Travel to the most unspoiled rainforests in the world.

1. The Amazon Rainforest, South America

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest and most well-known tropical rainforest in the world. It spans across nine countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, and accounts for about 40 percent of all tropical rainforests. Although parts of the Amazon are affected by human activities, there are still vast untouched areas that can only be reached by boat or on foot.

The Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, Peru

The Pacaya-Samiria Reserve in Peru is one of the largest protected areas in the Amazon and offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the rainforest in its most original form. Here, you can observe river dolphins, caimans, and countless species of birds in their natural habitat. The remote location of the reserve ensures that only a few tourists find their way here, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and wild greenery undisturbed.

Rural Eco-Lodges and Adventures

To experience the Amazon up close, sustainable eco-lodges offer guided tours into the rainforest. From boat trips along the winding rivers to hikes through dense jungle – the biodiversity and sheer size of the Amazon will astonish any nature lover.

2. The Daintree Rainforest, Australia

The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated to be over 135 million years old. Despite its relatively small area compared to the Amazon, the Daintree boasts an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including some of the rarest plant species in the world.

Mossman Gorge – The Heart of the Daintree

Mossman Gorge in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest offers visitors the chance to explore the rainforest along well-maintained trails. Here you can walk among ancient trees whose canopy provides shade from the Australian sun and refresh yourself in crystal-clear streams. Guided tours with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji take you deeper into the cultural and ecological heritage of the Daintree.

Cape Tribulation – Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef

Cape Tribulation is another highlight in the Daintree area, where the rainforest literally reaches the sea. This remote location offers beautiful beaches and spectacular viewpoints from which you can observe the meeting of ocean and jungle. This is one of the few places in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – converge.

3. The Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. Cloud forests like this one are known for their high humidity, which envelops the trees in mystical fog all year round. The ecosystem of the Monteverde rainforest is extremely sensitive and is home to numerous endangered animal and plant species.

Hiking in the Clouds

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is an excellent place for hiking on well-established trails, which provide insights into the unique flora and fauna. Hanging bridges that soar high above the ground through the treetops allow you to experience the forest from a completely new perspective. With a bit of luck, you might spot the magnificent Quetzal bird, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world.

Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is globally recognized for its efforts in ecotourism, and Monteverde is no exception. Many lodges and tour operators place a strong emphasis on sustainability, meaning you can visit this natural paradise without unnecessarily burdening the environment.

4. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is a dense, untouched rainforest, best known as the home of the rare mountain gorillas. With an area of over 330 square kilometers, the Bwindi rainforest is one of the most biodiverse and least explored forests in Africa.

Gorilla Trekking – A Unique Experience

The highlight of a visit to Bwindi is gorilla trekking, where you can track small groups of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with experienced guides. This extraordinary experience allows you to get up close to these majestic animals while enjoying the beauty of the rainforest. Besides the gorillas, the Bwindi forest is also home to a variety of other primates, birds, and rare plant species to discover.

A Unique Rainforest Experience

The Bwindi rainforest is dense and difficult to access, meaning you often have to hike for several hours to reach its deepest areas. However, this challenge is rewarded with incredible proximity to nature and the chance to see some of the last mountain gorillas in the world.

5. The Borneo Rainforest, Malaysia/Indonesia

The Borneo rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is home to an impressive variety of animal species, including the endangered orangutan. The rainforest spans across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, and due to its dense vegetation and remoteness, it is one of the last large untouched rainforest areas in the world.

The Danum Valley Conservation Area

The Danum Valley in the Malaysian part of Borneo is one of the best-protected rainforest areas on the island and a hotspot for ecotourism. Here, you can explore the forest's biodiversity on hikes, including encounters with pygmy elephants, hornbills, and numerous species of monkeys. Experiencing the sounds of the jungle in the early morning hours, as the forest comes to life, is particularly impressive.

Orangutan Encounters

One of the main attractions of the Borneo rainforest is the opportunity to encounter orangutans in the wild. In protected areas like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, you can observe these fascinating animals while learning more about the efforts to protect their habitat.

6. The Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

The Yasuni National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Here, there are more tree species per hectare than in all of North America, and the diversity of mammals, birds, and insects is overwhelming. The park is so remote that some indigenous peoples still live in isolation here.

Expeditions into the Depths of the Amazon

The pristine nature of Yasuni makes it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers who want to explore the rainforest on guided expeditions. You can take boat tours along the winding rivers, hike through dense jungles, and spot rare animals such as jaguars, parrots, or pink river dolphins. Yasuni also offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn more about the indigenous culture of the Amazon.

Conclusion

The untouched rainforests of the world are not only a paradise for nature lovers but also indispensable treasures of our planet. Traveling to these remote locations offers you the chance to experience nature in its purest form, away from the crowds and civilization. From the Amazon to Borneo, there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the mysterious and vibrant realms of these rainforests.