TravelParamariboParamaribo · Suriname

Experience · Paramaribo

STINASU (Foundation for Nature Conservation in Suriname)

State-linked nature conservation foundation that manages five protected areas and handles visitor accommodation and reservations at Brownsberg Nature Park and Raleighvallen in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. Bookings are made at its Paramaribo office and cover lodging only.

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Best for

  • independent travellers
  • hikers
  • researchers

STINASU, the Foundation for Nature Conservation in Suriname, was set up on 17 June 1969 and manages protected areas on behalf of the state. It employs thirty-one people.

For a traveller, the important thing is what it currently does and does not do. Of the areas it manages, only Brownsberg and Raleighvallen are open to visitors; the others are closed to tourism. Its board has been in caretaker status since 2020, and the Surinamese government's own page steers visitors towards licensed tour operators rather than direct STINASU booking. Treat it as an accommodation counter for two reserves, not as a tour operator.

Two specific warnings. Matapica is frequently sold as a turtle-watching destination while the government lists it as closed to tourism — that conflict is unresolved and you should ask hard questions before paying for it. And STINASU's own website no longer resolves at all, so nothing about rates or lodge capacity can be checked. Book Brownsberg and Raleighvallen through an operator.

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  • Peperpot Nature Park

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    A nature park of about 820 hectares on a former coffee and cocoa plantation in Commewijne, a short drive from Paramaribo, with walking trails through regrown forest and old plantation planting still visible.

  • Brownsberg Nature Park

    Attraction · Brokopondo District

    A nature park of roughly 12,000 hectares on a plateau in Brokopondo district south of Paramaribo, with rainforest trails, waterfalls and views over the Brokopondo reservoir.

  • METS Travel & Tours

    Tour operator · Paramaribo North

    Long-established Paramaribo tour operator that runs its own jungle lodges in the Surinamese interior, including Awarradam, Palumeu and the Kasikasima base camp, plus day trips and city tours. Also books hotels, transfers and river cruises.

Sources and verification

Last verified

Information on this page is sourced from STINASU, Government of Suriname, Ministry of Land and Forest Management.