Suriname is one of the few places in the world where the rainforest covers most of the land. You can reach remote areas full of rivers, wildlife, and beautiful scenery by driving across the country. Many of the most beautiful waterfalls lie deep in the jungle. Renting a car is the best way to explore these hidden treasures.
Public transport does not reach most waterfall sites, and guided tours often follow tight schedules. With a car, you can stop at local villages, take photos of the forest scenery, and travel on your own. Suriname’s unspoiled environment is home to some of the most impressive falls in South America. Keep reading to learn about the top waterfalls in Suriname.
Suriname's waterfalls show off the country's unspoiled nature by creating unique ecosystems, from huge river cascades to small jungle basins.
Blanche Marie Waterfalls are one of the largest nature attractions in Suriname. Getting to this site by car takes some planning and patience because the road goes through thick forests and remote areas.
You’ll drive about 300 kilometres southwest of Paramaribo through the Southern East–West Link. The route is suitable for a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season. On the way, you’ll pass through Witagron, a Maroon village where travellers usually stop for lunch and meet locals. You’ll also drive by small Indigenous villages such as Apoera, Klein Kwamala, and Washabo, where guides share stories about local traditions. Monkeys, parrots, and deer often appear near the roadside, reminding you of the raw beauty that defines Suriname.
The Blanche Marie Waterfalls stretch over 120 metres surrounded by highland tropical rainforest. Trails lead to smaller sites like Eldorado and Edenval, where you can enjoy swimming and fishing. The area also has natural jacuzzis, spots where the current forms gentle whirlpools. Wildlife is everywhere. You may spot up to eight species of monkeys swinging through the canopy and hear the calls of over 200 bird species echoing across the river.
Raleigh Falls and Voltzberg are part of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. This UNESCO-listed site covers over 1.6 million hectares of untouched rainforest. The reserve is a paradise for nature lovers and eco-tourists because it protects hundreds of plant and animal species. To reach Raleigh Falls, you’ll drive from Paramaribo towards the interior, passing Witagron village. From there, you continue by boat along the Coppename River, one of the last uninhabited rivers on earth. The trip takes you through thick rainforests and clear lakes full of fish and birds, a big part of waterfall tours in Suriname.
In the Raleighvallen area, you will find over 400 species of birds, including macaws, toucans, and weaver birds. The forest is also home to monkeys, jaguars, giant armadillos, and river otters. During the hike to Voltzberg Peak, you might see deer and turtles along the trail. The climb to Voltzberg takes around 3 hours and rises about 150 to 250 metres above the trees.
Wonotobo Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Suriname. This area is remote and adventurous, located in the Sipaliwini District near the border with Guyana. The site includes several waterfalls that vary in height and power.
The journey begins with a 4-hour drive from Paramaribo to Nickerie, the main city in western Suriname. From Nickerie, you’ll travel by motorised canoe for 2 to 3 hours to reach Apura, a Native American village along the Courantyne River. The boat ride goes on through beautiful places with sandbars and rock formations that make small waterfalls along the way. It’s recommended to stay the night in Cawfalls. Travellers often camp here before heading to the main site, as the entire trip takes about a day and a half.
Wonotobo Falls are not a single drop but a chain of cascades. The main ones include the Blue Crane, Dutchman, Frenchman, and Englishman Falls, together forming a 3-kilometre-long stretch known as the Wonotobo complex. Each fall has its own shape and sound. The area is home to the Trio Amerindians, one of Suriname’s Indigenous groups, who live along the river and protect the land. Near the falls, you’ll also find pre-Columbian petroglyphs. These ancient rock carvings tell stories of the early inhabitants.
Avanavero Falls is situated deep in the jungle of western Suriname, within Wannawiro Nature Park. The area’s metamorphic and igneous rock formations create a striking landscape with the Kabalebo River nearby. Avanavero Falls is located around 375 kilometres southwest of Paramaribo, within the Sipaliwini District. The journey requires a 4×4 vehicle, as the route passes through dense rainforest and occasionally blocked paths that may need clearing. This is the perfect trip for those seeking an off-road adventure.
Along the way, you’ll pass villages like Pikin Saron, Alfonsdorp, Joseph Village, and Witagron, where travellers often stop for rest and food. The drive may be long, but it offers an unforgettable look at Suriname’s remote interior. You’ll travel through thick jungle and cross narrow bridges. In Wannawiro Nature Park, you can see Crimson-hooded Manakins, Red and Green Macaws, and electric eels in the clear river waters. The park also holds ancient petroglyphs. Activities include hiking through the forest, cruising along the Kabalebo River, and fishing for peacock bass.
Frederik Willem IV Waterfall, also called Anora Falls, is a natural and cultural treasure. It’s located near Amatopo village in the Sipaliwini District along the Courentyne River. The waterfall’s story stretches back centuries. The Tiriyó tribe, who call themselves Okomoyana (meaning wasp men), have lived in this region for generations. They maintain their language, traditions, and deep spiritual ties to the land. The site was first documented in 1871 by explorer Charles Barrington Brown, who described how the Courentyne River split into two branches before the falls.
When you arrive, you can trek through the Amatopo rainforest, guided by locals who know the paths well. The nearby Arapahu Island, situated just below the falls, is a lovely spot for short hikes and stunning river views. After the walk, take a dip or enjoy a picnic beside the river’s crystal-clear pools.
Witsanti Sula, or Witikanti Falls, is in a remote rainforest area with lots of green plants and streams that flow through it. It's one of the less well-known waterfalls in Suriname. People know the falls for their clear waters, which are part of a bigger system of forest creeks. The way the water flows over smooth rocks, framed by tropical trees, makes the place feel like a dream.
There’s generally no entrance fee to visit, but guided tours may include transport, meals, and short walks around the site. The journey by car or boat gives you a closer look at Suriname’s countryside. Facilities are limited because Witsanti Sula is in a remote area. You should bring your own food, water, and basic supplies. The roads can be uneven, so it’s best to rent a reliable car in Suriname that’s suited for off-road travel.
Reaching these nature attractions in Suriname often involves long drives on forest roads and crossings through small villages. Here’s how to plan before starting your adventure.
The best time to explore waterfalls in Suriname is during the dry season, which usually runs from August to November and February to April. During these months, it’s easier to access the roads, and the trails are less muddy. Suriname’s rivers are still strong enough to keep the waterfalls flowing beautifully, so photography and swimming remain enjoyable activities. Rainy season trips are possible but can be challenging. Roads become slippery, and travel time increases, especially in remote areas like Blanche Marie or Avanavero. Still, the lush green scenery during the wet months is breathtaking if you’re well-prepared.
You’ll need comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, and light clothing suited for hot and humid weather. Bring a waterproof bag for your electronics and snacks for long drives. A small first-aid kit is also handy, especially when travelling far from towns. Since many waterfall areas have limited or no electricity, bring a flashlight or a portable charger. Always carry enough cash, as most rural stops do not accept cards.
You can support local guides and village communities by taking tours or purchasing handmade crafts. Don't throw trash in the forest or hurt any part of it. Keep in mind that a lot of waterfalls are close to Indigenous lands, so you need to ask for permission. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that requires careful protection to maintain its healthy ecosystem.
Exploring the waterfalls in Suriname is a journey through some of South America’s most pristine landscapes. You’ll travel through peaceful rainforests, visit friendly villages, and enjoy clear rivers and powerful falls that few people ever reach. Each destination, from Blanche Marie to Wonotobo, offers a different view of Suriname’s rainforest, wildlife, and Indigenous culture.
Rent a car in Suriname with Final Rentals to start your trip with ease. Choose your pick-up and drop-off spot, including Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) and Paramaribo Zorg en Hoop Airport. Select the ideal car for your plans, from city drives to rugged 4×4 trips through the rainforest. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
