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Highlights/Activities
Advice from Insiders
Shanifa
This expedition is ideal for travelers who truly want to experience the real interior of Suriname, without having to worry about the organization along the way. Orange Travel takes care of the transportation, local guidance, meals, and accommodations, allowing you to fully enjoy the nature, peace, and unique experiences throughout the journey.
Although this tour is back-to-basic, our experienced guides and boatmen ensure that the trip remains comfortable, safe, and well organized. You will travel deep into the jungle, meet local Maroon communities, and experience Suriname in an authentic way, while everything is taken care of for you.
Inclusive/Exclusive
Inclusive
Exclusive
Tour Information
Program
Ready for an unforgettable jungle expedition?
TIP: Have breakfast at home and bring a bottle of water for the road.
🟠 6-day expedition
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). From here, you continue by traditional dugout canoe along the Suriname River, passing around 30 authentic Maroon villages. At the end of the afternoon, you arrive at Kumalu or Pingpe Island, where you stay overnight in a simple yet atmospheric lodge.
🕒 Daily program:
- 08:00: Departure from Paramaribo to Atjoni
- 12:00: Arrival in Atjoni and transfer to the boat
- 12:00 – 15:30: Boat trip past 30 Maroon villages (depending on water levels)
- 16:00: Arrival at Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in lodge (beds, without air conditioning or fan)
During high water levels, the boat trip takes approximately 3–4 hours. During low water levels, this may increase to 5–6 hours, and during extreme dry season up to 7 hours.
Day 2 – Into the heart of the jungle: Sintiadam
Today you continue deeper into the rainforest. Along the way, you pass impressive rapids, stop near Kajana village for lunch, and travel through increasingly remote jungle surroundings. Your final destination is the hammock camp at Sintiadam, where you sleep under a sky full of stars.
🕒 Daily program:
- 08:00: Departure by boat from Kumalu/Pingpe
- Morning: Passing the Tapawatra Falls and Grandam rapids with several stops
- ±11:00 – 13:00: Arrival in Kajana for lunch and supplies
- Afternoon: Continue deeper into the jungle with a stop at the Awaradam rapids
- 18:00 – 19:00: Arrival at Sintiadam basecamp
- Evening: Overnight in a hammock camp with campfire and millions of stars above you
Day 3 – Hike to Turtle Hill
After a short boat ride, your jungle hike to Turtle Hill (Logosokun) begins. This 310-meter hill offers breathtaking panoramic views over the rainforest and surrounding mountain ranges.
🕒 Daily program:
- 08:00: Departure by boat + 20-minute jungle walk
- 09:00 – 15:00: 5 km hike each way over several steep hills
- 16:00 – 17:00: Return to Sintiadam camp
- Evening: Free time & overnight stay in hammock camp
Day 4 – Morning peace & nocturnal wilderness
Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the jungle during a sunrise boat trip. During the day, explore the rainforest on foot with your guide and relax by the river. In the evening, head out by boat in search of nocturnal wildlife.
🕒 Daily program:
- 06:00: Sunrise boat trip with coffee or tea
- 09:00 – 12:00: Guided jungle walk
- Afternoon: Swimming and/or fishing near Sintiadam
- After dinner: Night boat excursion
- Evening: Overnight in hammock camp
Day 5 – Village exploration & return to Kumalu/Pingpe
Today you visit several Maroon villages and slowly make your way back toward Kumalu or Pingpe. Experience local traditions and daily life deep in the Surinamese interior.
🕒 Daily program:
- Morning: Village walks in 2 to 3 villages
- Afternoon: Lunch prepared by locals
- Late afternoon: Return to Kumalu or Pingpe
- Evening: Overnight stay in lodge
Day 6 – Return to Paramaribo
After an early departure, you travel back by boat and bus to Paramaribo, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Surinamese jungle.
🕒 Daily program:
- 07:00 – 07:30: Departure by boat to Atjoni
- Afternoon: Lunch
- Approximately 16:00: Arrival in Paramaribo
🟠 7-day expedition
The 7-day expedition follows a more relaxed pace with additional overnight stays and extra time to experience the villages, jungle, and river life more deeply.
🟠 8-day expedition
The 8-day expedition is the ultimate Gran Rio experience, including additional jungle hikes such as the Bloemenberg trail, extra village visits, and more time surrounded by untouched rainforest.
Please note: During high water, low water, or extreme dry season, travel times by boat may vary. The program may therefore be adjusted.
Travel details & Prices
Transportation
- Transport: by bus and traditional dugout canoe
- Departure from Paramaribo: approximately 08:00 AM
- Travel time to Atjoni: approximately 3 to 4 hours (depending on weather and road conditions)
- Return to Paramaribo: approximately between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on the final day
Departure and arrival times are indicative and may vary depending on weather conditions, water levels, road conditions, and pick-up location.
Prices per person
| Tour duration | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-day tour | €865 p.p. | €770 p.p. | €695 p.p. |
| 7-day tour | €965 p.p. | €875 p.p. | €795 p.p. |
| 8-day tour | €1,055 p.p. | €970 p.p. | €895 p.p. |
Pick-up locations
- Well-known hotels in Paramaribo
- GOW2 – Van Hogerhuysstraat
- Staying elsewhere? Let us know and we will check whether your location falls within our pick-up route.
Important to know
- Tours are guided by experienced local guides and boatmen (guides may also speak English)
- Sleeping accommodations are simple: hammock camps or lodges without air conditioning
- Toilets are available, but flushing is done manually with a bucket of water
- Mobile signal is limited to unavailable in the interior
- There are no ATM or credit card facilities during the trip – please bring sufficient cash for personal expenses
- Please bring swimwear, hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, and light protective clothing
- Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory, but recommended when traveling onward to other countries
For questions or more information, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Packing list
🎒 What to bring on your Gran Rio Sintiadam expedition
For a comfortable and well-prepared tour experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
🧳 Luggage & documents
- Weekend bag or backpack (no suitcases due to boat transportation)
- Passport required because of checkpoints along the way
- Small backpack for day activities
- Waterproof bag for electronics and documents
👕 Clothing & footwear
- Good hiking shoes closed shoes with proper grip
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirt protection against insects and plants
- Lightweight clothing
- Swimwear
- Rain jacket or poncho
☀️ Protection & personal care
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Towel
📸 Other useful items
- Camera or phone + power bank
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Binoculars
- Water shoes
- Small cash for drinks, snacks, or souvenirs
💡 Tip: Keep your luggage light but practical. You will carry part of your belongings yourself during hikes and boat trips.
Accommodation
Hammock Camps & Simple Lodges
During this expedition, you will stay in simple accommodations that match the remote jungle environment. On some nights, you will sleep in lodges with beds. Deeper in the jungle, you will sleep in a hammock with a mosquito net.
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning | Not available ❌ |
| Fan | Not available ❌ |
| Hot water | Not available ❌ |
| Beds in lodge | Available ✅ |
| Hammock with mosquito net | Available ✅ |
| Shared sanitary facilities | Available ✅ |
| Mobile signal | Limited to unavailable ❌ |
| Electricity | Limited availability ⚠️ |
| ATM/card payment facilities | Not available ❌ |
Departure date
Regular departures are available from a minimum of 2 participants.
- For 2 participants, the small-group rate applies
- If additional guests join the tour later, the price difference will be refunded
General information
🌱 Ecotourism & Sustainability
During this expedition, you will travel through vulnerable natural areas and visit local communities. That is why we work together with local guides and boatmen from the interior. In this way, your trip contributes to local employment and keeps the experience connected to the people who know the area best.
Curious about what else Orange Travel has to offer? Complete your trip to Suriname with our versatile range of day tours, multi-day tours, and fully organized round trips!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Is wildlife guaranteed?
No, wildlife is never guaranteed. You are visiting a natural environment where animals move freely.
Please note: we do not offer refunds if animals are not spotted or if natural moments such as sunrise or sunset are not visible.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
Rain is part of Suriname’s tropical climate. Tours generally continue as planned. In extreme weather conditions, the program may be adjusted.
Is there mobile signal or WiFi?
In the interior, mobile signal is limited to unavailable. This makes the expedition ideal for a complete digital detox.
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 will travel along this river and experience impressive rapids, local Maroon villages, and rich biodiversity. The Gran Rio is loved by nature enthusiasts because of its pure water and untouched jungle surroundings.
Where is Sintiadam located and how do I get there?
Sintiadam is located deep in the Surinamese rainforest, along the banks of the Gran Rio. It can only be reached by boat and serves as the base camp for this expedition. You first travel by road to Atjoni (approximately 3–4 hours), after which you continue by traditional dugout canoe along the river. Sintiadam is far away from the inhabited world, surrounded by untouched nature.
Is the Gran Rio / Sintiadam tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is suitable for adventurous children. The days include boat trips, jungle walks, swimming in the river, and activities such as piranha fishing. Children should have a basic level of fitness and enjoy being in nature without WiFi or luxury facilities. Read a review from a family here!
What is the comfort level during this expedition?
You will stay in simple 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 camp in open camps under mosquito nets with campfire lighting. Some locations offer shared sanitary facilities. Meals are freshly prepared and carefully taken care of.
How fit do I need to be for this expedition?
An average level of fitness is sufficient. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk 4–10 km over uneven terrain and be open to physical activities such as hiking and swimming. The guides take the group’s fitness level into account. Please also be prepared for long boat journeys.
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