Almost the entire country is covered in thick rainforest. You can see giant otters, rare birds, and sea turtles in their natural homes.
The context
Cut the boat engine in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve and the only sound left is howler monkeys roaring somewhere in the canopy, a call that carries for miles and sounds nothing like a monkey. Suriname has one of the largest nature reserves in South America. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve covers a massive area of primary rainforest. It is so big that most parts of it have never been explored by humans. There are no roads or paths - just trees and rivers for as far as you can see.
Because the forest is so healthy, many rare animals live here. You can find jaguars, giant armadillos, and eight different types of monkeys. One of the most famous birds is the Cock-of-the-Rock, which is bright orange and lives deep in the jungle. You can also climb the Voltzberg, which is a giant rock that sits above the trees. From the top, you can see the forest stretching out to the horizon.
Wildlife spotting in Suriname is different from a safari in Africa. You won't be in a jeep. Instead, you sit in a boat on the river and move very slowly. You have to be quiet and patient. If you are lucky, you will see giant river otters playing in the water or a harpy eagle flying overhead.
What you might see
You can see these animals if you go with a good guide to the right areas.
These are the largest otters in the world. They live in groups and are very loud. You can often see them swimming near tour boats.
This is the most powerful eagle in the Americas. It is very hard to find, but Suriname is one of the best places to look for them.
The largest sea turtle in the world. They come to the beach at night between March and August to lay their eggs in the sand.
Jaguars live all over Suriname because the forest is so healthy. It is rare to see one, but you will often see their footprints in the mud.
A bright orange bird that is the national bird of Suriname. The males perform special dances in the forest every morning.
They can grow to be as big as a dog. They only come out at night, so you usually need a night walk with a guide to see them.
The largest predator in the water. You can spot them at night by shining a torch - their eyes reflect a red color.
Large, colorful parrots that fly high above the trees. You usually hear them screaming before you see them.
Where to go
Each area is different. Choose one based on what animals you want to see.
This is the most important park. It is home to the Voltzberg rock and the highest mountains in Suriname. You can only get here by boat or a very small plane.
A thin strip of beach where four types of sea turtles come to lay eggs. You can stay in a small village and go on a night walk to see the turtles.
The easiest park to visit from the city. You can hike to waterfalls and see monkeys and orange birds. The road is very bumpy, so you need a 4x4 car.
A huge area where the river meets the sea. It is the best place to see thousands of birds, especially the bright red scarlet ibis.
Logistics
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