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Top Jungle & Rainforest Attractions
Rainforest tours offer a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a jungle adventure without worrying about the logistics. From exhilarating wildlife encounters to thrilling canopy adventures, our jungle vacation packages promise an array of unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
- Going on an Amazon river cruise and seeing incredible wildlife day after day
- Embarking on a night safari in the jungles of Malaysia to spot nocturnal creatures like flying squirrels and civets
- Standing in awe as a family of gorillas lumbered across the path on a trek in Uganda
- Hearing the whoops of monkeys in the canopy, bird calls, and the buzz of insects all around
- Exploring the dense mangrove forests of Borneo by boat
- Observing elusive jaguars during a guided jungle trek in the Brazilian Pantanal
- Seeing thousands of colorful birds and snapping amazing photographs
- Learning about the traditions and culture of native tribes in Papua New Guinea
- Marveling at the towering kapok trees of the Peruvian Amazon on a guided nature walk
- Taking a thrilling river rafting trip down the rapids of the Tambopata River
- Experiencing a sunrise kayak excursion through the serene waterways of the Amazon Rainforest
- Soaring through the canopy on a zip-line in Costa Rica
- Witnessing the mesmerizing bioluminescence of fireflies illuminating the night sky in the rainforests of Southeast Asia
- Participating in a traditional medicine walk with indigenous guides in the jungles of Ecuador
Jungle & Rainforest Tours & Travel Guide
Jungle & Rainforest Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Technically, the term 'jungle' is not synonymous with 'rainforest,' but the two are often used interchangeably. Tropical rainforests cover only about 2% of the earth's surface (7% of dry land) but are home to over 50% of the world's species. That's quite a species-to-space ratio!
Rainforests are lush and dense, typically found in tropical lands. Their most distinguishing property is their thick, heavy canopy, which keeps much of the rain moisture "trapped" underneath, between floor and sky.
They're called rainforests because they remain damp and humid year-round. The trapped moisture from the rains creates incredibly unique microclimates at all stages of the journey from the jungle floor to the canopy, which lends to the wildlife diversity rainforests are famous for.
Where Are Most of the World's Rainforests Located?
Where should you go to visit rainforests? Did you know that rainforests can be found on every continent except Antarctica? The largest ones are in South America, surrounding the Amazon River, and in Africa, along the Congo River.
Some of the earth's top rainforests are in Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, and even North America's Pacific Northwest and Northern Europe. These rainforests are home to more than half of our plant and animal species.
Some of the earth's top rainforests are in Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, and even North America's Pacific Northwest and Northern Europe. These rainforests are home to more than half of our plant and animal species.
- South America: Home to the world's largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon, this amazingly diverse jungle is home to the most incredible biodiversity on the planet.
- Central Africa: Central America has the world's second-largest rainforest, high cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and flooded forests.
- Southern Asia: Rainforests range from India and Burma to Malaysia, Java, and Borneo; Bangladesh has the largest mangrove forests in the world.
- Australia: Warm-temperate rainforests exist in New South Wales and Victoria, cool-temperate rainforests in Victoria and Tasmania, and at high altitudes in New South Wales and Queensland.
- North America's Pacific Northwest: Temperate rainforests extend from Prince William Sound in Alaska to the coast of British Columbia and northern California.
What Are the Largest Rainforests in the World?
Now that you know where all the world's rainforests are located, which are the largest? Following are the top five largest rainforests on earth, often included in some of the best Amazon rainforest tours:
- The Amazon: At 1.2 billion acres, the Amazon is home to 10% of the world's known species of plants and animals.
- The Congo: Sadly, one of the world's most endangered ecosystems, this 1.5-million-square-mile rainforest is home to five national parks.
- Bosawas Biosphere Reserve: The largest rainforest you've never heard of, this northern Nicaraguan jungle is more than 5 million acres.
- Daintree Rainforest: Queensland, Australia's Daintree Rainforest is enormous and thought to be the world's oldest.
- Tongass National Forest: Not where you might expect a rainforest, but Alaska's Tongass is half-covered in rainforests and home to Alaska's largest trees.
Things To Do on Rainforest Tours
Entering the jungle harkens back to the age of exploration when European explorers embarked on voyages of discovery. Howler monkeys hoot in the distance, the buzz of literally millions of species, from the smallest centipede to the most vocal bird. Thousands of jungle dwellers expertly camouflaged by dense foliage wait just out of sight.
Despite their similar atmospheres, these jungles around the world maintain their own unique personalities, and all are well worth visiting. Best rainforest tours to the world's top rainforests (and those more off the beaten path) usually focus on the following activities:
- Wildlife: Embark on a safari in Rwanda's rainforest to encounter the majestic silverback gorillas in their natural habitat, a truly awe-inspiring experience.
- Photography: Use your camera lens to capture the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest, from the vibrant hues of exotic flora to the elusive wildlife hiding within the lush foliage.
- Eco Travel: Immerse yourself in sustainable travel practices, supporting conservation efforts and responsible tourism initiatives that protect the delicate ecosystem of the rainforest.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage with indigenous communities and learn about their rich traditions, folklore, and way of life, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the rainforest.
- River Cruises: Embark on a scenic river cruise along the Amazon in South America or the Mekong in Southeast Asia, where you can witness the diverse wildlife, vibrant vegetation, and indigenous villages along the riverbanks.
- Hiking: Trek through the enchanting Cloud Forest of Peru en route to the iconic Machu Picchu, immersing yourself in the mystical ambiance of the ancient Inca ruins amidst the verdant wilderness.
- Canoeing and Boat Tours: Navigate through winding tributaries and expansive rivers aboard a canoe or boat, allowing you to observe the intricate ecosystem of the rainforest up close while enjoying the serenity of the water.
- Birdwatching: Delight in the melodious chirping and vibrant plumage of many bird species inhabiting the rainforest, from the iconic macaws and toucans to the diminutive hummingbirds and colorful parrots.
- Fishing: Experience the thrill of piranha fishing or engage in catch-and-release fishing excursions, where you can interact with the diverse aquatic life of the Amazon while contributing to sustainable fishing practices.
- Canopy Walks: Embark on a thrilling canopy walk adventure, ascending into the upper reaches of the rainforest to gain a bird's-eye view of the verdant canopy and spot elusive wildlife hidden amidst the treetops.
- Relaxation and Reflection: Take moments to unwind amidst the tranquility of the rainforest, allowing yourself to connect with nature and reflect on the profound beauty and serenity of the pristine wilderness surrounding you.
Whichever activities you wish to enjoy on your rainforest vacation, Travelstride will help you find the best tour for your jungle adventure.
Common Animals to Spot in the Rainforest
As home to more than half of the world's plant and animal species, it's practically impossible to visit rainforests without seeing a dizzying array of wildlife. We promise you'll return home even more inspired to help protect the rainforests' biodiversity and that of their surrounding rivers, forests, and streams.
While you explore the world's top rainforests, keep an eye out for:
- Mountain Gorillas: Trips to the rainforests of Africa — Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — may bring you up close and personal with a mountain gorilla, the largest living primate on earth. If you're lucky, you'll spot the male troop leader, the silverback.
- Blue Morpho Butterfly: Look for these brilliant, blue-winged beauties, marked by their eyespots on the underside of their wings, intended to stave off predators.
- Okapi: Since it's a master of camouflage, you might miss the okapi, the closest living relative to a giraffe. Located in the tropical forest of Ituri in Central Africa, it's recognizable by its striped hindquarters and brown hide.
- Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth: Who doesn't want to see a sloth? Spot the slow-moving cutie up in the trees. Notice the slight green tinge on its fur — it grows on the sloth's coat because it moves so slowly!
- Jaguar: They're rare to glimpse in the world's rainforests, but they're there. Hidden by their spotted coats in bushes and trees, the jaguars prey on the rainforests, armadillos, capybara, tapir, fish, birds, and turtles.
- Scarlet Macaw: Try photographing this striking, large parrot, recognizable by its bright red, blue, and yellow plumage and feathers.
- Capybara: ROUS, anyone? This unusually large rodent is, in fact, the largest rodent on earth, more than 100 pounds and two feet tall. It can hold its breath for up to five minutes, so be patient if you're looking for one in a body of water.
- Black Howler Monkey: Listen for the unmistakable howl of this iconic rainforest monkey, which can be heard up to two miles away.
- Sulawesi Bear Cuscus: Predominantly found on the island of Sulawesi in the rainforests of Indonesia, this marsupial isn't really a bear at all. It's so named for its bear-like fur, which is thick and dark, but like other marsupials, it carries its young in a belly pouch.
What Are the Threats to the World’s Rainforests?
While we try to reduce our carbon footprint for the greater environmental good of the planet, much positivity can come from visiting and supporting rainforest communities. Before we consider a trip to one of the world's most beautiful rainforests, it's essential to understand their vulnerability.
At one point, these lush jungles covered 15% of our planet's land area. That percentage is down to six. In the past 50 years alone, nearly 60 thousand square miles of rainforest have been lost annually.
Among the top threats to the rainforests of the world are:
- Logging: The demand worldwide for tropical hardwoods led to increased (often illegal) logging activity in some of the world's most beautiful rainforests. As attractive as a Brazilian rosewood might be in one's home, is it worth putting one of the most spectacular ecosystems at serious risk?
- Cattle Grazing: Once rainforest areas are logged or burned, cleared land is sold to farmers for cattle racing, which leads to significant leaps in carbon emissions.
- Soya Plantations. Much of the world's livestock population ingests a high-protein plant called soya. Most of the world's soya is grown in South America, where rainforests have existed in the past.
- Palm Oil: Valuable rainforests are harvested to grow the oil palm plant, a valuable cash crop, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. When the rainforests are burned, the peatland below the surface is also burned. The peatlands in Indonesia alone contribute to 4% of the Earth's greenhouse gasses.
- Mining: Mineral and gold deposits lie beneath the world's most beautiful rainforests. Once the underground mining infrastructure is created, loggers and poachers gain access to the area illegally.
- Although many acres of rainforest are now protected by law, such as in Indonesia, rainforests are constantly threatened with being opened for mineral exploration, such as the Brazilian rainforests, home to the world's largest iron ore mine.
- Hydroelectricity: While it hardly seems fair, hydroelectricity, one of our renewable energy resources, is partly to blame for the deforestation of the rainforests. When hydroelectric dams were built after 2006 in Brazil, major flooding harmed wildlife and the local ecosystem.
Why Consider a Jungle Vacation Package?
Choosing a jungle vacation package is the best way to maximize your experience visiting a rainforest. The tour itinerary created by the experts ensures a safe and enriching experience. The presence of expert guides allows you to discover hidden gems and unique wildlife encounters that you might miss on your own.
On a guided tour, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest while supporting conservation efforts to preserve these precious ecosystems. Additionally, jungle trip packages provide seamless logistics, comfortable accommodations in Amazonian lodges, and curated itineraries, allowing you to focus on enjoying the adventure without the stress of planning.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply seeking a rejuvenating escape, a jungle vacation package offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories in some of the world's most pristine and biodiverse landscapes.
Jungle and Rainforest Photography Tips
The jungle is fascinating and begs to be photographed. Whether an amateur or professional, you will find many different subjects along your tour through the jungle. The weather and water can sometimes create issues, so exercise proper camera care as you explore the many beautiful parts of the jungle.
- Jungle environments are often humid, leading to lens fogging. Keep a lens cloth handy to wipe away moisture and ensure clear shots.
- A soft and durable strap will prevent irritation during long treks as you navigate through humid rainforests.
- Understanding species habits and habitats enhances your chances of capturing unique wildlife moments. Consult with your tour guide for insights on optimal photography spots and timing.
- Capture intricate details of plant life with a dedicated macro lens, elevating your nature photography to new levels of creativity.
- Wildlife photography requires patience and respect for natural rhythms. Choose tours with flexible schedules to revisit locations at different times, increasing your chances of capturing elusive species.
- While wildlife is the focus, including people in your photos adds depth and context to your jungle journey. Capture meaningful portraits and interactions with local tribes for a richer storytelling experience.
Jungle & Rainforest Reviews & Ratings
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fine, does what it says on the tin
An amazing experience, better than expected. The 2 days in Petra were fantastic and we saw everything. Just exploring Petra it is so vast. we had 2 leaders becaus...
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a week in jordon
full on trip which was very informative and interesting. all sites were good especially Petra, Little Petra and camping in Wadi Rum Eddy was entertaining and engag...
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A week in Jordan
Excellent Trip - fulfilled all my expectations - our Guide Zuhair was superb. on our second day in Petra spending time chilling at the tea shack by the High Place o...
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A Week in Petra
A great week with a great bunch of people This was the trip just as I expected it - Petra being the highlight, but Wadi Rum coming a close second. Or maybe Jerash?...
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Fantastic week, thoroughly recommend
An awe inspiring trip, with something for everyone, and covering all the key sights, sounds and tastes of Jordan. I knew I wanted to see Petra, but didn't really h...
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