Welcome to the Jungle: 6 Rainforest Vacations Teeming with Adventure
Immerse Yourself in the Lush World of the Rainforest
A rainforest vacation should be on every traveler’s bucket list. You’ll have the opportunity to view all kinds of exotic life, including rare plants and animals, making for a fascinating experience for kids and parents alike.
Tropical rainforests are dense jungles situated near the Earth’s equator. Often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” they produce more than 20% of the world’s oxygen. Rainforests are also called “jewels of the Earth” as they’re home to the greatest diversity of living organisms in the world.
If you want to explore this lush world for yourself, these rainforest vacations are sure to give you some unforgettable experiences.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek, San Ignacio, Belize
At The Lodge at Chaa Creek, you’ll be able to completely immerse yourself in the Belizean rainforest experience while having access to a number of luxuries, including professional spa treatments. Located on a private rainforest reserve, the Lodge features rustic-luxe, thatched-roof cottages that are all equipped with modern amenities, including an infinity pool with jungle views.
This riverside property offers a wide range of tours and outdoor activities right on site, such as canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and bird-watching. You can also explore Maya temple sites, tour the Butterfly Farm, stroll the Rainforest Medicine Trail and visit the Natural History Center.
After a day of fun, look forward to dining at Chaa Creek Restaurant, renowned for blending modern and old-fashioned cooking methods using all fresh, local produce.
Lapas Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Nestled in the rainforest of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, Lapas Rios hosts eco-friendly, thatched-roof bungalows that will allow you to completely disconnect from the chaos of the modern world. There is no television, no WiFi and you’re not likely to get a cell phone signal either.
Instead of that incessant buzzing, you can enjoy reconnecting with your family, listen to the tranquil sounds of kinkajous, cicadas and crickets, and gaze out at awe-inspiring ocean views.
The property offers a number of activities, including horseback riding on the beach, kayaking and surfing lessons, and rainforest treks where you’ll have the chance to spot monkeys, three-toed sloths and colorful birds. Afterwards, indulge in a massage and dine at the onsite restaurant with jungle views.
If you spend time outside, knowing how to use a compass is an essential skill to ensure you don't get lost and stay safe.
Araras Eco Lodge, Brazil
The Pantanal region in South America is the largest continuous wetland on Earth. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, making it South America’s primary wildlife sanctuary. And the perfect location for a jungle vacation.
Arraras Eco Lodge, which was constructed to be in harmony with the stunning surrounding landscape while still offering luxurious comforts, sits right in the heart of this massive tropical wetland. Here, you’ll be completely immersed in the jungle where you can head to treetop towers to watch the magnificent hyacinth macaws fly by, embark on photo safaris and canoe rides, and more.
Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Mawamba Lodge seems to be immersed in the past, as it’s accessible only by boat or plane and there are no roads or cars in the surrounding area. Most visits begin with a boat trip through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, a tropical haven filled with an abundance of wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Cruising through the lush greenery of the tropical cloud forests, you’ll be among some of Costa Rica’s most impressive exotic beauty. You’ll be mesmerized by colorful orchids while waiting for iguanas, green turtles, caiman and monkeys to make an appearance.
You’re also likely to see a myriad of butterflies and a good chunk of the 300 bird species that have been recorded in this pristine nature reserve. By visiting from July through October, you may even be able to watch the turtles lay their eggs.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
One of the most acclaimed resorts in Central America, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is located in the Arenal Volcano area and boasts nearly 20 hot springs at its spa property just up the road.
The springs are channeled into the pools where visitors can soak while taking in views of the breathtaking volcano. The resort’s rooms are considered some of the best in the nation, all spacious and modern, featuring a patio or terrace and providing gorgeous volcano or rainforest views.
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Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Tucked within a remote region of the Peruvian Amazon Basin, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica provides the chance to wake up to the songs of birds and fall asleep to the cries of rainforest animals. The thatched roof cabanas are made of all-natural materials and feature screened porches, hammocks and organic bath products.
If you’re looking for something really unique, choose the Canopy Tree House that sits nearly 100 feet above the jungle floor.
Sucau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia
This impressive Borneo lodge is surrounded by a remarkably diverse wildlife sanctuary that’s home to the largest number of orangutans in the country, and is one of only a few spots on the planet inhabited by 10 monkey species. Other wildlife, including Asian elephants and Sumatran rhinos, live here too.
The lodge rooms are made of local hardwood and are connected by raised walkways, meaning you’ll step out of your room and right into the jungle. As part of the lodge activities, you can join river boat cruises to watch for animals that tend to congregate along the water’s edge, as well as go for nature walks and listen to expert lectures.
