The average cost for backpacking in Suriname can vary depending on the length of stay and the activities planned. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-50 USD per day. This would cover accommodation in budget hostels or …
Read more
Suriname
Suriname
Explore Peru
Explore Uruguay
Backpacking Suriname in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Suriname with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Suriname
Discover Suriname, a hidden gem in South America that beckons backpackers with its biodiversity and cultural richness. Pros? Immerse in untouched rainforests, diverse wildlife, and the unique blend of Dutch, Asian, and Indigenous cultures. The low cost of living enhances its appeal for budget travelers. However, limited tourist infrastructure and language barriers can pose challenges. Yet, for the intrepid backpacker seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Suriname offers a rare combination of authenticity and natural beauty, where each step unveils a vibrant tapestry of traditions and landscapes, making it an extraordinary journey for those willing to explore beyond the mainstream.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Suriname
Cheap
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Suriname
- Paramaribo: The capital city of Suriname is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture. Explore the historic inner city, visit the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, and stroll along the Waterkant to experience the vibrant local culture.
- Central Suriname Nature Reserve: This vast protected area is a paradise for nature lovers. With dense rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, it offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
- Brownsberg Nature Park: Located near the capital, this nature park is a great day trip destination. Hike through the lush forest trails, enjoy breathtaking views from the mountain top, and swim in the refreshing water of the nearby waterfalls.
- Galibi Nature Reserve: Visit this reserve to witness the incredible sight of sea turtles nesting on the beaches. Take a guided tour to observe these magnificent creatures and learn about conservation efforts to protect them.
- Maroon Villages: Explore the unique culture and traditions of the Maroon people, descendants of African slaves who escaped and formed their own communities in the Surinamese rainforest. Visit villages like Danpaati or Pikin Slee to learn about their rich heritage.
But Suriname offers more...
×
Suriname
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Suriname
The best time to visit Suriname for backpacking is during the dry season, which occurs from August to November. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and there is less rainfall, making it easier to explore the country's natural attractions and participate in outdoor activities. Additionally, the dry season is also the best time for wildlife spotting, as animals tend to congregate around water sources. However, it is important to note that Suriname's climate is tropical, so be prepared for high humidity and occasional rain showers even during the dry season.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Suriname
Safety has impact on the way you can travel. Always check the safety of the country you go to and adjust the way you travel to the advice.
SurinameMy tips to get you on the way!Does Suriname sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Suriname. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Suriname may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Suriname. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Suriname may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Suriname, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Suriname, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
.jpg)
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024