Earth is home to many beautiful things, man-made and natural. The world’s rainforests are a sight to behold, with stunning forests of varying sizes found across the continents. An abundance of plants and wildlife can be found in these tropical paradises, where like-minded adventurers can participate in a range of adrenaline-fueled activities. What an opportunity to get back to nature in such a unique environment.
Amazon Rainforest
A good place to start off in a discovery of the world’s most beautiful rainforests has to be the biggest one on the planet, the Amazon. It spreads across several of the South American countries, including Brazil, Peru, Columbia and Ecuador. Flowing through the mass of lush trees is the Amazon river, one of the most impressive natural features of our world in its own right, being the largest river by volume. If wildlife is your passion, then the Amazon is the best rainforest for you as it acts as the habitat for up to thirty percent of Earth’s wildlife species. To see some of these species, join one of the guided jungle tours or cruises to feel in the heart of the wilderness. Alternatively, go up high with the birds and brave a walk across a canopy bridge. Of course, you could be travelling on a budget and want to enjoy the Amazon life without paying much. The city of Manaus boasts Science Wood, owned by the National Institute of Amazonian Research, where you can walk through parkland and see lots of aquatic creatures such as otters, manatees and fish. Even with all this to discover, the admission fee is R$5, which is roughly the equivalent to $1.57. Ideal for a fulfilling, yet good value trip.
The Daintree Rainforest
From the Amazon, let’s move 14 hours forward in time and head off to The Daintree Rainforest in Australia, which is north up the coast from Cairns. One of the oldest rainforests in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treat for everyone. Being situated on the coast, there are numerous activities in the area to be tried out, from zip-lining through the treetops to a snorkeling of the Great Barrier Reef. Food lovers can put your taste buds to the test with exciting delicacies such as black sapote, also known as “the chocolate pudding fruit”. While it belongs to the persimmon family, its flavor resembles chocolate. The Daintree Ice Cream Company is another culinary option nestled in the rainforest. Using seasonal ingredients, this is an ice cream parlor with lovely scenery. The Daintree Rainforest also has a lot of relaxing spa retreats, if you don’t happen to be an adrenaline junkie. Even in the heart of the rainforest, you can still keep in touch with the world around you, catching up on the latest news and researching your next travel adventure, as a lot of retreats have wi-fi. When the time comes to unwind, you will already be in your spacious lodge to be able to kick back and have some fun from your room. You do not necessarily have to go hiking through the trees to immerse yourself in the forest atmosphere. In fact, even before heading to Daintree, you can get a feel of the rainforest and prepare yourself for your real-life adventure digitally by exploring internet playing games such as Rainforest Dream on Good Day Bingo to jungle and rainforest game apps on your phone, including Britannica’s Rainforests, which is full of interesting information for people of all ages.
The Appalachian Rainforest
Somewhere close to home now. The Appalachian Rainforest is not tropical like the Amazon, but a temperate rainforest, the temperature remaining quite mild during the whole year. If you are not a fan of hot weather, then this is the ideal rainforest for you, especially as the snow in winter turns it into a magical ski resort. The Appalachians, where the rainforest is located, are actually the oldest chain of mountains in the US, having started to form over 400 million years ago. Now that is a long time. Hikers will find this rainforest a dream come true because of the Appalachian Trail. Covering an astonishing 2,200 miles, the trail is designated as being for hikers only the entire way. From Maine to Georgia, you have the choice of walking through fourteen states, but it is towards the south of the trail where the rainforest area is. If you want to hike the entire trail, just do not forget to leave yourself plenty of time. Other things to do in this beautiful rainforest include fishing, mountain biking and spotting some wildlife. Be on the prowl for mammals such as beavers, otters, deer and even bears.
When you start exploring some of the most beautiful rainforests, you will discover a whole new world. Across the globe, there are stunning examples of nature at its best, with things to do to please everyone.