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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
Expedition Sintiadam – 6-day adventurous nature journey
Day 1 – Journey into the interior: Kumalu or Pingpe Island
Your expedition begins with a drive from Paramaribo to Atjoni (approximately 3 to 4 hours). Here you transfer to a traditional dugout boat and travel along the Suriname River, passing around 30 Maroon villages. By the end of the afternoon, you arrive at Kumalu or Pingpe Island, where you will stay in a simple yet atmospheric lodge.
🕒 Daily schedule:
- 08:00: Departure from Paramaribo to Atjoni
- 12:00: Arrival at Atjoni, transfer to the boat
- 12:00 – 15:30: Boat ride past 30 Maroon villages (depending on water level)
- 16:00: Arrival at Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
During high water, the boat ride takes approximately 3–4 hours. During low water it takes 5–6 hours, and in extreme dry season it can 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 pass impressive rapids (sula’s), have lunch in the village of Kajana, and experience remote nature. Your final destination is the hammock camp at Sintiadam, where you will sleep under a sky full of stars.
🕐 Daily schedule:
- 08:00: Departure by boat from Kumalu/Pingpe
- Morning: Boat ride past Tapawatra Falls / Grandam rapids, with several stops
- ±11:00 – 13:00: Arrival in Kajana for lunch and supplies
- Afternoon: Continue the journey with a stop at Awaradam rapids, where you can enjoy the refreshing water
- 18:00 – 19:00: Arrival at Sintiadam base camp in pristine nature
- Evening: Overnight in a hammock camp with campfire and stars above
Day 3 – Hike to Turtle Hill
After a short boat ride, your hike begins to Turtle Hill (Logosokun). This 310-meter-high hill offers breathtaking views over the rainforest. The trail is challenging, with elevation changes and jungle paths.
🕒 Daily schedule:
- 08:00: Departure by boat + 20 min jungle walk
- 09:00 – 15:00: 5 km hike each way over 3 steep hills. With good weather, you are rewarded with stunning views over the rainforest canopy and the Wilhelmina, Eilerts de Haan and Kasikasima mountain ranges
- 16:00 – 17:00: Return to Sintiadam camp and enjoy the rapids
- Evening: Free time & overnight in hammock camp
Day 4 – Morning serenity & nocturnal wilderness
A magical start of the day with a sunrise boat trip. During the day, enjoy a nature walk and in the evening search for nocturnal wildlife by boat.
🕒 Daily schedule:
- 06:00: Morning boat trip with coffee or tea
- 09:00 – 12:00: Jungle walk with guide
- Afternoon: Swimming and/or fishing at Sintiadam
- After dinner: Night boat trip
- Evening: Overnight in hammock camp
Day 5 – Village exploration & return to Kumalu/Pingpe
Today you visit several Maroon villages and return to Kumalu or Pingpe.
🕒 Daily schedule:
- Morning: Village walk in 2 to 3 villages (3 hours)
- Afternoon: Lunch in a village, prepared by locals
- Late afternoon: Return to Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Overnight in lodge (beds, no air conditioning or fan)
Day 6 – Return to Paramaribo
After an early departure, you return by boat and bus to Paramaribo.
🕒 Daily schedule:
- 07:00 – 07:30: Departure by boat to Atjoni
- Afternoon: Lunch
- Approximately 16:00: Arrival in Paramaribo
Travel details & Prices
Transport & Prices
Transportation
- Transport: by bus and boat (Guided by experienced boatmen from the interior)
- Departure from Paramaribo: 08:00
- Return to Paramaribo: around 15:00 on the last day
Prices
6-day tour
- 2 persons: €865 p.p.
- 3 persons: €770 p.p.
- 4 persons or more: €695 p.p.
7-day tour
- 2 persons: €965 p.p.
- 3 persons: €875 p.p.
- 4 persons or more: €795 p.p.
8-day tour
- 2 persons: €1,055 p.p.
- 3 persons: €970 p.p.
- 4 persons or more: €895 p.p.
📍 Pick-up locations
- Well-known hotels in Paramaribo
- GOW2 – Van Hogerhuysstraat
- Staying elsewhere? Let us know, we will check if your location is within our pick-up route.
Important to know
- Tours are conducted with local guides (guides may also speak English)
- Accommodation is basic: hammocks or lodges without air conditioning
- Toilets are available, but you will need to flush manually using a bucket of water
- Mobile network coverage is limited to unavailable in the interior
- No ATM or credit card facilities along the way, please bring sufficient cash for personal expenses
- Bring swimwear, hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, and light, covering clothing
- Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory, but recommended if traveling onward to other countries
For questions or 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!
Curious about what else Orange Travel has to offer? Complete your Suriname journey with our wide range of day & multi-day tours and fully organized roundtrips!
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