Tomás, an avid traveler, had traveled through much of South America and the Caribbean, but Suriname was unlike any place he had seen before. A tiny country on the northeastern coast of South America, its size was deceptive—within its borders lay a world of diversity, from lush rainforests and sandy savannahs to vibrant cities and ancient traditions.
Tomás started his journey in Paramaribo, the lively capital where Dutch colonial buildings stood side by side with mosques, synagogues, and temples. He quickly realized that the best way to explore Suriname was by boat or minibus—routes that allowed him to experience both the bustling city and the untouched wilderness. After a few days in Paramaribo, he set out toward the country’s interior, where he hoped to meet the Maroon and Indigenous communities that make Suriname so unique.
His first stop was Brownsberg Nature Park, just two hours from the city. Nestled in the rainforest, the park offered stunning views of the Brokopondo Reservoir. Guided by a local Maroon ranger named Esi, Tomás trekked through dense jungle trails, pausing to swim beneath waterfalls and listen to stories of the Maroon people. Descendants of escaped enslaved Africans, the Maroons had built their communities deep in Suriname’s forests centuries ago, preserving their culture and traditions. “This land is alive,” Esi said, pointing to a towering tree. “It carries the history of my ancestors.”
From there, Tomás traveled to Powakka, an Indigenous village near White Sands. Here, the Karaïb people shared their deep connection to nature. He watched as artisans carved intricate patterns into wood and was invited to join a traditional dance by the bonfire. For lunch, he was served cassava bread and smoked fish, foods prepared using methods passed down through generations.
His next adventure brought him to White Sands, a surreal landscape of bright white savannah surrounded by lush green forests. Walking barefoot on the cool, powdery sand, Tomás marveled at how Suriname’s landscapes could shift so dramatically in a matter of hours.
Eager to explore Suriname’s borders, Tomás ventured east to Albina, a small town on the Marowijne River that borders French Guiana. The river, wide and serene, served as a natural gateway between the two countries. Locals offered boat rides across to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, where French colonial architecture and bustling markets added a European flair to the tropical surroundings.
On his way back to Paramaribo, Tomás stopped at Nieuw Nickerie, the westernmost town near Guyana. Known for its expansive rice fields and proximity to Bigi Pan Wetlands, Nieuw Nickerie was a birdwatcher’s paradise. Tomás joined a boat tour, where he spotted scarlet ibises, pink flamingos, and caimans basking in the sun.
