best tourist destinations in suriname
Best Tourist Destinations in Suriname
Suriname, a Caribbean country boasting of dense Amazonian forests and a potpourri of people New York would be jealous of. Take a preview of the best this little country has to offer through this Buzzle article.
Did you know...
... that more than 80% of Suriname is covered by forests and it has one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world.Paramaribo
Paramaribo, affectionately called "Par'bo", is the capital of Suriname and arguably, the only city in the country. It houses more than 50% of the country's population and is well-connected to the interior. You can also book tours to all the best tourist destinations in Suriname from here.Must see
Paramaribo is famous for various historical and beautiful buildings including Jewish, Muslim and Hindu places of worship right next to each other. Here are some other famous places in the city.
● Fort Zeelandia
The fort was the site of several significant historical events, including the December Murders and itself has a pretty interesting history. It houses a small museum, but is most famous for the fantastic view of the Suriname river it offers.
● Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
The biggest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere, the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is a treat to the eyes with its massive spire and intricate woodwork.
● The Independence Square
The square is just a short distance from Fort Zeelandia and houses the Presidential Palace and several other buildings from the colonial era. Also nearby is the Palm Garden - a popular place to relax in the cool, breezy shade of the palm trees.
● Paramaribo Zoo
The only zoo in Suriname, is a small but well maintained zoo with plenty of animals including the spectacular cardinal ibis, various apes, anacondas and jaguars.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is a 1.6 million hectare pristine tropical forest in central Suriname around 200 km south of Paramaribo.Must see
● Mount Voltzberg, a 245 m dome of granite to get a bird's-eye view of the extensive forest.
● The Raleigh Falls located on the Coppename river - one of the few uninhabited, unspoiled rivers in the world.
Travel Essentials
● Good trekking shoes
● Insect-repellant
● An extra set of clothes, if planning to splash in the waterfall
Brownsberg Nature Park
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Suriname is the 12,000 hectare Brownsberg Nature Park, just 150 km from the bustling capital city of Paramaribo. The three-hour drive from the city is itself a rather exciting event, as the bus travels through the dense rainforests and mountains to the base camp. It also has basic accommodation huts for those wanting to spend a night.Must see
● Brokopondo Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in the world, covering approximately 1% of the country is also a part of the Brownsberg Nature Park. Created in the 1960s by building the Afobaka dam it is quite a sight with tall, dead trees half-submerged in the huge expanse of calm waters.
● Also visit Tonka island, a small island in the lake offering activities like swimming, fishing and boating.
Travel Essentials
● Good, comfortable walking shoes
● Long clothes
● Insect-repellant
Galibi Nature Reserve
The Galibi Nature Reserve is a 13 km strip of beach in the North-Eastern region of Suriname and can be reached by a boat from Albina.Must see
● Albina - an Amerindian fishing village, with its laid-back lifestyle and distinct Caribi people. Have a stroll through the village or stay for a couple of hours to know about the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the indigenous population, or just enjoy the beach.
Travel Essentials
● Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
● Binoculars
● Insect-repellant