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Explore the untouched beauty of the Surinamese jungle with the unique Gran Rio Sintiadam Expedition! Choose from a 6, 7, or 8-day adventure-packed tour featuring thrilling boat rides, night excursions, and cultural encounters in authentic Maroon villages. This back-to-basics expedition is perfect for travelers seeking to experience the true wilderness of Suriname. Learn essential survival skills, enjoy hammock camping, and discover the art of traditional fishing and cooking over a wood fire. An unforgettable adventure awaits—book your Gran Rio Sintiadam expedition now!
Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders
Shanifa
Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the ultimate adventure! Learn essential survival skills, experience authentic camping in hammocks, enjoy traditional fishing and taste the taste of cooking over a wood fire. Discover the wilderness of Suriname in a unique and enriching way.
Ready for an adventure that will turn your world upside down? Book now and immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey full of adrenaline and discovery!
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Tour Information
Program
Sintiadam Expedition – 6-Day Adventure Tour
Day 1 – Journey into the Interior: Kumalu or Pingpe Island
Your expedition begins with a drive from Paramaribo to Atjoni (approx. 3 to 4 hours). From there, you’ll transfer to a traditional dugout canoe and travel along the Suriname River, passing about 30 Maroon villages. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kumalu or Pingpe Island, where you’ll stay in a simple but atmospheric lodge.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 08:00 AM: Departure from Paramaribo to Atjoni
- 12:00 PM: Arrival at Atjoni, transfer to the boat
- 12:00 – 3:30 PM: Boat ride past 30 Maroon villages (depending on water level)
- 4:00 PM: Arrival at Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
At high water levels, the boat ride takes approx. 3–4 hours; at low water 5–6 hours. During extreme droughts, it may take up to 7 hours.
Day 2 – Into the Heart of the Jungle: Sintiadam
You continue your journey deeper into the rainforest. Along the way, you’ll pass spectacular rapids (sulas), have lunch in the village of Kajana, and explore the remote wilderness. Your destination is the hammock camp of Sintiadam, where you’ll sleep under the stars.
🕐 Daily Schedule:
- 08:00 AM: Departure by boat from Kumalu/Pingpe
- Morning: Pass the Tapawatra and Grandam rapids – some of the largest and most beautiful sulas. Guests will disembark a few times.
- Approx. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Arrival in Kajana for lunch and supplies
- Afternoon: Continue the journey with a stop at Awaradam rapids for a refreshing swim. Afterward, you’ll only see jungle until you arrive at your camp.
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Arrival at Sintiadam base camp in pristine nature
- Evening: Overnight stay in hammocks, with a campfire and starry skies
Day 3 – Hike to Turtle Hill
After a short boat ride, your hike begins toward Turtle Hill (Logosokun). This 310-meter hill offers a breathtaking view over the rainforest. The route is challenging with elevation and narrow jungle paths.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 08:00 AM: Boat ride + 20-minute jungle hike
- 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM: 5 km hike to the summit and 5 km return, crossing three major hills. In clear weather, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the jungle canopy and the peaks of the Wilhelmina, Eilerts de Haan, and Kasikasima ranges.
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Return to Sintiadam camp and enjoy the rapids
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay at hammock camp
Day 4 – Morning Tranquility & Nocturnal Wilderness
A magical start with a sunrise boat tour. During the day, enjoy a guided nature walk, and in the evening you’ll search for nocturnal animals by boat.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 6:00 AM: Sunrise boat tour with coffee or tea
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Jungle hike with guide
- Afternoon: Swimming and/or fishing at Sintiadam
- After dinner: Night boat tour
- Evening: Overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 5 – Village Exploration & Return to Kumalu/Pingpe
Today you’ll visit several Maroon villages before heading back to Kumalu or Pingpe.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- Morning: Village walks in 2 to 3 villages (3 hours)
- Afternoon: Lunch in a village, prepared by locals
- Late afternoon: Return to Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Overnight stay in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
Day 6 – Return to Paramaribo
After an early departure, you’ll return to Paramaribo by boat and bus, with a final stop at the Afobaka Dam.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 07:00 – 07:30 AM: Boat ride to Atjoni
- Morning: Visit to Afobaka Dam
- Afternoon: Lunch in a village
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Arrival in Paramaribo
Sintiadam Expedition – 7-Day Tour
Day 1 – Journey to the Interior: Kumalu or Pingpe Island
Your expedition begins with a drive from Paramaribo to Atjoni (approx. 3–4 hours). There, you’ll switch to a traditional dugout canoe and sail along the Suriname River, passing about 30 Maroon villages. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kumalu or Pingpe Island and stay overnight in a simple yet charming lodge.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 08:00 AM: Departure from Paramaribo to Atjoni
- 12:00 PM: Arrival at Atjoni, transfer to the boat
- 12:00 – 3:30 PM: Boat ride past 30 Maroon villages (depending on water levels)
- 4:00 PM: Arrival at Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
At high water levels, boat travel takes about 3–4 hours; at low water 5–6 hours; during extreme drought up to 7 hours.
Day 2 – Boat Trip to Kajana Village
After breakfast, you’ll head to Kajana. Along the way, you’ll pass the impressive Tapawatra and Grandam rapids and stop to experience their power. In the afternoon, enjoy an extended village walk. You’ll stay overnight in Kosindo.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 09:00 AM: Departure by boat from Kumalu/Pingpe
- Morning: Ride past Tapawatra and Grandam rapids (with stops)
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Arrival at Kajana village
- Afternoon: Lunch and village walk
- Evening: Overnight stay in Kosindo (beds)
Day 3 – Boat Trip to Sintiadam
Today, you’ll continue your journey upstream to Sintiadam. Along the way, enjoy a photo stop at the Awaradam rapids and opportunities for wildlife spotting. In the afternoon, arrive at the hammock camp and enjoy a night around the campfire.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- Morning: Departure from Kajana
- En route: Photo stop at Awaradam rapids & wildlife observation
- Afternoon: Arrival at Sintiadam (after 3–5 hours of boating)
- Evening: Campfire & overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 4 – Hike to Turtle Hill
After a short boat ride, you’ll hike to Turtle Hill (Logosokun), a 310-meter-high hill offering stunning views of the rainforest and surrounding mountain ranges. The route is challenging with steep jungle trails.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 08:00 AM: Boat ride + 20-minute jungle hike
- 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM: 5 km hike up and 5 km back
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Return to Sintiadam camp
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 5 – Morning Rest & Nighttime Wilderness
Start the day with a magical sunrise boat tour. Then enjoy a nature hike with a guide, swimming or fishing in the afternoon, and a nighttime animal-spotting boat tour.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 06:00 AM: Sunrise boat tour with coffee or tea
- 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Nature walk with guide
- Afternoon: Swimming and/or fishing at Sintiadam
- After dinner: Nighttime boat tour
- Evening: Overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 6 – Village Visit & Return to Kumalu/Pingpe
Today you’ll head back toward the villages, with a visit to 2–3 local communities along the way and lunch prepared by locals. In the afternoon, return to Kumalu or Pingpe.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- Morning: Boat ride with village stops (approx. 3-hour walk)
- Afternoon: Lunch in a village
- Late afternoon: Return to Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Overnight stay in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
Day 7 – Return to Paramaribo
After an early breakfast, you return by boat to Atjoni, followed by a bus ride to Paramaribo, with a final visit to the Afobaka Dam.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 07:00 – 07:30 AM: Departure by boat to Atjoni
- Morning: Visit to Afobaka Dam
- Afternoon: Lunch in a village en route
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Arrival in Paramaribo
Stintiadam Expedition – 8-Day Tour
Day 1 – Journey to Kumalu or Pingpe
Your expedition begins with a drive from Paramaribo to Atjoni (approx. 3 to 4 hours). There, you’ll board a traditional dugout canoe and cruise along the Suriname River past around 30 Maroon villages. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kumalu or Pingpe Island and stay in a simple yet charming lodge.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 08:00 – 09:00 AM: Departure from Paramaribo to Pokigron (Atjoni)
- 12:00 PM: Arrival at Atjoni, transfer to the boat
- 12:00 – 3:30 PM: Boat ride past 30 Maroon villages
- 4:00 PM: Arrival at Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
Day 2 – Local Experience in Kajana
After breakfast, you’ll sail to Kajana. Along the way, you’ll pass the impressive Tapawatra and Grandam rapids and step out to experience their power. In Kajana, you’ll have lunch with locals and take an extended village walk. In the evening, you’ll travel on to Kosindo.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 09:00 AM: Departure by boat from Kumalu/Pingpe
- Morning: Stops at Tapawatra/Grandam rapids (with short walks)
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Arrival in Kajana + lunch
- Afternoon: Village walk and visit to local workshops
- Evening: Travel to Kosindo & overnight stay in lodge (bed, shower, toilet)
Day 3 – Toward Sintiadam Base Camp
Today you’ll head deeper into the interior. En route, you’ll stop at the Awaradam rapids to swim and enjoy the natural surroundings. After that, it’s jungle all the way. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Sintiadam camp, deep in pristine wilderness.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- Morning: Departure from Kosindo/Kajana
- En route: Stop at Awaradam rapids
- Afternoon: Arrival at Sintiadam camp (after 3–5 hours of boating)
- Evening: Campfire & overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 4 – Hike to Turtle Mountain
Today you’ll take a challenging hike to Turtle Mountain (Logosokun), a 310-meter-high granite peak. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the rainforest and surrounding mountains.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 08:00 AM: Boat ride + 20-minute jungle hike
- 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM: 5 km hike there and back
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Return to Sintiadam camp
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 5 – Morning Tranquility & Nighttime Wilderness
Start the day with a magical sunrise boat ride. Then explore the area with a guide. In the afternoon, relax, swim or fish. After dinner, enjoy a night boat tour in search of wildlife.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- Approx. 06:00 AM: Sunrise boat tour with coffee or tea
- 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Guided nature walk
- Afternoon: Swimming and/or fishing at Sintiadam
- After dinner: Night boat tour
- Evening: Overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 6 – Hike to Bloemenberg
Today you’ll hike to Bloemenberg, a 250-meter-high granite hill known for its abundance of bromeliads. A tough trek, but well worth it.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- Morning: Start hike to Bloemenberg
- Afternoon: Enjoy the view & lunch
- Late afternoon: Return to camp & relax by the river
- Evening: Overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 7 – Village Visit & Return to Kumalu/Pingpe
Today you’ll start your journey back toward the villages. Along the way, you’ll stop at 2–3 communities and have lunch with locals. Later in the afternoon, return to Kumalu or Pingpe.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- Morning: Boat ride with visits to multiple villages
- Afternoon: Village walk & lunch prepared by locals
- Late afternoon: Return to Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Overnight stay in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
Day 8 – Return to Paramaribo
After an early breakfast, you’ll return by boat to Atjoni. Along the way, visit the Afobaka Dam and enjoy a final lunch before returning to Paramaribo.
🕒 Daily Schedule:
- 07:00 – 07:30 AM: Departure by boat to Atjoni
- Morning: Visit to Afobaka Dam
- Afternoon: Lunch with a view of the reservoir
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Arrival in Paramaribo
Also read the travel information for more details about this tour!
Travel details
Transport & Prices
Transport
- Transport: by bus and boat (guided by experienced inland boatmen)
- Departure from Paramaribo: 08:00 AM
- Return to Paramaribo: around 3:00 PM on the final day
Prices
6-day tour
- 2 persons: €835 per person
- 3 persons: €745 per person
- 4 persons or more: €675 per person
7-day tour
- 2 persons: €935 per person
- 3 persons: €840 per person
- 4 persons or more: €775 per person
8-day tour
- 2 persons: €1,025 per person
- 3 persons: €945 per person
- 4 persons or more: €875 per person
📍 Pick-up Locations
- Recognized hotels in Paramaribo
- GOW2 – Van Hogerhuysstraat
- Staying somewhere else? Let us know and we’ll check whether your location falls within our pick-up zone.
Important to Know
- Tours are guided by local guides (guides may speak English)
- Sleeping accommodations are basic: hammocks or lodges without air conditioning
- Toilets are available, but flushing is done manually with a bucket of water
- Mobile reception is limited or non-existent in the interior
- No ATM or credit card services available – bring enough cash for personal expenses
- Bring swimwear, hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, and light, covering clothing
- Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory but recommended when continuing to other countries
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Packing list
🧳 What to bring to Expedition Sintiadam?
Prepare well for your adventure with these recommended items:
👒 Clothing & protection
- Long pants & long-sleeved shirt – Against insects and irritating plants. It can also get chilly in the evening.
- Good walking shoes – For grip and foot protection during walks.
- Raincoat or poncho – For unexpected rain showers.
- Sunscreen – For sun protection.
- Mosquito repellent/insect spray – Protection against insect bites.
🎒 Luggage & Supplies
- Towel – For after swimming or showering.
- Toiletries – Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.
- Swimwear – For swimming and refreshment.
- Backpack – Comfortable daypack for walks. The rest of the gear stays at the base camp
- Waterproof bag or garbage bag – For protecting your bag during boat trips.
- Waterproof bag for electronics/documents – For protecting valuables.
- Change (SRD) – Useful for drinks, souvenirs and local purchases. About SRD 1000 per person is fine.
📸 Technical & documentation
- Flashlight or headlampp – For use at night or in low light.
- Camera + charged batteries – For unforgettable photos.
- Binoculars – For observing animals and birds.
- Passport – Required due to checkpoints along the way.
💡 Tip: Keep your pack light but functional. You carry some of your belongings yourself during walks and boat trips.
Accommodation
Accommodation Level: Hammock Camp
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning | ❌ Not available |
| Fan | ❌ Not available |
| Hot water | ❌ Not available |
| Wardrobe | ❌ Not available |
| Clothes hangers | ❌ Not available |
| Towel | ❌ Not available |
| Mosquito net | ✅ Available |
| Balcony / Terrace | ❌ Not available |
| Power supply | Limited, 110V (often no constant power, only at the islands with bed accommodations) |
| Plug type | Undetermined – bring a universal adapter |
| Sanitary facilities | Shared |
What Makes This Experience Unique?
- You sleep in the heart of the untouched jungle, surrounded by the sounds of nature
- You experience authentic contact with Maroon villages and their rich culture
- Adventurous boat trips on the Suriname River with local boatmen
- Hikes to remote mountain peaks with panoramic views
- Complete digital detox – no reception, no rush, pure peace
- Atmospheric campfires and nighttime excursions under a starry sky
- An unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else
- Learn to live in survival mode
Departure date
👥 Minimum number of participants
- Regular rate: Tour will proceed with a minimum of 2 participants
You will pay a sliding scale rate if you are the only 2 guests, but if you add to it, you will get the difference back.
General information
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Sintiadam Expedition
What is the Gran Rio and why is it so special?
The Gran Rio is one of the largest and most powerful rivers in the interior of Suriname. It flows through untouched rainforest and, together with the Pikin Rio, forms the Suriname River. During the expedition, you travel along this river and experience impressive rapids, local Maroon villages, and rich biodiversity. The Gran Rio is loved by nature enthusiasts for its pure water and pristine jungle setting.
Where is Sintiadam located and how do I get there?
Sintiadam is located deep in the Surinamese rainforest, on the banks of the Gran Rio. It is only accessible by boat and serves as the base camp for this expedition. First, you travel by road to Atjoni (about 3–4 hours), then continue by dugout canoe along the river. Sintiadam is far from civilization, surrounded by nature.
Is the Gran Rio / Sintiadam tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is suitable for adventurous children. The days include boat rides, jungle hikes, swimming in the river, and activities like piranha fishing. Children should have basic physical fitness and enjoy being in nature without Wi-Fi or luxury amenities.
Check out this review from a family!
What is the comfort level during this expedition?
You will stay in basic accommodations such as hammock camps and lodges without air conditioning or fans. There is no hot water, and electricity is limited or unavailable. In the jungle, you'll camp in open shelters under mosquito nets, with campfires as the main light source. Some locations offer shared sanitary facilities. All meals are freshly prepared and carefully provided.
How fit do I need to be for this expedition?
A moderate level of fitness is sufficient. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk 4–10 km over uneven terrain and be open to physical activities like swimming and hiking. The guides adapt to the group’s level. The boat rides are also long, so be prepared!
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