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Paranam

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Historical site
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Paranam (Suriname)

Weather…

Paranam is a major industrial center on the banks of the Suriname River, established in 1939 with the arrival of the Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco). The town was specifically built for the mining and processing of bauxite, a raw material that formed the backbone of the Surinamese economy for decades. In the 1960s, a modern aluminum smelter and refinery were put into operation here, powered by the Afobaka Dam hydroelectric plant. Paranam developed into a model settlement with infrastructure for its workers, including schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities. Its location on a deep-water stretch of the river enabled the direct export of processed aluminum to global markets. Following the cessation of bauxite mining in this region in 2015, Paranam is currently in a phase of economic transition, with the massive industrial facilities remaining as monuments to the industrial era. The history of Paranam is inextricably linked to the global aluminum market and Suriname's pursuit of industrial independence during the 20th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252626262625262628292826
Rain mm1661441312263212692161357371110186

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Paranam is a former mining settlement, now partly abandoned. You can explore the area at your own risk; some buildings are dilapidated and not accessible.
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Typical hours
As an open area, there are no opening hours. Daytime visits are recommended for safety; after dark the area is not navigable.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed. The abandoned industrial buildings and surrounding nature provide interesting subjects; watch for slippery or unstable areas.
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Time needed
Exploring on foot takes about 30-60 minutes. Those interested in industrial history can allow up to two hours to discover all corners.
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Combine with
Combine with a trip along the Suriname River to other historical sites like Peperpot Plantation. The region is rich in industrial heritage.
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Getting there
Paranam is about 30 km southeast of Paramaribo, reachable by car via the highway. Road conditions are generally good; a GPS helps with navigation.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes and long clothing as vegetation can be dense. Bring water as there are no supply points in the area.

Geography

Coordinates
5.60000, -55.08300

Facts

  • Established in 1939 as an industrial town by the Suralco company.
  • Served as the center of bauxite processing in Suriname for decades.
  • Features a deep-water port for the global export of aluminum.
  • Was powered by the hydroelectric energy from the Afobaka Dam.
  • The aluminum smelting facilities ceased operations in 2015.
  • The name is a combination of the words Para and Paramaribo.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Waterland PlantationWaterland Plantation2 km · NEExplore →
Laarwijk PlantationLaarwijk Plantation7 km · NExplore →
Port of ParanamPort of Paranam7 km · SExplore →
Peperpot PlantationPeperpot Plantation12 km · SEExplore →
Staatsolie Tout Lui Faut RefineryStaatsolie Tout Lui Faut Refinery13 km · SEExplore →
Lawa Railway RemainsLawa Railway Remains14 km · SWExplore →
JodensavanneJodensavanne15 km · NWExplore →
SAB Rum DistillerySAB Rum Distillery16 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Paranam (2)

Overbridge🎡 recreation

A well-known resort with a man-made sandy beach along the dark waters of the Suriname River.

Masdjid Djamiatul Islamiyah📍 landmark

A local mosque in the Para district, serving as a religious meeting place for the Muslim community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the historical significance of Paranam?
Paranam was a hub for the bauxite industry, which significantly shaped Suriname's economic development.
Can one visit the old industrial facilities in Paranam?
The sites are mostly private and not developed as tourist attractions, so visiting is generally not possible.
When is the best time to visit the region?
The drier months between February and April or September and November offer the most pleasant weather for traveling.
How to get from Paramaribo to Paranam?
The drive by car or taxi via the Afobakaweg takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
Are there nearby attractions?
The surrounding area gives primarily insights into Surinamese nature and the history of plantation cultivation.
Paranam: where is it located?
Paranam is located in Suriname.
Paranam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Overbridge, Masdjid Djamiatul Islamiyah.
Paranam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.
Paranam: why is it worth visiting?
Paranam is a major industrial center on the banks of the Suriname River, established in 1939 with the arrival of the Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Cola Creek — Paranam (Suriname)
Cola Creek
A popular recreational swimming spot with dark, cola-colored water, surrounded by shaded forests.
Paramaribo — Paranam (Suriname)
Paramaribo
The vibrant capital of Suriname is situated on the banks of the river of the same name.
Brownsweg — Paranam (Suriname)
Brownsweg
A significant settlement of the Maroon community and the central starting point for tours to the Brokopondo Lake and Brownsberg.

History & landmarks

Arya Dewaker Temple — Paranam (Suriname)
Arya Dewaker Temple
A magnificent Hindu temple in Paramaribo with unique octagonal architecture.
Commewijne plantations — Paranam (Suriname)
Commewijne plantations
Historic plantations along the Commewijne River, famous for colonial history and dolphin spotting tours.
Bergendal — Paranam (Suriname)
Bergendal
A luxury eco-resort and historic site on the Suriname River, blending adventure with colonial history.
Atjoni — Paranam (Suriname)
Atjoni
The bustling end of the road and the jumping-off point for all boat trips into the Upper Suriname region.

More places

Port of Paranam — Paranam (Suriname)
Port of Paranam
A historically important industrial port on the Suriname River.
Lawa Railway Remains — Paranam (Suriname)
Lawa Railway Remains
The historical remains of an old railway line built during the Surinamese gold rush.
Jodensavanne — Paranam (Suriname)
Jodensavanne
Former agricultural settlement of Sephardic Jews in the 17th century on the Suriname River.
Kofidjompo Monument — Paranam (Suriname)
Kofidjompo Monument
A historical monument commemorating the Maroon freedom fighter Kofi, after whom the place was originally named.
Camp 52 — Paranam (Suriname)
Camp 52
A historic camp along the former Lawa railway, which served as a stopover to the jungle.
Waterland Plantation — Paranam (Suriname)
Waterland Plantation
Once a flourishing sugar cane plantation, today a popular historic recreation area along the river.
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Laarwijk Plantation
A historic settlement accessible only by boat, characterized by its agricultural history.
Peperpot Plantation — Paranam (Suriname)
Peperpot Plantation
One of the oldest coffee and cocoa plantations in Suriname, now partly a nature park.