Suriname may not be one of the most famous or popular tourist destinations in the Americas, but it certainly makes up for it with its natural beauty. And while the country is known for its lush jungles and beaches, its history as a former Dutch colony also makes it known for beautiful Dutch architecture.

The country is a melting pot of cultures as well, and it takes in heavy influences not just from the Dutch but also from African slaves, Indonesians, Indians, and Chinese indentured servants, according to The Crazy Tourist. Of course, the local Indigenous also have their mark on the country's overall culture.

5 Destinations You Must Visit While in Suriname:

While it may not be a tourism powerhouse like Brazil, there are still plenty of things to do and places to visit while in Suriname. We listed five places you might want to stop by while in this small former Dutch colony.

Paramaribo Inner City

The Surinamese capital Paramaribo is one of the most historic cities in South America. It is found on the continent's Northeastern coast. It previously served as a Dutch colonial town from the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the city is beautifully preserved, and its inner city is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

It boasts mainly-wooden buildings which blend Dutch architecture with North American influences. It also has 291 monuments, but the UN noted that a few of them have disappeared due to ongoing development.

Fort Zeelandia

While Suriname was a former Dutch colony, it also had some French influences. In fact, the French built a wooden fortress in 1640 along the banks of the Suriname River as protection against the British, according to Sky Ticket. However, the fort was soon captured and renamed by the Dutch, and thus we have Fort Zeelandia right outside Paramaribo. It provides a taste of what Suriname was like in colonial times and is a popular sightseeing destination for tourists.

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Arya Dewaker

Indians are a huge part of Surinamese culture, and they even have one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the Americas, Arya Dewaker.

Also located in Paramaribo, it is one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India and the largest Hindu temple in Suriname. It was designed by a Dutch architect and married the Dutch style with India's Moghul style. It also adapts some Moorish designs.

Galibi Coppename Nature Reserve

Suriname is best known for its nature, and the Galibi Coppename Nature Reserve is one of the best places to visit for nature lovers. It is described as a haven for birdwatchers, as well as serving as a prime nesting site for sea turtles, which lay their eggs in the area between April and August. These turtles include gigantic leatherbacks. There are organized tours to the nature reserve, with visitors potentially seeing endangered manatees.

Neotropical Butterfly Park

And speaking of nature, visitors can also visit the Neotropical Butterfly Park in Wanica. Suriname has a high number of butterfly species, and this park showcases them. It also has an insect museum next to it, as well as a collection of paintings.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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