Suriname is a very interesting country in South America. It is not incredibly touristy, but there are some incredible things to do in the area.
Where to stay:
On a budget: The Eco Resort Inn…highly recommended by everyone I met in Paramaribo and located right in the downtown.
No budget or splurging: The Courtyard Marriott, where I stayed after a disaster at my first hotel. There is a salt water pool, room service, a concierge, and so much more…a little bit of a walk from town, but closer to the river for the dolphin river tour.
Picture from hotel website, other than this, all of the pictures are mine 😉
To avoid: The Residence Inn (not by Marriott, if you’re wondering). My room was infested with mosquitoes, and had a roach half the size of my hand running around. The wifi also was completely disconnected when I attempted to book another hotel from the bathroom, to avoid the mosquitoes and other wildlife in my room.
To fly: Suriname airways flies from various destinations, I connected in Trinidad for convenience from New York, and spent a couple days there too.
Things to see and do:
Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral:
This became a church in 1826 and has a completely wooden interior.
Fort Zeelandia:
The fort was built in 1640 and changed hands a few times, it was also used as a trading post.
The Presidential Palace…the most nicely maintained government building in the country!!!
And last but not least, the dolphin river tour…
The tour takes you on a small boat to see dolphins on the river, you are served beverages, including alcoholic beverages (with very good rum from Suriname if you choose).
River dolphins…
After spotting dolphins, you are taken to a secluded fisherman’s village for dinner. You are also given some free time on the island to explore and meet locals.
Random person walking around with a parrot!!!
Landscape around the village…
If you plan your trip well, you could do ALL of Paramaribo in two days. I used Orange tours from the Marriott and the tour was fantastic. This was a great segment of an even greater adventure, I highly recommend going to Suriname, and if you can, work your way from the three Guyana’s to Brazil (get a visa first, if you’re American). Surinam Airways basically operates city hopper flights that work their way up and down the continent…a great way to travel!
Suriname is mostly safe during the day, but people at night can get killed over pocket change. The nightlife is great, but remember what I just mentioned above before going out!!!
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