|
Commewijne Plantation Tour
Theme: Plantation / History
Duration: 1 day
Location
District Commewijne is one of the oldest plantation areas in Suriname. The district lies on the right bank of the Suriname River right across Paramaribo. In the north-east, Commewijne borders the Atlantic Ocean and in the east, district Marowijne.
Origin and general information
Already in the second half of the 17th century, plantations were established on the Boven Commewijne and Cottica River where especially sugar cane, coffee and cocoa were cultivated. To protect the plantations against foreign invasions, Fort Nieuw Amsterdam was built at the confluence of the Commewijne and Suriname River. In 1882, the Dutch Trade Company also built a large central sugar cane factory in Mariënburg. This factory contributed largely to the development of the district. Plantation Peperpot also made a great contribution to the cocoa and coffee industry of Commewijne.
Tour description
Via the bridge over the Suriname River, we drive into district Commewijne. You get an idea of how life must have been on the plantations during their blooming period in the colonial times. Most plantations are now no longer active. We make our first stop at Meerzorg, formerly the cross-over site from Paramaribo to Commewijne. Meerzorg was once a coffee plantation. We continue our trip towards the open-air museum at Nieuw Amsterdam. Here you receive an extensive guided tour. After the visit to Nieuw Amsterdam we continue to Mariënburg, a former sugar plantation. Here you can still see a stylish plantation residence from the golden days. Here, also, the first group of Javanese indentured laborers were put to work. We drive further along the old plantations Ellen, Leliëndaal and Alkmaar and we enjoy a delicious lunch in a typical Javanese restaurant (warung) in Tamanredjo. After lunch, we visit Plantation Peperpot. This former plantation was one of the oldest plantations in Surinamese history. Peperpot was established by the English and already existed before Suriname was conquered by the natives from Zeeland under command of Abraham Crijnssen in 1667. This is one of the last plantations still in its former original state. On the plantation you can still see coffee and cocoa plants as well as an ancient shed and factory, the manager’s residence and a kampong (workers’ living area). Peperpot is currently also famous due to the many birds which can be spotted. In the afternoon, we return to Paramaribo.
Included in the tour
Transportation per car/ bus, lunch, fruit, bottle of water and juice, tour guide (Dutch/English speaking).
If you have any special dietary needs please inform us when you make your reservations.
Duration:
09.00 - 16.00 hrs. Departure from Hotel Residence Inn Paramaribo at Anton Dragtenweg 7.
After conclusion of the tour you are dropped off at the hotel or upon request along the route on the way back.
What to take along:
• walking shoes
• sunblock
• a hat or cap
• film and/or photo camera is recommended
• insect repellent
• small Surinamese cash for personal expenses The Commewijne Tour, a walk through plantation history!
For more information, please email us at:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Prices
| Day | Price in Euro (Sales Tax included) | | 1 | € 70.00 |
|
