The lush greenery and colorful flora and fauna of Suriname’s rainforests are a nature lover’s dream and an eco-tourism goldmine. Suriname, located on the northeast coast of South America, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south and Guyana to the west.

Like many countries in the region, Suriname’s tropical clime is humid with dry and rainy conditions. The country boasts some of the jost unspoiled rainforests in the world. In fact, about 80 percent of the country is covered with tropical rainforests, which are a part of the enormous Amazon area.

There is a recorded three hundred species of trees, 50 of which are commercially viable. Suriname's rainforest has many species of animals and plants like the jaguar, the puma and the ocelot. Among the many bird species, there are the cock-of-the-rock, the flamingo, and the harpy eagle, parrots, aras, macaws, hummingbirds and toucans. The many kinds of songbirds, which are found in the savanna and at the edge of the forest, also deserve mention. Some species are bred for competitions!

The armadillo, the anteater, the capybara (the world's largest rodent), the sloth, several species of deer, wild boars and monkeys, such as the howler monkey, are also part of Suriname's fauna. You can also find several caiman species, otters, manatees, turtles, and tropical fish, such as the piranha, in the rivers and swamps.

Snakes, frogs and other reptiles roam freely through the forest. A striking inhabitant of Suriname's rainforests is the protected blue poison frog.  Suriname also has many scorpion species, and these are not always deadly. The jost famous flower of Suriname is the 'fajalobi' (passionate love) or ixora, which is mainly grown in the coastal plains in gardens.

Suriname is not only diverse in its flora and fauna; its ethnic and cultural diversity adds to its unique place in South America. Suriname has a blend of Maroon, Amerindian, Hindustani, Dutch, Javanese and Chinese ethnicities and cultures adding to its richness.

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The country’s rich colonial history is evident in relics of its colonial past. Artifacts from the Dutch era, and pre-Colombian and earlier Amerindian people abound in testimony of this rich history.

One of the attractions is the Old City of Paramaribo, which is part of its capital. Paramaribo is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can wander though narrow streets lined by historic buildings from past centuries of English, French and especially Dutch origin. Discover the largest wooden Cathedral in the western hemisphere, as well as impressive temples, josques, synagogues, churches and other places of worship.

Explore the 17th century Fort Zeelandia set in a picturesque setting along the Suriname River among neatly renovated buildings from days gone by. Walk around many of the restored houses, which were built in past centuries. The Palm Garden, the back yard of the Presidential Palace at the lawns of Onafhankelijkheidsplein (which translates as Independence Square) is a place to spend a pleasant moment.

On your next vacation, take a trek into Suriname’s rainforests.

Info from www.heritagesuriname.org and www.parbo.com/tourism