Suriname: My Itinerary and 5 Amazing Places to Stay
When I think back to my trip to Suriname, I remember not just the incredible sights, but also the unique and unforgettable places I stayed. Suriname isn’t just about lush rainforests and historic Paramaribo (though those are amazing too)—it’s also full of hidden gems when it comes to accommodations. From boutique hotels to jungle lodges, every stay came with its own story, and I’m here to share them all with you! So, let’s start with the best part: the places I stayed.
My Suriname Adventure: A Journey of Comfort, Nature, and Culture
Suriname’s unique geography plays a big role in shaping your itinerary. Most of the developed areas are along the coast, and you can travel along the Suriname River to reach some amazing destinations. For the truly adventurous, there are small flights that take you deep into the jungle.
I love having everything organized before I go, but I’m not a fan of cookie-cutter travel packages. I want a trip tailored to my interests—one that lets me explore all the exciting places I’ve researched. Thankfully, I found a travel agency in Suriname that offers custom “building block” trips. Jenny tours Whether you want an adventurous trek, a luxurious escape, or a mix of both, they’ll help you create the perfect trip. And if something’s not already on their list? No problem—they’ll make it happen.
With their help, my itinerary came together seamlessly. Here’s how our journey unfolded:
My Suriname Itinerary
- 25 March: Arrival in Paramaribo, transfer to our first hotel.
- 26 March: Exploring Paramaribo on a city bike tour. Perfect for taking in the historic wooden buildings and the relaxed vibe of the city.
- 27-28 March: Off to Galibi and French Guiana! This coastal area is famous for its nesting sea turtles, and we had the chance to see them up close—a Travelglaze moment! In French Guiana we visited the prison from the famous movie Papillon
- 29 March: Back in Paramaribo, where we had a private tour and got to see sloths up close. Who can resist their cute, lazy charm?
- 30-31 March: Heading to Akira Resort in Bigi Pan. This wetland paradise was a wildlife lover’s dream, with scarlet ibises, herons, and even caimans.
- 1-3 April: Staying at Peperpot Plantation, where history meets nature. Walking the trails and spotting monkeys, sloths and birds was a definite highlight.
- 4-5 April: Time for adventure with two nights at Seliba River Glamping. Jungle hikes, a campfire under the stars, and even a hot tub—glamping at its best.
- 6 April: Returning to Paramaribo for a quick breather.
- 7-8 April: Heading deeper into the rainforest to Isadou Resort, right across from the traditional village of Jaw Jaw. The river views and cultural insights were unforgettable.
- 8 April: A day trip to Brownsberg Nature Park, where we hiked through lush rainforest and saw beautiful waterfalls.
- 9 April: A relaxing stay at Ston Island, where the serene views of the Brokopondo Reservoir were the perfect way to wind down.
- 10-12 April: Back to Paramaribo to soak in the city’s charm one last time.
- 13 April: Taxi to the airport and farewell to beautiful Suriname.
What Made This Trip Special
- Flexible Planning: The travel agency (Jenny Tours) really nailed it with their custom options. I got to pick exactly what I wanted—no unnecessary stops, no rushed schedules. They are based in Paramaribo and personally make sure that everything is the way it should be.
- Incredible Nature: From the wetlands of Bigi Pan to the jungles of Brownsberg, Suriname’s natural beauty is unmatched.
- Friendly Locals: Every guide we met was kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing their country’s stories.
- A Mix of Comfort and Adventure: Whether I was glamping by the river or relaxing at a boutique hotel, every moment felt tailored to my style of travel.
1. Greenheart Boutique Hotel – A Hidden Oasis in Paramaribo
Location: Paramaribo
Why I Loved It: This cozy boutique hotel was the perfect introduction to Suriname. Tucked away in the heart of Paramaribo, Greenheart Boutique Hotel feels like a tropical oasis with its lush gardens, eco-friendly vibe, and friendly staff who always greeted me with a smile.
Fun fact: Did you know the name Greenheart comes from the greenheart tree, one of the strongest woods in the world and native to Suriname’s rainforests? Fitting, right?
Travelglaze Moment: For me, the best way to see Suriname is by taking short trips from Paramaribo. I loved coming back to Greenheart. Their pool was my go-to spot for cooling off from the tropical heat, and the peaceful garden was the perfect place to plan the next adventure. You can leave your big luggage and return often to the same room you stayed in before.
2. Akira Overwater Resort – Bigi Pan’s Paradise
Location: Bigi Pan Nature Reserve
Why I Loved It: If you’re a bird lover (or even if you’re not), Bigi Pan is like stepping into a wildlife documentary. Akira Overwater Resort is a tiny lodge in the middle of the Bigi Pan wetlands, and staying here felt like floating on a lake surrounded by nature. I woke up to the sound of birds, watched herons glide by, and spotted scarlet ibises—the bright red stars of Bigi Pan. 
Fun fact: Bigi Pan is home to over 120 species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans. It’s one of the best birdwatching spots in Suriname!
Travelglaze Moment: My favorite memory? Taking a boat tour at sunset and watching hundreds of scarlet ibises return to their roost. The sky literally turned pink and red—it was magical. Also, don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
3. Seliba River Glamping – Jungle Luxury
Location: On the Upper Suriname River
Why I Loved It: I’ll be honest—I’m not a big fan of camping. But glamping? That’s a whole different story. Seliba River Glamping is the perfect mix of jungle adventure and modern comfort. Set right on the river, it’s small, private, and surrounded by untouched rainforest. Think hot tubs, a campfire under the stars, and real beds.
Fun fact: Seliba offers a guided night jungle walk, where you’ll spot nocturnal creatures like frogs, snakes, and maybe even a caiman! It sounds scary, but trust me, it’s thrilling.
Travelglaze Moment: My absolute highlight was sitting by the campfire at night, listening to the jungle sounds while sipping a cold drink. And let’s not forget the morning canoe ride on the calm river, where I saw toucans flying overhead.
4. Hotel Peperpot – Plantation Meets Modern Comfort
Location: Peperpot Nature Park
Why I Loved It: Peperpot is a former plantation turned into a charming hotel, blending history with modern comfort. The plantation itself dates back to the 1600s, but now it’s surrounded by nature trails, birds, and monkeys. Staying here felt like stepping back in time—without giving up Wi-Fi, of course.
Fun fact: Peperpot was one of Suriname’s most productive coffee and cacao plantations, and you can still see the old drying sheds and plantation houses on the grounds.
Travelglaze Moment: I loved waking up early, grabbing my binoculars, and walking the nature trails around the plantation. Spotting playful capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees was such a treat. And after all that walking, relaxing on the hotel’s veranda with a cool drink was heaven.From Curiosity to Wonder: Why Suriname Is in My Top 5 Destinations
5. Isadou Resort – Jungle Bliss by the River
Location: Across from the village of Jaw Jaw
Why I Loved It: If you want to immerse yourself in the jungle, Isadou Resort is the place to be. Situated along the Suriname River, this small resort offers basic but comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the river and rainforest. You’ll sleep in wooden cabins with mosquito nets, and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the river flowing past.
Fun fact: The resort is right across from Jaw Jaw, a traditional Maroon village. The Maroons are descendants of escaped enslaved people who built their own communities deep in the rainforest.
Travelglaze Moment: The guided village tour was unforgettable. I learned about the Maroon culture, saw local crafts being made, and even tried their traditional food. Bonus: Swimming in the river’s natural whirlpools was the perfect way to cool off after a jungle hike!
Why Suriname Stole My Heart
Suriname is more than just a travel destination—it’s an experience. Whether you’re relaxing in a jungle lodge, exploring the history of old plantations, or cruising through wildlife-rich wetlands, every moment feels like an adventure.
This trip reminded me that you don’t have to choose between comfort and nature—Suriname has mastered the art of offering both. From glamping under the stars to boutique hotels in the city, every stay added a special layer to my journey.
Do you have a favorite stay in Suriname or a jungle adventure story? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear it! 
