Sugar Trail Tour

Sugar has played a predominant role in de history of Suriname. During the times when slavery held sway, there were hundreds of sugar plantations in the country.
During the period of indentured labor, sugar factory Mariënburg played an important role and till this day, Surinamese rum which finds its origin in this period, is still being produced in Paramaribo.
We will take you along this historic timeline on the “the sugar trail”.
In a relaxed ambiance, you will experience the charm of Commewijne and learn more about this district’s sweet and sour sugar history.
We pass along various small settlements such as Zoelen, Ellen, Voorburg, de Hulp and Alkmaar where you will truly experience the rural atmosphere and enjoy interesting sights along the way.

Plantation Concordia:

In the morning, we depart on a boat trip on the Upper Commewijne River to the former sugar plantation Concordia. There you will see the remains of the plantation’s old water mill dating back to around 1830. Nature has completely overgrown the plantation’s past but based on ancient tales, we will take you back to the times of slavery. You will learn more about the history of Concordia and a few surrounding plantations.

Tamanredjo:

Tamanredjo is renowned in Suriname for its savory Javanese food. Here we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

Mariënburg:

In the afternoon, we get a glimpse of the turbulent past of plantation Mariënburg with a visit to
the former factory site. A former laborer gives us a guided tour and his lively tales will bring the ruins to live and take us back to the times of indentured labor. Boat trip on the Suriname River: we make our trip back to Paramaribo by boat on the Suriname River. During
the enjoyable trip, you learn more about the production process of sugar to rum and you get a chance
to entice your taste buds.

SUGAR:

During the trip you also learn a lot more about the product sugar itself such as the history and production process, taking you back through centuries. But also interesting information about the construction of the sugar plantations and the living conditions of the slaves. On the boat, you receive a detailed hand-out with more contextual information and lots of illustrations.

NOTE: Take along all your travel documents in view of a possible inspection by the local
authorities.