Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Rainforests exist across continents such as South America and Asia. Many tourists looking to hike in these environments head to countries such as Peru, where individuals can explore the Manu National Park, for instance, which contains lowland rainforests known for their biodiversity. Over in Asia, the country of Myanmar contains more forested areas than anywhere else in the southeast of this continent. Borneo and Sumatra also contain rainforests suitable for hiking expeditions.
Countless varieties of flora, encounters with local tribespeople and natural wonders including waterfalls are possible on many rainforest treks, but exactly what hikers in rainforests will find on their travels will depend on the country they are in. In Belize, for instance, explorers will likely be confronted by mazes of vines, trees covered in fungi and thick pockets of orchid flowers. In terms of animals, lucky hikers might glimpse the country's national animal, the tapir. In Costa Rica, visitors to the Osa Peninsula can spot 116 species of reptiles and amphibians and 400-plus types of bird, while a detour to one of the area's beaches provides an opportunity to encounter sea turtles.
Anyone thinking of hiking through the rainforest must be adequately prepared with suitable equipment. Important clothing items to remember include sturdy hiking boots that have been worn in before travel, light long-sleeved shirts to protect against insects and a light raincoat. Rainforest hikers must keep hydrated, so a water bottle is essential. Useful accessories include sunglasses, binoculars for spotting some of the wildlife in the rainforest and protective items such as sunscreen and insect repellent.
The rainforests of the world are full of dangers for the unwary. Snakes can strike at passersby; individuals heading through the underbrush should swing a rod or similar object as they walk to scare off snakes and other animals. Trees, such as lemon and orange varieties, can hide wasp nests. Other insects, such as ants, can bite those who go too near the plants they nest on. Hiking trails in some rainforests aren't physically easy, either. Some feature hilly or even mountainous areas where it's possible to fall and sustain an injury.