Five Incredible Rainforest Destinations Around The World

A recent surge in eco-conscious travel has seen more holidaymakers seeking immersive experiences that reconnect them with nature. 

Rainforest holidays perfectly embody this trend. These ecosystems offer the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes, encounter wildlife and support conservation efforts.

Our guide looks at five of the best rainforests around the world that are bucket-list destinations if you’re an eco-traveller.

The Amazon Rainforest, South America

The Amazon needs no introduction. This sprawling rainforest encompasses a vast area across several South American countries and is a must-visit if you’re a nature enthusiast. 

Choose between exploring the Brazilian Amazon with its iconic riverboat tours and piranha fishing expeditions, or venturing into the Peruvian Amazon where ancient Inca ruins lie hidden amongst the emerald foliage. 

Keep your eyes peeled for iconic rainforest creatures like jaguars, sloths and toucans with their colourful beaks. 

Borneo, Southeast Asia

This island paradise boasts two distinct rainforest experiences. Trek through the dense lowland rainforests of Sarawak, encountering orangutans swinging from towering trees and spotting the bizarre proboscis monkey with its bulbous nose. 

Alternatively, delve into the mystical cloud forests of Sabah where mist-shrouded mountains are home to unique flora and fauna. 

Borneo is a haven for birdwatchers too with over 600 species recorded in the island's rainforests. 

Costa Rica, Central America

A global leader in sustainable tourism practices, Costa Rica has a plethora of rainforest adventures for all ages and activity levels. 

Booking a Costa Rica holiday lets you hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a place known for elusive quetzals and a vibrant carpet of mosses and ferns. Or, get your adrenaline pumping by ziplining through the rainforest canopy or kayaking down tranquil rivers. 

Costa Rica boasts a well-developed infrastructure of eco-lodges and sustainable travel options, making it a perfect choice for families and eco-conscious travellers.

Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Immerse yourself in ancient history in the Daintree, the oldest rainforest on Earth. Cruise through the lush mangroves spotting saltwater crocodiles, explore the rainforest on a guided nature walk or cool off with a swim in a freshwater creek. 

The Daintree is also situated right next to the Great Barrier Reef, giving you the unique opportunity to combine a rainforest adventure with this underwater wonderland. 

Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia

Home to Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park offers a diverse range of rainforest experiences. Hike through various altitudinal zones, look out for the Bornean pygmy elephant or be mesmerised by the otherworldly pitcher plants that thrive in the park's higher elevations. 

Accommodation in Kinabalu National Park ranges from basic campsites to luxurious eco-lodges, all adhering to strict sustainability practices.