5-Day Suriname Express: Paramaribo, Commewijne & Brownsberg

Tour Overview

Discover the hidden gem of Suriname on this 5-day express tour, from the historic colonial architecture of Paramaribo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the former plantations of Commewijne, the pristine rainforest of Brownsberg, and the sea turtle beaches of Galibi. Experience the unique multicultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality of this small South American country.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Paramaribo

Arrive at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (Zanderij). Transfer to your hotel in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. Explore the historic inner city of Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture and tropical Caribbean style. Visit the Independence Square (Onafhankelijkheidsplein), the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Finance, and the iconic wooden Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral (one of the largest wooden buildings in the Western Hemisphere). Visit the Waterkant (waterfront) with its historic warehouses, the Central Market, and the Palm Garden (Palmentuin). Evening welcome dinner with Surinamese cuisine, a unique fusion of Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, Creole, and Dutch influences, including roti, nasi goreng, pom, and moksi-alesi. Overnight in Paramaribo.

Day 2: Paramaribo Culture & Commewijne Plantations

Morning explore the multicultural neighborhoods of Paramaribo: visit the Mosque Keizerstraat (the largest mosque in the Caribbean, located right next to the Neveh Shalom Synagogue, a unique symbol of religious tolerance), the Arya Diwaker Hindu Temple, the Chinese temples, and the Javanese (Indonesian) neighborhood. Visit the Surinaams Museum (in the historic Commissariaat building), the Numismatic Museum, and the Fort Zeelandia (a 17th-century Dutch fort, now a museum and cultural center). After lunch, take a boat tour across the Suriname River to the Commewijne District, an area of former sugar, coffee, and cocoa plantations. Visit the historic plantations of Frederiksdorp, Marienburg, and Peperpot, where you can see the former plantation houses, the old coffee and cocoa processing facilities, and the beautiful gardens. Visit the Peperpot Nature Park (a former coffee plantation now a nature reserve with diverse wildlife). Visit the town of Nieuw Amsterdam and the Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. Evening return to Paramaribo. Overnight in Paramaribo.

Day 3: Brownsberg Nature Park

Morning drive to Brownsberg Nature Park (approximately 2 hours from Paramaribo), a 12,000-hectare protected area in the Brokopondo District, located on the Brownsberg mountain (500 meters high), overlooking the Brokopondo Reservoir (one of the largest man-made lakes in the world). The park is home to diverse rainforest wildlife including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, jaguars, tapirs, and over 200 species of birds. Take guided hikes through the rainforest: visit the Leo Falls and the Irene Falls (beautiful waterfalls), the Mazaroni Plateau (with stunning views over the reservoir), and the various trails through the pristine rainforest. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna, including the many species of orchids, bromeliads, and giant trees. After lunch, continue exploring the park or relax at the park lodge. Evening enjoy a traditional Surinamese dinner in the rainforest. Overnight in Brownsberg Nature Park (in the park lodge or eco-resort).

Day 4: Brownsberg to Galibi

Morning continue exploring Brownsberg: take an early morning birdwatching walk (the park is excellent for birdwatching, with species including the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, harpy eagle, and many species of parrots and toucans). Visit the Brownsberg viewpoint for panoramic views. After lunch, drive to the town of Albina (on the Marowijne River, bordering French Guiana), and then take a boat to Galibi (approximately 1 hour), a small village on the Atlantic coast, inhabited by the Kaliña (Carib) indigenous people. Galibi is famous for its sea turtle nesting beaches, where four species of sea turtles (green, leatherback, olive ridley, and hawksbill) come to nest (season-dependent, February to June). Visit the Galibi Nature Reserve, take a guided tour of the turtle nesting beaches (at night, with a guide), and learn about the conservation efforts to protect the turtles. Visit the Kaliña village, learn about their traditional culture, and enjoy fresh seafood. Overnight in Galibi (in a local guesthouse or eco-lodge).

Day 5: Galibi to Paramaribo & Departure

Morning watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean from the beautiful Galibi beach. Take a walk along the beach, look for turtle tracks, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Visit the Kaliña craft market for last-minute shopping for indigenous handicrafts including woven baskets, carved wooden objects, and jewelry. After breakfast, take a boat back to Albina and drive back to Paramaribo (approximately 2.5 hours). Afternoon free for last-minute shopping in Paramaribo for Surinamese products including rum, Javanese spices, wooden carvings, and tropical fruits. Visit the Central Market for fresh tropical fruits and local products. Transfer to Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your 5-day Suriname express tour.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses