Indigenous Village Tours in Suriname

Suriname's Indigenous peoples live mainly along the coast and in the far south. In Palumeu on the Tapanahony River, Trio and Wayana families live next to a jungle lodge, and Apetina is a Wayana village on the Tapanahony River. On the coast, the Kali'na villages of Christiaankondre and Langamankondre at Galibi welcome visitors who come for culture and sea turtles.

Visits are arranged through a lodge or tour operator, with village walks, crafts, and dance or song.

Good to know

Getting there: Palumeu is reached by small plane from Zorg en Hoop airport in Paramaribo, about one hour or slightly more. Galibi is about 3 hours by road to Albina, then a boat trip down the Marowijne River.
Time needed: Galibi trips take 2 or 3 days. Palumeu and Apetina packages usually run 4 or 5 days because of the flight schedule.
Entry and permits: Galibi tours start at about 150 to 215 euro per person. Palumeu packages including flights start from about 665 euro. Check with the operator.
Tips: Villages are private communities: visit with your guide rather than on your own, ask before photographing people and buy crafts directly from the makers.
Best time to go: Possible all year. Combine Galibi with the sea turtle nesting season, roughly February to August.