Rainforests, Tropics and Waterfall Vacations

Rainforests, Tropics and Waterfall Vacations

Looking for an exciting tropical vacation? Rainforests are a popular destination for those interested in eco-friendly adventures. 

Costa Rica is a spectacular vacation destination for those who want to view unspoiled nature in a breathtaking setting. Most of its rainforests are on the southern Pacific Coast and the Caribbean lowlands and include Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, and Braulio Carillo National Park. Tourists love the eco-friendly tourism, the wide variety of options to view the rainforest –whether it’s via a guided canopy tour, zip line, a trek through the rainforest, aerial tram, or a night tour there’s something for everyone. Through the lush jungle, visitors can see many species of birds, lizards, and mammals such as the sloth, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys. In addition to guided tours, visitors can also go bird watching, whale watching, have a dolphin encounter, white water raft, sail or kayak, scuba, tour a coffee plantation or just relax on the beach. 

Costa Rica is also home to many magnificent waterfalls. Guided tours are available and can be done by foot, on horseback, or consider a rafting/waterfall rappelling combo tour.  La Fortuna waterfall combines all the idyllic wildlife and unspoiled rainforest and a breathtaking view of the waterfall. The Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park glows blue a few times a year, making this a spectacular visit. El Chorro and Nauyaca Waterfalls, both on the Pacific coast, are two more spectacular sites. Finally, Savegre Waterfall near Los Quetzales National Park takes about an hour to reach but the nearly 100 feet tall waterfall is well worth it. 

Thinking about waterfall vacations, Angel Falls in Canaima National Park, Venezuela is a trip many waterfall enthusiasts will find breathtaking. At 3,211 feet high, this is the highest waterfall in the world. Fed by rainfall from tropical clouds, the falls precipice is known as the Mountain of the God of Evil and Devil’s Mountain. Visitors travel by motorized canoe down the Carrao River to the lagoon where they can then get out and hike through the jungle to view the spectacular falls – it’s a trek, but a the dramatic views of this magnificent waterfall are unforgettable.  

Another waterfall-oriented destination is Africa’s Victoria Falls. Located between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it’s twice as tall as Niagara Falls and known as “Smoke and Thunder.” Visitors can schedule a flight tour of the falls to get panoramic up-close views, or choose micro light or helicopter rides. In addition to visiting the falls, tourists can swim below the falls, schedule lion walks, walk with cheetahs and take elephant back trails. There are also several other falls in the vicinity, which makes this an adventure to remember. 

With its lush rainforests and many waterfalls, a trip to Hawaii could be the destination you’ve dreamed of. If you choose to visit Hanakapi’ai Falls in Kauai, Hawaii you’ll take an invigorating trek through lush bamboo forests, volcanic-rock cliffs and view this breathtaking 300-foot waterfall in the middle of a rainforest but still close to the beach. Not too far away is Opaekaa Falls. Though not accessible through hike or river, the falls are gorgeous. An easy to moderate hike through the rainforest can take you to Mount Waialeale, a shield volcano and the second highest point on Kauai.

Although these are just a few suggestions, there are lush tropical rainforests and spectacular waterfalls all over the world and can make for a rejuvenating and relaxing respite for the whole family. 

Saturday, May 7th 2022