Rainforests are lush areas that can receive over 50 inches of rain each year. The earth is home to over four million square miles of rainforests, many of which are in Latin America. Regardless of which rainforest you choose to explore, all offer a one-of-a-lifetime experience. Experts say that the best way to experience the beauty and wonders of a rainforest is by hiking through it. It is important, however, that you do not attempt to explore a rainforest on your own. Because the environments offer so many dangers and challenges, it is vital that you hire a guide or take part in an organized rainforest tour. Doing so will allow you to see all the important sights of the rainforest while remaining safe. If you are ready to take a rainforest adventure, try some of these locations:
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (Ecuador)
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve covers 250,000 acres and includes 60 different varieties of orchids, 13 lagoons, and a myriad of plant and animal life. Visitors here can hike through the rainforest or can choose to canoe down the river alongside beautiful pink dolphins.
Moteverde Cloud Forest (Costa Rica)
If you choose to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, trained guides can help you locate the very rare Quetzal, a beautiful emerald green bird that frolics throughout the strangler fig trees. The Quetzal is only one of the 400 species of birds that live in this lush rainforest. This jungle is also home to over 100 species of mammals, including howler monkeys and jaguars. Since it is located at a high altitude, this rainforest has cooler temperatures than most rainforests, making it a more comfortable hike. This rainforest offers 17 miles of hiking trails, ATV tours, suspended bridges, zip line adventures, and a coffee plantation.
The Congo Basin (Congo)
The Congo Basin is the world’s second largest rainforest. It includes swamp forests, grasslands, lowlands and highlands and is home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. While visiting the Congo Basin, you may see African elephants, hippopotamuses, mountain gorillas, and leopards as well as over 900 varieties of butterflies. Before booking a trip to the Congo, however, check with a travel guide as the area has a past of political unrest.
Khao Sok National Park (Thailand)
This rainforest is the oldest on Earth at approximately 160 million years of age. It covers 460 square miles and is open for travel on elephant or by foot. You may also choose to tour the rainforest by jeep or canoe. Khao Sok is home to a variety of plant and animal life including banana, fig, and coconut palm trees, cloud leopards, kingfishers, and barking deer.
Rainforest Lodgings
While rainforest vacations offer plenty of excitement, don’t expect luxury. Rainforest accommodations typically do not include air conditioning, gourmet food, or other luxuries. In fact, once you get deep into the forests, electricity may even be a limited privilege. The trade-off is fair, however, as the further you go into the rainforests, the more wildlife you will encounter.
Kyle C. is a writer for AspiringNurse.com. If you are interested in a medical career, take a look at this site: http://www.aspiringnurse.com/nurse-practitioner/online-nurse-practitioner-programs/
Best Places To Have A Rainforest Adventure
