Lush green forest with never before seen plants and creepy creatures – this is what an ideal rainforest looks like. Lucky, there is a number of these places scattered all across the globe that are close to this ideal. If you are not a rainforest lover yet, wait until you see these otherworldly places ready that will make your busy city life seem very distant.
Amazon Rainforest
When it comes to tropical rainforest, there’s nothing more famous than the Amazon. Considered to be the biggest rainforest in the world, Amazon is bigger than even the next two biggest rainforests combined. Not only it houses the world’s largest river by volume, it is also home to some of the most unforgiving species of flora and fauna on earth. This is the main reason why you should start packing your bags and head to the Amazon Rainforest now.
This humongous wilderness has an estimated 390 billion trees with over 16,000 different species. This lush vegetation is responsible for an unbelievable ecosystem that attracts millions of tourists every single year. Amazon’s vegetation is so diverse that it is made up of various types including deciduous, flooded, and seasonal forests.
One of the most unique ways to experience the Amazon is by spending a few nights in a lodge situated deep within the rainforest, and for this you should check out the Huasquila Lodge in Ecuador’s portion of the Amazon. It’s authentic, it’s rustic, it’s eco. There are tons of things you can do from the lodge – jungle hikes, wildlife spotting, caving, rafting. Have a look at the video and images below:
Gabon, Africa
Gabon is a serene place located in the southwestern portion of Africa. Since almost 80 percent of the country is covered with dense forest, it is an ideal place for tropical rainforest seekers. With its vast woodland, it houses over 10,000 species of plants and animals. The areas covered by forest is so extensive that it spreads up to the ends of the beaches.
Gabon’s jungle is a haven for elephants, gorillas, birds, and water buffalo thriving in their natural habitat. Although the country faces several issues including political instability and illegal logging, it doesn’t change the fact that Gabon is a wonder that every nature lover would love to experience.
Olympic National Park
Olympic Natural Park is another picturesque location where you get to enjoy nature and the densest green everywhere you look. Located a few miles from Seattle, Washington, this natural park is known for its coniferous trees and forest mosses. Covering over a million acres, the Olympic National Park is considered to be a rainforest diversity trademark across America.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy in this world-renowned national park. Backpacking and camping are some of the most popular. You can also stay overnight and gaze the stars or you can opt to go boating on its rivers and lakes.
Daintree National Park
If you are in the Land Down Under and you are looking for a dense rainforest and complex ecosystem, Daintree National Park is the best destination for you. Though it is not as huge as some of the rainforests in other parts of the world, it serves as a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of plants and animals in Australia. One of the main attraction in this national park is the Idiot Fruit considered to be a rare and extremely old species of a flowering plant.
The view inside the Daintree National Park is simply breathtaking. The part of the forest that lies along its coasts accentuates the beauty of the tropical rainforest.
Darien National Park
Lastly, never fail to include Darien National Park on your itinerary. It the largest protected area in Panama and in Central America. Nature lovers will enjoy its jaw-dropping scenery filled with towering trees and low mountains. To top it all off, this protected rainforest is home to peculiar species of mammals and birds that are endemic to the area.
Aside from its lush forests, you also get to enjoy its coastal areas and beaches perfect for a quick dip. The remoteness of this area makes it a perfect spot for adventure seekers who wanted to be one with nature. With its majestic view as your backdrop, you will never run out of postcard perfect shots in this mysterious rainforests.
Our rainforests are now facing the threat extinction brought about by human activities. Though measures are being taken to preserve them, let us no wait before it’s too late. Travel in these tropical rainforests and earn memories that would last a lifetime.