Have you ever driven through one of the world’s greenest countries? Approximately 93% of Suriname is covered in tropical forest. There aren't many roads that cut through the jungle in Suriname's interior, unlike the coast, which is populated. This makes driving here a real adventure through the wild. It's also one of the least populated countries in the area, so there aren't many towns once you get inland. Renting a car is the best way to explore the Surinamese interior. With a car, you can travel freely and reach remote places. In this Suriname road trip guide, we’ll cover road conditions and navigation tips, so you’ll know how to drive confidently.
Suriname’s interior offers a unique driving experience in South America. Driving here isn’t just point A to B; it’s an expedition through different terrains and communities.
When you leave the capital, Paramaribo, or other coastal towns, you’ll notice the scenery changing fast. At first, you drive past suburban areas or plantations. These are the jungle edges where civilisation meets forest. Soon, the houses thin out, and lush green rainforest closes in. The further you go, the more you feel the road pulling you from the jungle’s edges to the deep forest heartland. For example, driving south on the Afobakaweg highway, you start near villages and end up by Pokigron at the Upper Suriname River, which is in the middle of the rainforest.
There’s a big difference between city driving and interior driving in Suriname. In Paramaribo, you have paved streets, traffic lights, and some street lighting at night. As you venture into the interior, those disappear. The roads in the interior of Suriname are poorly maintained dirt roads that cut through rainforests. Instead of following speed limits and lane markers, you have to figure out how to navigate based on the road conditions. For example, you’ll have to choose the least bumpy path on a laterite road.
When the road gets rough, you'll have to slow down, and a short distance can take a lot longer than you think. Here’s how to drive in Suriname interior.
Near the capital and in some larger towns, you’ll start on paved roads or asphalt. For example, the East-West Highway, which links Paramaribo to towns like Nieuw Nickerie and Albina, is mostly paved and in decent condition. However, once you leave the main roads and head inland, the smooth pavement soon gives way to gravel or laterite roads.
Laterite is a reddish clay gravel commonly used in tropical countries. They can be smooth in dry weather, but become powdery dust or slippery muck depending on conditions. It’s common to drive a stretch where the road alternates between old, patched asphalt and dirt sections. In some districts like Sipaliwini, most roads are unpaved, and you’ll be on dirt the entire time. Don’t be surprised when a tarred road abruptly ends and you find yourself on a rough track. The key is to slow down and handle your vehicle carefully.
Numerous large rivers, including the Suriname River, Marowijne, Coppename, Saramacca, and Corantijn, crisscross Suriname. Some major crossings on the coastal highway have bridges, such as the Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge over the Suriname River near Paramaribo. But deeper in the interior, many river crossings lack permanent bridges. In such cases, you might ride a ferry. If you drive west toward the village of Boskamp, you’ll take a short ferry across the Coppename River as part of the journey. These local ferries can carry a few vehicles at a time.
In more remote areas, crossings can be a wooden raft guided by locals or a narrow wooden bridge. Wait your turn, drive slowly, and follow any instructions from ferry operators. Some interior bridges are simply logs or old metal planks spanning small streams, so be sure to check them before driving on.
If you travel during or immediately after the rainy season, be prepared for numerous mud and potholes. Suriname has a tropical climate with heavy rainfall at certain times of year. Unpaved interior roads can turn into muddy stretches where your tyres struggle for grip. During the wettest months, some dirt roads become so soft that only a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle can navigate through. You’ll often see large puddles spanning the width of the road.
Navigation in the interior requires planning. Given the lack of settlements and spotty communication, this section addresses how to avoid the dangers.
Before you set off into areas with poor network coverage, be sure to download an offline map of Suriname on your phone or GPS device. Offline navigation apps can be lifesavers when you have no cellular signal. Mark key points, such as your destination, junctions, and fuel stops. Once on the road, you’ll find that road signs are scarce in the interior.
If you reach a small settlement or see people along the road, don’t hesitate to stop and confirm you’re on the right track. Surinamese locals are generally friendly and will offer help with directions. Note that the official language is Dutch; many people also understand Sranan Tongo or basic English in tourist areas.
One thing you must plan carefully is fuel. In the city, petrol stations are common, but in the interior of Suriname, they become scarce. Always fill up your tank completely before heading into remote areas. Whenever you pass through a town or large village, top up your fuel, even if the tank is still half full.
Before heading out, identify the places you want to visit, like a particular Maroon village, an eco-resort, a waterfall trailhead, or a campsite.When venturing to multiple interior locations, plan your visit in a logical order. You don’t want to waste daylight by doubling back. If you plan to drive to distant villages or camps, consider arranging accommodation or asking permission in advance. For nature reserves like the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, check if you need any permits or if the trails are accessible by car.
Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for interior travel in Suriname. Not all cars can handle the rough roads, so most travellers opt for a 4x4 vehicle or an SUV for off-road conditions. Technical features such as four-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, sturdy suspension, and all-terrain tires are highly recommended.
If you plan to explore Suriname’s interior, you’ll see that almost every experienced traveller uses a 4x4 vehicle or SUV. The rough and uneven roads demand strong traction and a vehicle built for off-road conditions. A 4x4 system sends power to all four wheels, helping you move through slippery mud or loose sand with ease. When one tyre slips, the others keep you moving forward, which is vital in the deep jungle routes.
An SUV also offers higher ground clearance, allowing you to drive over rocks, ruts, or small branches without scraping the car’s bottom. Its sturdy suspension system absorbs bumps better. Compact cars or sedans often struggle on these surfaces and may get stuck or damaged.
The jungle roads in Suriname will test your driving skills with many obstacles. One common challenge is crossing shallow riverbeds. Before driving through a stream, stop and check the depth. If it is safe and the current is weak, walk in slowly to feel the bottom. Use 4x4 mode, move in first gear, and keep a steady pace. Do not stop in the middle of the water. You will also meet steep slopes, such as the climb to Brownsberg Nature Park. Another challenge is navigating tight forest turns. Some interior paths are narrow single-lane trails with thick vegetation. Go slowly and be ready for three-point turns around trees or rocks.
Before you enter Suriname’s interior, you must check your vehicle carefully. Start with the tyres. Make sure they are in good condition, with good tread and no damage. Check the pressure and confirm the spare tyre is full and ready to use. Next, open the hood and look at the fluids. Check the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. All should be at the correct level. A radiator that overheats far from town can leave you stranded, so this step is important. Test your brakes, horn, and all your lights.
Driving in Suriname’s interior is the gateway to some of the country’s most beautiful destinations. With a car, you can reach stunning waterfalls, rapids-filled rivers, and nature reserves. Here are a few favourite interior destinations and routes that you can get to by car.
One of the best interior drives is the trip from Paramaribo to Brownsberg Nature Park. The distance is about 120 kilometres and takes around 3 hours. The road stays paved until Brownsweg. After that, the last 13 kilometres turn into a steep dirt road that climbs the Brownsberg hill. At the top, you get views of the Brokopondo Lake and many short jungle trails. These paths lead to small waterfalls, such as Leo Falls and Irene Falls.
If you love wildlife and protected areas, drive towards the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. You cannot drive inside the reserve itself, but you can reach Raleighvallen near its edge. First, you drive several hours to Witagron village through the savannah and forest. From there, you continue by boat along the Coppename River to reach the Raleigh Falls camp. You can hike to the Voltzberg rock and enjoy rapids and small waterfalls.
Many of Suriname’s most exciting sights sit far upriver. The good news is that you can drive to a river landing, leave your car safely, and continue by boat to reach these remote places. One of the most common trips is the drive to Atjoni (also called Pokigron), the final stop on the Upper Suriname River. This is where the paved road from Paramaribo comes to an end. You can park in a guarded lot and take a motorised canoe to Maroon villages and eco-lodges. It is the gateway to places like Botopasi and Danpaati, where you can explore culture, river life, and nearby rapids.
Driving through Suriname’s interior feels like a safari. On riverside roads, you might see a caiman sliding into the water or a turtle resting on a log. In forested areas, look up at the treetops. Groups of monkeys often swing overhead or sit high in the branches. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for sightings, because many animals hide from the heat at midday.
Birdwatching is one of the biggest joys of these drives. You may see colourful macaws flying in pairs, toucans with large bills sitting on branches, or kingfishers darting near streams. If you stop at a viewpoint or step out to stretch, pay attention to the sound. The forest comes alive with the buzz of cicadas, the calls of birds, and sometimes the distant howls of monkeys. At night, the chorus of insects and frogs feels almost musical.
Driving in Suriname’s interior is a true adventure. You will see untamed rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and the feeling of having the open jungle road all to yourself. By following the guidance in this guide, you’ll be able to handle the bumps along the way.Rent a car in Suriname with Final Rentals, and choose a pick-up spot that fits your plan, including Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport or Zorg en Hoop Airport. Final Rentals offers well-maintained SUVs perfect for interior travel. Booking is simple, confirmation is instant, and pricing is clear. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
