Off the Beaten Path: Suriname

Suriname, officially known as the Republic of Suriname is a country on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south.

Boasting some impressive natural attractions, Suriname's sparse savannah is interrupted by verdant rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, while at least five mountain ranges tower above this mysterious land. Yet, it remains a commonly-overlooked destination and most who come here are armed with mosquito repellent, a Dutch dictionary and a sense of adventure.

The Central Suriname Nature Reserve in the upper Coppename River divide is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but is also one of the most popular reserves in the country, along with the Brownsberg Nature Park. Suriname is popular with eco-tourists who come to marvel at the biodiversity of the pristine Amazonian rainforests along the Brazilian border.

The historic inner city of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Paramaribo contains beautiful colonial architecture and is a great place for any travellers to start exploring. Take a walk in the Maagdenstraat and buy some handcrafted jewellery, head to the Sunday flea market to pick up some souvenirs, and enjoy a picture-perfect sunset with an ice-cold beer at the Waterkant (waterfront).

New Amsterdam was intended to become a stone fortress, but there were two obstacles. In the first place, the local clay is too wet and too salty to use for making bricks. That problem could be solved, but the ground was also too soft to build a heavy structure on. So it was decided to build instead five bastions surrounded by a star-shaped fortress with earthen walls.

Known for its torrid political history, Suriname has been ruled by a democratically-elected government since 1991. The crime level is relatively low, but the usual rules apply to those visiting foreign countries with regards to exercising a bit of caution and common sense. Malaria and Dengue fever are common throughout most of the country, and visitors should make sure they have comprehensive medical insurance and are up to date with their vaccinations.

The most exciting feature of Suriname is its cultural diversity, and not many other countries in the world can compete with that. The majority of the population is East Indian, with large numbers of  Creole, Javanese , Amerindians, Chinese  and Maroons, who are the descendants of  the West African slaves brought there by colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries. Dutch is the official language of Suriname, but many people speak English, and you’re also in luck if you speak any of the individual languages of the ethnic groups in the country.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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