Para / Suriname
Para
Explore Para: Suriname’s Gateway to Nature and History
Para District, located just south of Suriname’s capital Paramaribo, is a lush region known for its expansive savannas, winding rivers, and rich indigenous and colonial history. The district is a hub for eco-tourism, offering visitors access to the tranquil Para Creek, traditional Maroon and Amerindian villages, and the historic sites of the old plantations. With a landscape shaped by gold mining and bauxite extraction, Para showcases the blend of Suriname’s natural resources with its multicultural heritage. What makes Para special is its easy access to both natural wonders—like the famed Cola Creek and Brownsberg Nature Park—and cultural experiences, including visits to local communities that maintain their ancestral customs. The district serves as a starting point for exploring Suriname’s vast interior, while still being close enough to Paramaribo for day trips. Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, or simply relaxing by a river, Para offers something for every traveler.
Safety
Para is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken, especially in remote areas. Be cautious near mining sites and when swimming in creeks or rivers due to strong currents or possible wildlife.
Visas
Para follows Suriname’s national visa policy; most travelers require a tourist card or e-visa, available online or at the airport.
Customs regulations
Respect the privacy and traditions of local communities, especially in indigenous and Maroon villages. Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or homes, and dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites.
Prices
Travel costs in Para are moderate; local guesthouses and lodges are affordable compared to the capital, but nature tours and guided excursions may add to your budget. Dining and transport are generally inexpensive, though prices rise for private trips into the interior.
People and nationalities
The district is home to a diverse population, including Maroon, Amerindian, Creole, and Javanese communities. Local customs are influenced by indigenous and Afro-Surinamese traditions, and hospitality is a core value.
Weather
Para features a tropical rainforest climate with hot, humid conditions year-round. The wet season runs from April to August and in December–January, while the drier months are February–March and September–November. The best time to visit is during the short dry seasons when access to remote sites is easier and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.
Health
There are basic health clinics in Para, but more comprehensive medical facilities are in Paramaribo. Carry any necessary medications and be aware of tropical diseases like malaria or dengue.
Food
Pinda soep
A hearty peanut soup made with ground peanuts, vegetables, chicken or beef, and seasoned with local spices. It's often served with rice or cassava bread.
Pom
A popular Surinamese festive dish, Pom is made from grated tayer root and chicken, baked together with citrus juice and spices, reflecting the region's Creole influence.
Bami
Javanese-style fried noodles, typically stir-fried with chicken or beef, onions, celery, and a splash of sweet soy sauce, showing the district's multicultural cuisine.
Cassava Bread
A traditional Amerindian flatbread made from grated cassava, baked until crispy. It's a staple in local villages and often eaten with stews or soups.
Herheri
A Maroon specialty, Herheri is a starchy dish made from grated green bananas, yams, and sweet potatoes, usually served with salted fish or spicy chicken.
Transport
Private Car or Taxi
The easiest way to get around Para is by private car or taxi, especially for reaching remote creeks, villages, and nature reserves.
Mini-bus Services
Shared mini-buses run from Paramaribo to key towns like Onverwacht and Zanderij, offering affordable transportation for locals and travelers.
Bicycle Rental
Bicycles can be rented in some areas for exploring local roads and nearby attractions at a leisurely pace.
Organized Tours
Many guesthouses and tour operators in Para and Paramaribo offer organized day trips or multi-day excursions with transport included.
What to visit?
History
Colonial plantations are established along the Para Creek, making Para a center for sugar, coffee, and cotton production.
Maroons, descendants of escaped enslaved Africans, settle in the region and form autonomous communities.
Abolition of slavery in Suriname leads to labor shortages on Para's plantations, resulting in the arrival of indentured laborers from Asia.
Bauxite mining begins in Para, shaping the local economy and infrastructure throughout the 20th century.
The Surinamese military coup affects Para's infrastructure and the safety of some rural communities.
The signing of the peace treaty ends the Surinamese Interior War, bringing stability back to the region.
Eco-tourism initiatives develop, focusing on sustainable visits to Maroon and Amerindian villages and natural reserves in Para.
Activities
Swim in Cola Creek
Enjoy a refreshing swim or picnic at Cola Creek, a popular blackwater creek with sandy banks and family-friendly facilities.
Tour Historic Plantations
Visit former colonial plantations along Para Creek, where you can learn about the district's history and its diverse cultural heritage.
Explore Brownsberg Nature Park
Take a day trip to Brownsberg for hiking trails, panoramic views of the Brokopondo Reservoir, and spotting wildlife like monkeys and toucans.
Cultural Visits to Maroon Villages
Experience authentic Maroon culture by visiting traditional villages, where you can witness local crafts, music, and dance.
Birdwatching and Jungle Treks
Join a guided trek through the savannas and forests of Para to spot exotic birds and learn about local flora and fauna.