When it comes to South America, Suriname is certainly not the first association. This country is separated from most South American countries by its rainforest and culture, and its way of life is more reminiscent of the Caribbean, which cannot be a bad recommendation to visit, on the contrary...
The smallest country in South America surprises tourists with numerous natural beauties and unusual animal species. The Republic of Suriname covers 163 thousand square kilometers in the north of the South American continent, between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and French Guiana. It borders Brazil to the south and has access to the Atlantic Ocean to the north.
Suriname is a very diverse country; in ethnic, linguistic and religious terms. The capital, Paramaribo, could be the world capital of tolerance, because it houses, next to each other, a Catholic and Lutheran cathedral, a mosque, a synagogue, Hindu temples, but also sanctuaries of indigenous religions. Regardless of their differences, the 250,000 inhabitants of Paramaribo live in peace.
Located between the Suriname River and the sea, Paramaribo with its one- and two-story houses looks more like a tourist town than the capital of the country. In general, the entire Paramaribo is built of wood, and its center, due to the specific Dutch-Creole architecture, has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
One of the main reasons for coming to Suriname is its nature reserves in the south. The nature parks of Brownsberg, Galibi and Kabalebo are just a part of the rich offer, which includes enjoying tropical plants and exotic animals, kayaking, fishing, hiking and many other activities.
Suriname has access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, but at the same time there are not many beaches where you can laze or throw yourself into the sea. Spectacular sandy beaches are mostly an integral part of protected nature parks, within which endangered turtle species lay eggs, or migratory birds find respite from long journeys.
Surinamese cuisine is a blend of numerous ethnic and cultural influences. Indian, Indonesian and Creole dishes are often eaten here, but it should be said that they are not as spicy as in the original menus. The food is served with locally produced beer, and a rich array of juices made from exotic fruits.
Suriname extends north of the equator, between 2 ° and 5 °. It is characterized by a very warm tropical climate and temperatures that do not vary much during the year. During the year, two rainy seasons and two dry seasons alternate.
The natural tropical wilderness, the combination of South America and the Caribbean and the fascinating remnants of a once turbulent past are what will, for sure, put this destination on your bucket list.