A little more
Suriname.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Suriname: what to know before you go

Suriname is South America's smallest independent country, a Dutch-speaking nation of rainforest, rivers and a wooden colonial capital where a mosque and a synagogue stand side by side. It suits travellers interested in nature, river journeys and an unusually diverse culture, and who are happy with limited tourism infrastructure outside Paramaribo.

Where to go

• Paramaribo historic inner city. A UNESCO-listed grid of white-painted wooden buildings along the Suriname River.
• Fort Zeelandia. A star-shaped fort on the riverfront in Paramaribo, now home to the Suriname Museum.
• Commewijne plantations. Across the river from Paramaribo, former plantations such as Frederiksdorp and Peperpot can be explored by bicycle along a quiet loop.
• Central Suriname Nature Reserve. A vast area of pristine rainforest listed by UNESCO, reached by small plane or long boat journeys.

Best time to visit

Suriname is hot and humid all year. There are two drier periods, from roughly February to April and August to November, which are the best times to visit, especially for travel into the interior when rivers and trails are easier.

Staying online in Suriname

Mobile coverage is good in Paramaribo and along the coastal belt, with 4G in the capital and larger towns. In the interior, including the nature reserves and along the upper rivers, coverage is very limited or absent, and lodges may rely on satellite Wi-Fi or have no connection at all. Most hotels and guesthouses in Paramaribo offer Wi-Fi. Download offline maps and tell people you may be out of contact. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.