Maroon Culture at Palumeu Jungle Lodge

Experience Amerindian culture in the jungle at Palumeu Jungle Lodge. Palumeu village has approximately 200 inhabitants, called the Amerindians. Two tribes, the Trio and Wajana, live peacefully together in this village. They both have different languages.

This is a 4- or 5-day tour. You will fly from the local airport Zorg en Hoop in approximately 75 minutes to the airstrip near the village Palumeu. The program depends on the length of your stay and is kept very diverse, so it will meet everyone’s wishes. Part of the program are a boat trip to the beautiful Palawa island, where you can swim and enjoy a picnic lunch, and a boat and jungle trip to Poti Hill, where you will climb to. During the jungle walk the guide will tell you about the local use of various plants and you might even spot some animals in the forest or along the river. We will also visit the Mabuka and, possibly, the Mankodebaku rapids, where you can enjoy the relaxing force of the water. You will visit the village Palumeu twice to learn more about their traditional music, arts and crafts and you even get a chance to try shooting bow and arrow in the traditional Amerindian way. If the weather conditions allow it, you will also go on a boat trip by night.

You can also participate in activities that are not included in the standard program. If you prefer a private walk, bird watching, fishing, paddling in a dugout canoe or visiting an agricultural plot with the villagers, the guide can arrange this. If an extra guide and/or special provisions are needed, you will be asked for a small compensation.

Palumeu is governed by a local captain and his assistants (basias). Just like their ancestors, the villagers’ means of sustaining life is based on what the jungle has to offer. Their food is obtained from hunting, fishing and agricultural plots and their diet consists of root vegetables, fruits, fish and other animals. Greens are not on the Amerindian menu and manioc is their main food. Tourism provides them with an extra source of income. The villagers are happy to welcome our guests and are closely involved in the tour program.

For more information about this tour or a day-to-day program you can contact us.