The 10 destinations with the largest reserves of tropical forests: natural beauty and must-see places
Tropical forests house an astonishing biodiversity, play a crucial role in regulating climate, and offer endless opportunities for ecotourism. In this article, we will explore the 10 countries or destinations with the largest reserves of tropical forests, highlighting details about their extension and the attractive places you shouldn't miss in each of these natural destinations.
Brazil: The South American giant has an extension of approximately 4.7 million km² of tropical forest, being the home of the famous Amazon. Here, you can visit the Jaú National Park, one of the largest in the world, or take a cruise on the Amazon River, where you can admire the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: With around 1.55 million km² of tropical forests, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the second-largest tropical forest in the world: the Congo Basin. The Virunga National Park, known for its mountain gorillas and impressive volcanoes, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the region.
Indonesia: This Southeast Asian country houses about 1.19 million km² of tropical forests. Sumatra and Borneo are two of the most outstanding islands to enjoy lush nature. Gunung Leuser National Park, in Sumatra, is home to orangutans and Sumatran rhinos, while Tanjung Puting National Park, in Borneo, is known for its orangutan rehabilitation camps.
Peru: With an extension of approximately 689,000 km² of tropical forests, Peru is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The Manu National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve are two protected areas that offer wildlife sightings and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Amazon jungle.
Colombia: This South American country has around 487,000 km² of tropical forests. The Amacayacu National Natural Park, located in the Colombian Amazon, offers activities such as hiking, flora and fauna observation, and canoe tours on the Amazon River.
Bolivia: With approximately 235,000 km² of tropical forests, Bolivia houses a part of the Amazon and the biodiverse Chiquitania region. Madidi National Park is one of the most biodiverse in the world and offers activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and river navigation.
Venezuela: This Latin American country has around 220,000 km² of tropical forests. Canaima National Park, home of the majestic Angel Falls, is one of the most iconic places to visit, offering hikes and canoe excursions on the Carrao River. You can also explore the Gran Sabana and its impressive tepuys, such as the emblematic Mount Roraima.
Guyana: With about 214,000 km² of tropical forests, Guyana is a country still little explored in South America. Kaieteur National Park is home to Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, and is ideal for adventurers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations. Other attractions include Mount Roraima, shared with Venezuela and Brazil, and the Iwokrama Natural Reserve, known for its exceptional biodiversity.
Suriname: This small South American country has approximately 150,000 km² of tropical forests. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest tropical rainforest reserves in the world and houses an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. In Suriname, you can also visit the Raleighvallen Natural Reserve and Brownsberg National Park.
Papua New Guinea (PNG): Located in Oceania, Papua New Guinea has around 362,000 km² of tropical forests. The country is known for its unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes. You can explore the Highlands region and visit the Varirata National Park, which offers trekking trails and bird watching, including the bird of paradise, the national symbol of the country.
Tropical forests are natural treasures that house unique biodiversity and offer unparalleled opportunities for ecotourism.
These 10 destinations provide the possibility of immersing oneself in nature and living unforgettable experiences, while also promoting conservation and respect for these vital ecosystems. Don't miss the opportunity to visit and discover these wonderful places full of life, beauty, and adventure.