Jungle Trekking Choices For Everyone

Tropical jungle trekking stimulates a sensory overload.

Rainforest hiking amid giant trees, sheltered under a green canopy and surrounded by thousands of forest plants and tropical animals elicits exaggerated feelings.

Upon seeing the jungle, Charles Darwin marveled at the "luxuriance of the vegetation" that "filled me with admiration."

Even Christopher Columbus decided that after discovering "trees beautiful and green, and different from ours" that he had found the Garden of Eden.

No wonder others have called these lofty forests "the apex of creation."

You may not envision a new scientific theory or land on a new continent, but you will find a way to connect to the rainforest.

Once you get a handle on perspiration and respiration, then inspiration usually kicks in. A spiritual energy exists in these tree temples that sharpens the mind and exhausts the body.

A tropical rainforest is one of the most diverse structures on the planet. But it's okay to just go jungle trekking and enjoy the simplicity of getting away from it all.

"Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow."

Jungle Trekking To Suit Your Style
And Make Your Day

Jungle Trekking Trail Ratings

Jungle trails are hard to rate for everyone. The difficulty level of each trek depends on terrain and weather conditions and the fitness of the user. Broad categories help you to choose a trail but always remember to use your common sense first.

Let's use the following categories to get you started. Many sites include more than one hiking category:

• Easy - good trail conditions; low elevation and flat terrain; small hills; walking for exercise
• Moderate - good and bad trail conditions; some elevation changes; expect hill slopes
• Tough - rugged trail conditions; exposed ridges; steep hills and climbs

Hiking With Kids & Newbies (Easy)

Take the kids out for a walk in forest habitat or enjoy a jungle waterfall or stream. Great places for picnic ideas and a good way to begin the rainforest experience.

Hikes For The Heart Rate (Moderate)

Be prepared to sweat and increase the intensity going uphill. These trails get deeper into the jungle in a search for tropical animals and special plants.

Adventure Hikes For Explorers (Tough)

Highland trekking in montane habitats, jungle hikes up mountain slopes and other rugged terrain make for long days and exhausted limbs..

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Choosing a Rainforest Hike: Start Easy And Climb Up

First be honest. Assess your physical condition and experience level to handle whatever pops up on the trail. If unsure, play it safe and choose the less strenuous option. Push your personal limits only when hiking with an experienced group that can offer advice and jungle assistance.

• For newbies, start easy and test out your stamina and skills.
• For families, remember kids get tired after the initial energy blast.
• For everyone, never rely on trail information; always decide for yourself.

Decision Factors For Jungle Trekking: Think Ahead Before Setting Foot

• Return Trail Length - Know how far you have to go to get back to the starting point.
• Heat & Humidity - Tropic heat and humid air zaps your energy quick, so add more time for breaks.
• Elevation - Tackling hill slopes and highlands takes more effort than expected.
• Weather - Wind and rain make for miserable trekking, keep an eye out for sudden changes.
• Time of Day - Start hiking early to avoid late afternoon treks that end in the dark.

Practical Jungle Trekking Tips For Everyone
Keeping Up On The Rainforest Hiking Trail

Tip #1: Pace Your Progress

Early excitement rubs off as the sun rises. Keep your walking pace relaxed for a long day and enjoy the scenery. Take plenty of mini-breaks to eat, drink and get your pack off.

Tip #2: Breathe Deep

Find a comfortable pace that breaks a sweat without overdoing it. Then use your nose to breathe more than your mouth to avoid drying out too much.

Tip #3: Plan Your Water Supply

Water is survival food. Take enough to replenish lost fluids and use a drinking tube for easy and often access. Use lightweight containers to ease the water weight load.

Tip #4: Prevent Chafing Spots

Hiking all day rubs some people the wrong way. Avoid irritating chafing in arm pits and the crotch by applying powder or gel in strategic spots.

Tip #5: Watch And Treat Your Feet

Good feet for good times. Always treat your feet fast when boots start to rub or blisters spring up. Carry a small roll of athletic or duct tape to ward off these hot spots.

Tip #6: Ditch Your Underwear

Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it in. A swimsuit or pair of board shorts not only repels water and dries quick, but also allows air to circulate to wick off sweat.

Tip #7: Wear Out The Sun

Suntan lotions belong on the beach, not the forest, because they block evaporation. Protect yourself from harsh rays with proper clothes - hat, bandana, lightweight long-sleeved shirt - and stay cool, not toasty.

Tip #8: Day Light, Day Bright

The tropical sun gets nasty at noontime. Start your adventure hike at daylight to avoid burning out in the afternoon, when it's better to break more often.

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