Suriname Travel Guide

Wanica is one of the busiest districts in Suriname and sits directly next to Paramaribo. Many visitors pass through Wanica on their way from Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport to the capital, but the district offers more than just a transit route. Wanica gives travelers a glimpse of everyday life in Suriname outside the historic center of Paramaribo. The district is home to growing neighborhoods, local markets, temples, restaurants, and busy roadside food spots where residents gather throughout the day. Towns such as Lelydorp, the administrative center of Wanica, serve as important hubs for shopping, dining, and daily life. Visitors exploring the area will find supermarkets, street food stands, small restaurants, and cultural landmarks that reflect the district’s diverse population. For travelers staying longer in Paramaribo, Wanica is easy to reach and offers a different perspective on Suriname. It is a place to experience local food, visit temples, and explore neighborhoods that show how people live outside the historic capital.

Saramacca is a coastal district west of Paramaribo where rivers, farmland, and small villages shape daily life. Compared to the capital, the district feels quiet and rural. Many visitors come here to see fishing communities, explore the countryside, or spend time along the Saramacca River. The district capital is Groningen, a small town located on the river. Other places in the district include Boskamp, a fishing village near the coast, and Batavia, the site of a colonial-era leprosy asylum established in 1824 where people, disproportionately enslaved people and later contract workers, were forcibly isolated for decades. The settlement was closed and burned down in 1897; little remains on the ground today, but it's a documented and difficult chapter of the district's history worth knowing rather than a place built for visitors. Agriculture plays an important role in the region, and much of the landscape is made up of rice fields, coconut plantations, and open farmland. Travelers who visit Saramacca usually do so to experience a different side of Suriname. Instead of historic city streets and busy markets, the district offers riverside views, fishing boats, quiet roads, and rural communities.

Coronie is one of the smallest and least populated districts in Suriname, located along the Atlantic coast between Saramacca and Nickerie. The district is known for its quiet villages, coconut plantations, and long stretches of countryside that give visitors a glimpse of rural life along the coast. The capital of the district is Totness, a small administrative town surrounded by farming communities and coconut groves. Unlike larger districts such as Paramaribo, Coronie moves at a slower pace. Villages are spread out along the coastal road, and daily life revolves around agriculture, fishing, and small local businesses. Coronie was once one of Suriname’s most important coconut producing regions, and the landscape is still defined by rows of coconut trees that stretch across the countryside. Many visitors passing through the district notice the plantations and small wooden houses that reflect the area’s plantation history. Travelers who visit Coronie usually do so while exploring western Suriname. The district offers a quiet stop along the coastal road, with scenic views, historic plantation areas, and a chance to experience a part of the country that remains largely unchanged.

Commewijne is one of the most visited districts in Suriname and lies just across the Suriname River from Paramaribo. Because of its close distance to the capital, the district is a popular destination for day trips and short excursions. Visitors can reach Commewijne within minutes, yet the area feels very different from the city. The district is known for its historic plantations, river landscapes, and quiet villages. During the colonial period, Commewijne was one of the most important plantation regions in Suriname, producing crops such as sugar, coffee, and cocoa. Many traces of that history can still be seen today in old plantation buildings, canals, and estates scattered across the countryside. One of the main historical sites in the district is Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, located where the Suriname and Commewijne rivers meet. The fort now functions as an open-air museum where visitors can learn about Suriname’s colonial past while enjoying views of the river. Nature also plays an important role in Commewijne. Peperpot Nature Park, a former plantation, has been transformed into a protected area with walking and cycling trails. Visitors often come here to see birds, monkeys, and other wildlife while exploring the forest and historic plantation structures. Boat tours along the rivers are another popular activity in the district. Many excursions include dolphin watching, stops at old plantations, and visits to riverside villages. For travelers exploring Suriname, Commewijne offers a combination of history, nature, and river culture, all within a short distance of Paramaribo.

Sipaliwini is the largest district in Suriname and covers most of the country’s interior. The region is known for its vast rainforest, rivers, and remote villages, offering travelers a chance to experience one of the most untouched natural areas in South America. Unlike the coastal districts, Sipaliwini does not have large cities. Instead, the district is made up of small communities located along rivers and deep within the forest. Many of these villages belong to Indigenous and Maroon communities whose cultures and traditions remain closely connected to the surrounding environment. Much of Sipaliwini consists of protected rainforest and nature reserves. One of the most important areas is the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects a large section of tropical forest and wildlife. Within this reserve, locations such as Raleighvallen and Voltzberg attract visitors interested in hiking, wildlife observation, and exploring the jungle landscape. Several eco-lodges and research stations are also located within the district, allowing travelers to stay in the rainforest while taking guided excursions. Activities often include jungle trekking, canoe trips along forest rivers, birdwatching, and learning about the cultures of local communities. For travelers looking to experience Suriname’s wilderness, Sipaliwini offers access to some of the country’s most remote forests, rivers, and wildlife areas. The district represents the heart of Suriname’s interior and is often the highlight of longer eco-tourism journeys through the country.

Para is a district south of Paramaribo known for its forests, savanna landscapes, and natural recreation areas. Because it is located close to the capital, many visitors travel to Para to experience nature without having to go deep into the interior of Suriname. The district is home to Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, the main airport of Suriname, located in the town of Zanderij. Many travelers pass through Para when arriving in the country, but the district offers much more than just the airport. One of the most popular attractions in Para is Colakreek, a recreation area famous for its dark brown creek water and sandy banks. The color of the water comes from natural substances released by forest vegetation, giving the creek its distinctive appearance. The area is widely used for swimming, picnics, and relaxing in the forest. Para is also known for its savanna landscapes, which are very different from the dense rainforest found in much of Suriname. Near Zanderij and Republiek, visitors can see stretches of white sand and open vegetation surrounded by forest. These areas support unique plants and wildlife adapted to the savanna environment. Throughout the district there are several resorts, recreation parks, and eco-lodges where visitors can spend the day swimming in creeks, walking through the forest, or simply enjoying the quiet surroundings. For travelers looking to explore nature close to the capital, Para offers an easy way to experience Suriname’s forests, creeks, and savanna landscapes.

Marowijne is a district in eastern Suriname known for its rivers, rainforest, and wildlife. The region borders French Guiana, with the Marowijne River forming the natural boundary between the two countries. For many travelers, the district offers a mix of nature, culture, and river life that is very different from the capital. The district capital is Albina, a riverside town located about 100 kilometers east of Paramaribo. Albina sits directly across from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in French Guiana, making it an important border crossing point. Small boats regularly travel across the river, connecting the two sides and giving visitors the opportunity to experience both countries in one trip. One of the most well known destinations in the district is Galibi Nature Reserve, located near the mouth of the Marowijne River. The reserve is famous for its sea turtle nesting beaches, among the most notable stretches on our guide to [Suriname's beaches](/articles/suriname-beaches/). Several species of sea turtles come ashore here during the nesting season, attracting visitors who travel to the area to observe this natural event. Marowijne is also home to several Indigenous communities, including the villages of Christiaankondre and Langamankondre, where visitors can learn about the traditions and culture of the Kaliña people. Further inland, the town of Moengo has gained attention for its cultural projects and art initiatives that bring new life to the historic mining town. For travelers exploring Suriname, Marowijne offers a combination of river landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Whether visiting the turtle beaches of Galibi, crossing the river to French Guiana, or exploring riverside towns, the district provides a unique view of Suriname’s eastern region.

Brokopondo is a district in the interior of Suriname known for its rainforest, rivers, and one of the country’s most impressive landscapes, the Brokopondo Reservoir. Located south of Paramaribo, the district offers visitors the opportunity to experience Suriname’s natural environment beyond the coastal regions. The district capital is the small town of Brokopondo, but much of the area is made up of forest, rivers, and scattered villages. Many communities in the region are Maroon villages with a strong connection to the surrounding rivers and forests. Daily life here is closely tied to nature and the waterways that connect the villages. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the district is the Brokopondo Reservoir, also known locally as the Brokopondo Stuwmeer. The reservoir was created in the 1960s after the construction of the Afobaka Dam, which generates hydroelectric power for Suriname. Today the lake stretches across a large part of the district and is known for the many tree trunks that still rise from the water, creating a striking landscape. Another major attraction is Brownsberg Nature Park, located on a mountain ridge overlooking the reservoir. The park is a popular destination for hiking, wildlife observation, and visiting waterfalls hidden within the rainforest. From the viewpoints on the mountain, visitors can see wide stretches of forest and water across the Brokopondo region. For travelers exploring Suriname, Brokopondo offers a chance to experience the country’s rainforest environment, with jungle trails, river views, and nature reserves that show a very different side of the country compared to the coastal districts.

Nickerie is the westernmost district of Suriname and one of the country’s most important agricultural regions. The district borders Guyana and is known for its wide rice fields, coastal wetlands, and the busy town of Nieuw Nickerie, which serves as the district capital. Nieuw Nickerie is commonly cited as one of Suriname's largest towns outside the capital, and acts as the economic center of the western part of the country. The town sits along the Nickerie River, with a waterfront area where locals gather, fish, and watch boats move along the river. Markets, restaurants, and small shops make the city an important hub for surrounding farming communities. Much of the district is made up of rice polders and farmland, which stretch across the landscape in a network of irrigation canals and fields. Nickerie is often referred to as the rice capital of Suriname, as a large portion of the country’s rice production comes from this region. For travelers, Nickerie offers a mix of small city life, rural landscapes, and nature. Many visitors come to explore the wetlands of Bigi Pan, visit the waterfront in Nieuw Nickerie, or travel further west to cross the Corantijn River into neighboring Guyana. The district is also a good place to see a different side of Suriname, where agriculture, fishing, and cross-border trade play an important role in everyday life.