Paramaribo is the capital of the Republic of Suriname. The city is located on the west bank of the river. The name of the town probably derives from a former Native American village called Parmirbo. In the early 18th century, European sailors established a trading post. Later, the English conquered this area. They built Fort Willoughby. 1667, the Dutchman Abraham Crijnssen came, and drove the English out of the area. Paramaribo was extended to the west. After the abolition of slavery in 1863 and the termination of contract work in 1873, many people left the plantations and moved into the city which expanded rapidly. Since 2002, the inner city of Paramaribo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the preserved buildings is Saint Peter & Paul Cathedral on the former Gravenstraat (now Henck Arronstraat), which is built entirely of wood.
An expedition in the pristine Amazon rainforest across the Gran Rio River is a true experience for nature lovers who dare to face a challenge! The tour starts with an hour-long flight to Jungle Lodge Awarradam which offers you magnificent views of the pristine tropical rainforest of Suriname. During the journey with excavated canoes from Jungle Lodge Awarradam to the base camp, you pass many spectacular rapids. The beautiful and hard hikes through the jungle are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Amazon rainforest. On this tour, far away from the inhabited world, you will fully enjoy the overwhelming flora and fauna. Gran Rio Jungle Expedition is a real must for adventurers and nature lovers!
Day 1 Travel to Suriname
Flights to the Paramaribo capital of Suriname. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Parimaribo. (Breakfast)
Day 2 Parimaribo
You can enjoy a guided tour by car and on foot where we pass the most historic buildings in Paramaribo with its unique architecture. The guide informs about interesting facts and about the Fort Zeelandia Museum, the Presidential Palace and Independence Square. You also visit Waterkant and Palm Garden. On the way you see a mosque and a synagogue next to each other and you visit the typical working area “Frimangron”. After about 3 hours you return to the hotel, for free afternoon and evening. Overnight in Parimaribo. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Amazon rainforest
An expedition in the pristine Amazon rainforest on the Gran Rio River is a true experience for nature lovers who dare to face a challenge! Our jungle adventure begins at Zorg en Hoop Airport where we check in for the flight which takes about an hour to Kajaani in the Gran Rio River. Flights to Jungle Lodge in Awarradam offer you magnificent views of the pristine tropical rainforest of Suriname. Upon arrival, we make a half hour canoe trip to Awarradam Jungle Lodge. During the journey from Jungle Lodge Awarradam to the base camp which takes place in excavated canoes., You will pass many fine rapids. Here we load up on the food and meet our local guide, after which the journey continues on the Gran Rio River. A beautiful boat trip of almost three hours upstream that takes us to the beautifully located base camp where we will spend three nights, here we get to sleep in hammocks. After we settle in, we start exploring the surroundings while the chef prepares our evening meal. After the meal, we go through the tour for the next day, the journey to the pristine Amazon rainforest. Overnight in jungle camp (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 4 Jungle hike
A 4 km long hiking trail through the forest takes us to our destination for today, Logosokun, Saramaccan and Turtle Hill. Three hills on the way make the hike a real challenge. The final destination is located at an altitude of 310 meters, and offers a magnificent view of the jungle and is named after the turtle that was found in the area at the discovery of this place. The beautiful but rather hard hiking jungle is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Amazon rainforest. On this tour, far away from the inhabited world, you will fully enjoy an overwhelming flora and fauna. Gran Rio Jungle Expedition is a must for an adventurer and nature lover! In the afternoon we return to our base camp here we can enjoy the refreshing water of the river with its rapids.
Overnight in jungle camp (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 5 Jungle hike
Today, we can choose between different hiking destinations. Gangasa-sitonu is a beautiful, overhanging cliff in the middle of the jungle. The hike to reach this cliff is not that long about 2.5 km, so there is time to pay close attention to the local flora and fauna. A walk about as far as to Logosokun, which was our destination yesterday, is Folokun, Saramaccan, the flower hill. This hill has a slightly lower vantage point, but the area is such that you can walk around and enjoy the view. We decide together which destination we will choose. At sunset we glide away with the canoes as this is the right time of day to discover animals. Weather permitting, we will make a campfire and listen to stories from our guide who will eagerly tell us about the importance of this area for Saramaccans. Overnight stay in jungle camp (Breakfast,
Day 6 Awarradam Jungle Lodge
After a late breakfast, we prepare for our trip back to Awarradam where we will spend the last night. Along the way, we glide downstream in the hollowed out canoes while we can enjoy the flora and fauna. Late in the afternoon, we arrive at Awarradam Jungle Lodge where we spend the night in traditionally built cabins. After these hikes, a visit to their local Jungle Spa is to be recommended, after which a visit to the bar and our bed will feel like a luxury!
Overnight stay in jungle lodge (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 7 From jungle to town
In Awarradam, after breakfast, you have the opportunity to relax in the rapids and explore the island. We say goodbye to our local friends before setting off for Kajaani for our flight back to Paramaribo.
To bring: 2 sweaters (with long sleeves), 2 long trousers, T-shirts, shorts, socks, raincoat, cap or sun hat, swimwear, toiletries (soap / toothbrush / toothpaste etc), sun oil, mosquito repellent, sturdy hiking shoes (grip sole) , camera and charger, binoculars, flashlight, sunglasses, small backpack, passport and travel documents, malaria prophylaxis, cash (small banknotes) for the purchase of local souvenirs, spa treatment and your bar bill. On arrival at Parmaribo transfer to hotel. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight in Parimaribo (breakfast)
Day 8 Return from Suriname
Free morning. Transfer in the afternoon to the airport for return. Meals are included on the flight from Suriname. (Breakfast)
Day 9 Homecoming
We arrive at the departure airport