Suriname’s pristine jungle

Suriname is one of the smallest countries in South America, dwarfed by neighbouring Brazil – yet it is home to the largest tract of pristine rainforest in the world, says Andrew Westoll in the Guardian. And despite the economic troubles the country has faced since gaining independence from the Dutch in 1975, it has turned its back on inter-national logging companies and is "rebrand-ing itself as a paradise for eco-tourists".

Every visitor should head first to the Brownsberg nature reserve, just a four-hour drive with locals in a wagi (minivan) from the capital, Paramaribo.

It's a bone-shaking, hair-raising ride down a "rutted, potholed nightmare" of a road – but the "astonishing" views over the rainforest in the reserve are a worthy reward.

Flights plus a two-night stay in the capital start from £939pp with Journey Latin America (0208 747 8315).

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