When people think of Para, they immediately think of relaxation. As the district with the most recreation resorts and the deepest connection to indigenous culture, Para is the place people go to escape the city heat and experience the power of nature.
At Suriname Vakantiehuizen, we notice that Para is always high on the list. It is the ‘backyard’ of Paramaribo, yet it feels like a completely different world.
The Magic of the ‘Cola-water’
One of the unique features of Para is the many creeks with their characteristic dark brown, yet crystal-clear water. This water gets its color from the fallen leaves of the surrounding vegetation and is popularly known as ‘cola-water.’
- Recreation Resorts: Famous spots such as Colakreek, Overbridge, Blaka Watra, and White Beach offer perfect facilities for a day out. Whether you want to swim, have a barbecue in a pinahut (thatched hut), or lounge in a hammock, it’s all possible in Para.
- Natural Wellness: The water in the creeks is always wonderfully cool and is considered by many to be a medicinal refreshment for both body and mind.
Indigenous Villages and Culture
Para is the heartland of many indigenous communities, particularly the Arawak (Lokono).
- Bernharddorp and Redi Doti: These villages offer a unique opportunity to get to know the original inhabitants of Suriname. Here, you can often buy handmade crafts, such as beautiful wickerwork and pottery.
- Cassipora: Visit the historical cemetery at Cassipora, one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the Western Hemisphere, tucked deep in the forest—a silent witness to Suriname’s early colonial history.
Historical Plantations and Jodensavanne
Para breathes history. Along the Suriname River and the creeks lie the remains of powerful sugar and timber plantations.
- Jodensavanne: This is one of the most important historical sites in the country. In the 17th century, Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution settled here. The ruins of the synagogue ‘Beracha Ve Shalom’ and the surrounding graves are impressive and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Plantation Atmosphere: The old avenues and remaining foundations of plantations serve as reminders of a complex past of slavery, struggle, and survival.
Zanderij Airport: The Gateway
The Para district also houses a point of national pride: the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport at Zanderij. For most travelers, this is their first introduction to Surinamese soil. The drive from the airport to the city takes you directly through the beautiful savanna areas that characterize Para.
Gastronomy in the District
In Para, you will find a mix of flavors. While there are numerous eateries along the Indira Gandhiweg, the true experience lies deeper within the district.
- Warungs and Roti Shops: As Para is a transit district, you will find excellent Javanese and Hindustani cuisine here.
- Wild Game: For the adventurous eater, local restaurants sometimes offer wild game dishes (such as pingo or wild boar), provided they are in season and legally sourced.
- Cassava Products: In the indigenous villages, try fresh peprewatra (spicy fish soup) with khali (cassava bread).
Practical Tips for Para
- Leave Early: Especially on weekends, many city dwellers head to Para. If you want a good spot in a pinahut, make sure to arrive on time.
- Respect Nature: The resorts in Para are ecologically fragile. Please take your trash with you and use biodegradable sunscreen when swimming in the creeks.
- Explore the Savanna: Rent a 4×4 or join a tour to explore the white sand savannas. The landscape here is entirely different from the rest of the coastal plain.
Para is a district you shouldn’t just see, but feel. The combination of spiritual history and refreshing nature makes it an indispensable part of your Surinamese experience.
