Suriname is a small South American country known for its Dutch colonial towns, tropical rainforests, and diverse cultures. Renting a car in Suriname allows you to explore remote jungle villages, cruise along the Upper Suriname River, and visit lesser-known nature reserves at your own pace. This guide will highlight the best road trips in the country, from historic city loops to deep rainforest routes.
For anyone planning Suriname rental car routes, consider these tips to ensure a smooth journey:
Suriname has over 4,500 km of roads, making it ideal for road trippers eager to explore nature and culture. Here are some of the most scenic routes in Suriname you can take by car:
One of the most accessible driving routes in Suriname is a loop around its capital, Paramaribo. This leisurely city drive lets you soak in the historic charm of downtown. Paramaribo’s inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial-era wooden architecture and tree-lined avenues.
Begin at the Waterkant waterfront road, where Dutch-stle buildings face the Suriname River. From there, drive slowly through the old town’s streets to admire landmarks like the white-washed Presidential Palace and the 17th-century Fort Zeelandia.
Stop at Fort Zeelandia, the riverside fortress turned museum, to learn about Suriname’s colonial past. A few blocks away is Independence Square, a green park surrounded by important buildings. Here, you can take photos of the colonial Governor’s House and nearby Palm Garden. As you continue the loop, consider a quick visit to the Central Market for fresh fruits or a cold drink.
Hidden Gems to Watch For
This scenic coastal drive takes you westward from the capital to Suriname’s second-largest city, Nieuw Nickerie. It follows the East-West Link highway and can be completed in about 4.5 to 5 hours without stops. The journey takes you past quiet villages, wetlands, and stretches of untouched coastline.
Start early from Paramaribo to enjoy cooler weather and more time for sightseeing. One of the first highlights is Weg naar Zee, a peaceful stretch near the ocean with mangroves and lotus ponds. It’s a bird-watching hotspot, especially during migration season.
As you continue west, small towns like Groningen and Totness offer good roadside stops for snacks or short walks. Near Wageningen, rice fields stretch along the highway, giving a glimpse into Suriname’s agricultural landscape.
The journey ends at Nieuw Nickerie, a laid-back town near the border of Guyana and a gateway to Bigi Pan, a massive wetland reserve.
Hidden Gems to Watch For
This lush inland route takes you from the capital to Brownsberg Nature Park, one of Suriname’s top destinations for hiking, waterfalls, and panoramic rainforest views. The drive takes around 3 to 4 hours, with the final stretch being a steep dirt road that requires a 4x4. The park sits in the Brokopondo District, overlooking a massive reservoir and surrounded by a jungle with howler monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
Leave Paramaribo early to make the most of daylight hours. Take the Afobakaweg highway south toward Brownsweg, a small town near the reservoir. A rugged 13-kilometer climb brings you into the park’s highland terrain. When you arrive, expect cooler temperatures, dense canopy views, and fresh air.
Hidden Gems to Watch For
This inland drive takes you deep into Suriname’s interior to see one of its most dramatic human-made landscapes: the vast Brokopondo Reservoir. Created in the 1960s by the Afobaka Dam for hydroelectric power, the reservoir submerged entire forests and villages—leaving behind tree trunks rising eerily from the water. The trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, following the Afobakaweg highway through forested areas and remote settlements.
While it’s possible to visit as a day trip from Paramaribo, many travelers combine this route with a stay in nearby Brownsberg Nature Park or a river lodge. The dam is not open for tours but can be seen from multiple scenic pull-offs nearby.
Hidden Gems to Watch For
This eastern route takes you from Paramaribo to Albina, a border town on the Marowijne River, and onward by boat to Galibi, a remote coastal village and nature reserve. The drive to Albina takes about 2.5 to 3 hours along the East-West Link highway, passing through forested areas and small communities. From Albina, a boat ride of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours brings you to Galibi.
Galibi is renowned for its pristine beaches and as a nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, including the leatherback. The nesting season typically occurs from February to August.
Hidden Gems to Watch For
Beyond the major routes, Suriname has lesser-known drives that reward the adventurous. These road trip destinations Suriname offers are off the typical tourist path but worth the detour:
Head east across the Suriname River from Paramaribo into Commewijne District. This scenic drive takes you through a plantation region. Tree-lined roads connect former sugar, coffee, and cocoa plantations.
Stop at Nieuw Amsterdam to see the open-air museum at Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, a star-shaped fort at the confluence of two rivers. Then continue to plantations like Peperpot or Frederiksdorp, where restored colonial buildings and quaint coffee shops await. The atmosphere is peaceful, with mangrove riversides and old estates dotting the route.
Drive south of Paramaribo to explore the rural areas around Lelydorp, a small town often overlooked by visitors. The roads around Lelydorp lead you past pineapple farms, orchid nurseries, and village markets.
A highlight here is the Neotropical Butterfly Park, where you can pause to see butterflies and even reptiles in a garden setting. The drive is short. Lelydorp is about 20 km from the capital, but you can extend it by exploring side roads.
Discover local surprises like family-run warungs serving Surinamese-Indian curries or scenic spots like small lakes and creeks hidden in the forest. It’s a great half-day excursion to experience everyday Surinamese life away from tourist spots.
Head southeast from Paramaribo into the lush Para District, known for its quiet villages, forest reserves, and tranquil creeks. This lesser-known road trip is ideal for nature lovers who want to unwind without venturing too far from the capital.
The route takes you past Onverdacht and into the heart of tropical forests, where you’ll find spots like Cola Creek perfect for a picnic and a swim in the dark, mineral-rich waters. A bit further lies the Blaka Watra, a black water recreational park.
Along the way, you’ll pass roadside fruit vendors selling fresh coconut, rambutan, or papaya. Birdwatchers can watch for toucans, parrots, and tanagers flitting through the canopy. The drive is quiet and peaceful, best enjoyed slowly with a few spontaneous stops to enjoy the forest views or local snacks.
Exploring Suriname is an experience that takes you from the old streets of Paramaribo to quiet forests and rivers. Rent a car with Finalrentals to venture through these scenic places on your schedule. With pick-ups from airports, no hidden fees, and well-maintained vehicles, your journey starts the moment you book.
