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Jaw Jaw A Tela Tour

Tour description

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Saramaccan Maroon community in Jaw Jaw, a village nestled along the Upper Suriname River. This tour offers an authentic experience of traditional village life, enhanced by river rapids, rainforest surroundings, and meaningful community engagement.

Highlights

  • Guided forest walks
  • Swimming in river rapids
  • Traditional workshops (cassava bread, coconut oil)
  • Caiman spotting by night
  • Authentic lodging in wooden huts
  • Experiencing daily life with the local community

Tour Program

Day 1 

Depart in the morning from Paramaribo toward Atjoni, where the road ends and the river begins. There, you’ll board a traditional motorized canoe (korjaal) for a scenic journey along the enchanting Upper Suriname River to the village of Jaw Jaw. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the local residents.

After enjoying a delicious local lunch, you’ll have time to relax, explore the surroundings, or take a refreshing dip in the river. In the afternoon, you can join a creative or cultural activity, such as baking cassava bread (based on a minimum number of participants). In the evening, a traditional dinner will be served.

Day 2

After breakfast, enjoy a guided village walk where you’ll learn about the culture, history, and daily life in Jaw Jaw. Depending on availability, you may have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities such as sewing a pangi (traditional wrap), pounding rice, or joining a calabash or coconut oil workshop. In the evening, you can opt for a night walk or a peaceful river tour under the stars, ending the day with local stories and music.

Day 3

After breakfast, there’s time for a short forest walk or a final swim in the river. You may also choose to go paddling in a traditional wooden canoe or try fishing with a local. 

Day 4

After breakfast, take a final refreshing dip in the river. For those interested, there’s also the opportunity to paddle a traditional wooden canoe or try your hand at fishing with a local. Following this, you’ll say goodbye to your host family and begin the return boat trip to Atjoni. The tour ends in the afternoon upon arrival in Paramaribo.

Departing Days

  • 2-day tour: On request, minimum 2 persons
  • 3-day tour: On request, minimum 2 persons
  • 4-day tour: On request, minimum 2 persons

Tour Details

  • Price

    Starting from € 165 per person

  • Options

    2-day | 3-day | 4-day

  • Tour type

    Multi-day Tour

Packing List

  • Hat or cap

  • Weekend bag/backpack

  • Good walking shoes

  • Towel

  • Photo camera & well-charged batteries

  • Slippers/flip flops

  • Long trousers and over shirt with long sleeves

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Raincoat/poncho

  • Toiletries

  • Sunscreen

  • Water shoes/water-resistant slippers

  • Small backpack

  • Dry clothes

  • Change (SRD)

  • Waterproof bag for electronics

  • Swimwear

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Passport

Included/Excluded

  • Included:

    Transport by bus & boat

  • Local Guide

  • Accommodation

  • Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

  • Non-alcoholic beverages

  • Local excursions

  • Excluded:

    Alcohol & other beverages

  • Snacks

  • Personal expenses