that brings together culture, nature, and history in one breathtaking experience!
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Tour Information
Program
- 07:30* Departure from Paramaribo
- +/- Two and a half hours drive to Albina
- +/- 11:00 In French Guiana
- +/- 18:00 Back in Paramaribo
Travel details
- Transport: by bus/boat
- Departure time: 07:30*
- Travel time: +/- 2.5 hours’ drive
- Back in Paramaribo: +/- 18:00
Frequently Asked Questions
Take-away list
- Hat or cap: To protect your face from the tropical sun.
- Good walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Camera & well-charged batteries: There will be many beautiful sights to capture.
- Raincoat/poncho: In case it rains.
- Sunscreen: For protection against the sun.
- Backpack: To carry your personal belongings. Also useful for souvenirs, etc.
- Small change in SRD/Euro (for alcoholic drinks and souvenirs): You’ll need Euros if you’re buying anything in French Guiana. Euros are also required for the bagno (prison).
- Passport: Mandatory for checkpoints along the way.
Accommodation
Departure date
- Regular departures: Wednesday/Saturday On request (with a minimum of 4 persons)
Departure on March 27, 2024
General information
Bus trip
Early in the morning, you depart from Paramaribo, traveling along the East-West connection, to the border town of Albina in the Marowijne district. During the bus journey, you pass by some historical landmarks such as Stolkertsijver and the Moiwana Monument, which remind the local population of the Surinamese interior war (the eighties).
Walk through French Guiana
From Albina, you depart by korjaal to the border town of St. Laurent du Maroni, in the neighboring country French Guiana, which is still a French overseas department to this day.
Since 1852, the first 6000 prisoners from France were shipped to French Guiana to serve their sentence in the local prison.
You first visit the bagno (prison), established in 1858 and around which this town originated. This bagno is now used as a museum and has become famous mainly due to the film L'affaire Seznec and the adaptation of the book Papillon.
After visiting the Bagno, you stroll past some shops and the market where various ethnic groups sell their products. Upon returning to Paramaribo, we make a stop for lunch.
