South America
Wooden colonial streets on the edge of a vast rainforest.
Suriname is South America's smallest country and one of its most culturally mixed. Paramaribo's historic inner city is a UNESCO-listed grid of white wooden buildings, with a mosque and synagogue standing side by side. Beyond the capital, old plantations line the Commewijne River, Brownsberg Nature Park looks over a huge reservoir, and the Central Suriname Nature Reserve protects enormous tracts of rainforest.
Food mirrors the population, with roti, Javanese noodles, Chinese dishes and Creole stews all on offer. Travel beyond the coast is by boat or small plane, often with a lodge or tour. August to November is the long dry season and the best time to visit, with a shorter dry spell from February to April.
September, October.