Suriname, one of South America’s smallest countries has its capital and largest city in Paramaribo. This country is tropical and it typically has two seasons, the rainy and dry season, and these seasons both occur twice a day. The ideal time to visit is during the two dry seasons from February to April and from August to November, perfect for wildlife and turtle viewing, also during the rainy season, Suriname tends to be prone to flooding. Its population has a diverse ethnic origin of Indians, Maroons, Creole, Javanese, Chinese, European, Indigenous Amerindian and other minority groups. Christianity is the dominant religion practiced here, followed by Hinduism and Islam. Other religions practiced include Winti, and Kejawen. Its diverse ethnic mix of people has created a wide variety of cuisines eaten here, its most popular foods are: peanut soup, Indonesian fried rice, noodles, fried plantain, peanut sauce and grilled flatbread. While they are 18 recognized languages in Suriname, Dutch is the official language and you will often find that an English-based creole language, Sranan Tongo is widely spoken.
There is the Surinam Airways and Caribbean Airlines available for travelling to Suriname. Besides this, there are also weekly direct flights to Suriname from Trinidad, Brazil and Curacao. However there is no train service and internal flights operating in Suriname. For getting around the cities, you can use the taxis, buses, car rentals, ferries and motorcycles. Biking is a popular way of getting Suriname too. This country is a safe travel destination, but it is advised to be alert for petty crimes happening especially in Paramaribo and its surrounding areas.
Suriname is a country with a wealth of incredible natural reserves and parks open to exploration for every wildlife enthusiast and adventurer. There are a plethora of events and festivals in Suriname to be enjoyed by travelers who are visiting here. If you are in Paramaribo, you can attend the National Art Exhibition which highlights the amazing cultural talents of the local artists, see the works of the visual artists in the galleries, attend art workshops and engage in interactive discussions. You can experience the street parades, delicious cuisine and the Brazilian music and dance at the Brazilian Festival. Worth attending too is the Suriname Jazz Festival, International Film Festival, Fete de la Musique and Pagara Estafette, the largest street party used to say goodbye to the old year and usher in the New Year.
If you are ever visiting Suriname, here are some of the fascinating places of attractions you should definitely see and explore:
The Galibi Nature Reserve: it is home to many different species of fauna and flora and also the giant leatherback sea turtle, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles. It is perfect for turtle viewing and you can buy the many handicrafts and local artworks at the few Amerindian villages there.
Stichting Surinaams Museum: one of the best museums in Suriname, it boasts a great collection of artifacts and relics of the colonial era which tells the different parts of the country’s history. This is the perfect place for history enthusiasts to learn more about this interesting country.
The Wia-Wia Nature Reserve: this remote nature reserve is heaven for birdwatchers, with beaches, mangrove swamps and mudflats to explore.
Brownsberg Nature Park: home to a wide range of animals which offer great opportunities to get a firsthand experience of wildlife. Travelers can take guided tours to observe majestic animals as the wild cats, various primates and even smaller creatures like tarantulas and termites, in their natural habitats.
There are over 10,000 hotels and apartments to stay in Suriname, so you will be spoiled for choice especially when in Paramaribo.
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