Sugar is a very important part been part of the Surinamese history. In the heyday of slavery, there were hundreds of sugar plantations. During the period of the contract workers of the sugar Mariënburg played an important role and to this day is the Surinamese rum, with its origin from this time, still produced in Paramaribo. We will take you along this historical timeline in “the sugar trail”. We’ll show you in a relaxed way to experience the charm of Commewijne and discover the sour sugar past of this district. We pass small villages with names like: Zoelen, Ellen, Voorburg, de Hulp and Alkmaar and enjoy the countryside feeling and the fun scenes that we encounter along the way.

On the map above shows the route as described in the program below.

THE PROGRAM:
In the morning we depart by bus from the center. Once over the bridge in the district Commewijne, we enter a different world. Particular scenes play out along the way and the variation in buildings is nice to see. From the bridge we drive an hour to Stolkertsijver, a small village along the East-West connection.

Stolkersijver:
After some snooping around to have Chico’s vegetable stall we drink a cup of coffee with some
Surinamese sweetness. The guide tells the history of Stolkertsijver, formerly known Courcabo. This former plantation for example, has two cruel women in its history and anecdotes do not lie. We also hear the plantation history of this part of the Upper Commewijne River, where the first plantations were established.

Boat trip to Concordia:
Then we get in the canoe for a boat ride of 20 minutes, the former plantation Concordia. In this overgrown plantation was recently rediscovered an old cast iron water mill. Unique in Suriname. Even more special is the fact that less than 30 meters from the mill recently has once again found a steam mill yet. The guide tells us at length about the work and lifestyle of the sugar plantations and the technical operation of the various mills. The area is still pretty overgrown and there is a mysterious atmosphere. Partly because of the stories of the guide you can empathize with what it must have been in ancient times.

Background information:
Back in Stolkertsijver we get back on the bus for a ride of half an hour towards Tamanredjo. Time enough to ask expanded questions to the guide. Who wants can further delve into the details in the present Sugar Trail handout and slowly examine the associated images.

Lunch:
We arrive in Tamanredjo, where we will eat Javanese lunch at one of the Warungs. Along the way the guide has included the order with choice of fried rice, noodles, teloh, tofu, Saoto, rice and chicken  or petjil. Something for everyone so. The Javanese Dawet can be ordered and the bright pink drink is very refreshing.

Marienburg:
After lunch we go by bus to Mariënburg. We drive through Alkmaar, where along the way to see a lot of small-scale agriculture. During this ride of just over 20 minutes, the guide tells us the history of Mariënburg. The trajectory of former sugar and coffee plantation slavery through the large sugar factory in contract workers time to the current situation. Arriving at Mariënburg we meet one of the local guides. This takes us on a former factory site and explains to us how things used to look. With anecdotes and a lot of his own memories you get a good picture of this special time. After the tour of about an hour, there is a drink and some fruit. Who wants to can even just walk around and take pictures. Afterwards we drive to New Amsterdam, the guide explains to us how we can go visit the open air museum on your own.

Boat trip back to Paramaribo:
At the dock at the picturesque police station, we get on the boat tent to Paramaribo. It’s lovely to hang out here on the river. The guide tells us about the history of rum and how the process of production of sugarcane for rum is done. The link is made to the current time when the Surinamese Rum is still produced. After the last bit interesting information emerged the guide into a cocktail shaker if we get the opportunity to sample the rums Suriname itself. The boat trip of 40 minutes along the great houses of Anton Dragtenweg give us enough time for the day and work all the information on us. After a final toast we get around half past five in the boat independence square in the center of Paramaribo. Who wants the day to continue a friendly chat with a drink along the waterfront, for others it is, if desired, call a taxi.

Duration of the tour: about 8 hours.
Total driving time Bus: about 2 hours
Total boats sailing time: 1.5 hours

Includes: Bus and boat transport. Snacks, fruit, hot lunch, non-alcoholic drinks
such as soft drinks, water and fresh fruit juices.

DEPARTURE DAYS:

• Every Thursday and Sunday at least 4 people.If you are with less people you can always submit your reservation, we might have other customers so that we can combine.

Departure Cities: From the big hotels (Marriott, Residence inn, Eco resort, Torarica and Krasnapolsky).
Departure time: between 8:15 and 08:30
Return: Around 16:30 at the Waterfront. Guests go from there itself back to their residence.