Interior & Rainforest
River adventures and living culture deep in the Amazon 🛶🌿
The Interior & Rainforest region of Suriname covers the vast, green southern expanse of the country, primarily defined by the mighty Upper Suriname River and the immense Sipaliwini District. For families, this is not just a forest; it is a living cultural landscape home to the Saramaccan Maroon people, descendants of escaped enslaved people who established independent communities in the jungle centuries ago. The journey itself is an adventure, often involving a flight to a small airstrip or a scenic drive followed by a long boat ride in a korjal (motorized dugout canoe).
Visiting this region is best done through established jungle lodges such as Danpaati, Anaula, or Pingpe. These resorts are generally very child-friendly, offering safe accommodation with mosquito nets and filtered water. The highlight for most children is the river itself. Unlike the murky coastal waters, the river here turns dark and clear, often described as 'coca-cola water' due to organic tannins. Families can swim safely in designated sulas (rapids), where the rushing water creates natural jacuzzis over smooth rocks. Lodges provide life jackets, which are essential for boat travel and swimming for younger children.
Cultural exchange is a central part of the experience. Guides take families to nearby villages to see how cassava bread is baked, how roofs are woven from palm fronds, and to listen to traditional drumming. It is an educational experience that feels immediate and real rather than staged. Night boat trips are another thrill, where guides use spotlights to find caimans resting on the riverbanks. While the rainforest is dense, wildlife spotting is often easier from the water, with chances to see squirrel monkeys, parrots, and kingfishers.
Practical tips for families: Travel to the interior requires planning. Malaria risk is low in many tourist areas but still present, so long sleeves and insect repellent are mandatory, especially at dawn and dusk. The sun is intense; high-factor sunscreen and hats are non-negotiable. Most lodges offer full-board meals, often adapting local dishes like chicken and rice for younger palates. It is advisable to book tours with reputable operators who provide English-speaking guides to bridge the language gap and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Suriname's interior offers some of the world's most pristine primary rainforest and unique Maroon cultural immersion. Peak dry months (Sep-Nov) provide optimal wildlife visibility and trail access; the heavy tropical rains from April to July make travel and outdoor exploration difficult.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers profound learning opportunities regarding Amazonian biodiversity and the unique history of the Maroon people, who preserved West African traditions in the deep jungle. Drier conditions allow for consistent travel to remote research sites and villages, while monsoon months limit accessibility.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Remote, high-quality eco-lodges provide an authentic digital detox and immersion in nature for sophisticated travelers. The peak dry season offers lower humidity and pleasant conditions for outdoor wellness, whereas the extreme humidity and heavy rains (May-Jun) can be oppressive.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
World-class river kayaking and jungle trekking through rugged terrain appeal to active, experienced families. The dry season (Sep-Nov) ensures safer river navigation and firm trails; the peak rainy season often floods terrain and creates unpredictable river conditions.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Lacks traditional coastal beaches but offers unique freshwater 'creek' resorts and river swimming in mahogany-colored waters. These are most appealing and safe during the dry season (Aug-Nov) when water levels are low; the rainy season (Apr-Jul) makes the rivers murky and the current too powerful for leisure.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
While lacking traditional urban infrastructure, the region provides a unique cultural immersion into Maroon and Indigenous villages of significant historical value. Travel to these remote settlements is best during the dry season, as heavy rains disrupt transport and local outdoor communal life.
