The Best Jungle Vacation Destinations for Families

Surrounded by the symphony of birdsong and the lush green canopy of trees, a family vacation to a jungle destination promises an abundance of adventure and unforgettable memories.

Each jungle offers a unique ecosystem, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest.

Whether you decide to explore the gorilla-filled forests of Uganda and Rwanda, the biodiverse paradise of Costa Rica, or the heart of the Amazon in Brazil, you can look forward to discovering fascinating wildlife, meeting local communities and enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences on your vacation.

Here is a selection of some of the best family jungle vacations and what makes them such engaging and inspirational destinations to visit.

Africa boasts an array of jungle vacation destinations, predominantly in West and East Africa, but the the rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda stand out as the best suited for families.

Both countries are renowned for their mountain gorillas, providing an extraordinary opportunity to trek and view these majestic and critically endangered creatures in their natural habitat on the slopes of volcanic mopane forests.

While gorillas may be the highlight, the highland forests are also home to a variety of fascinating creatures. Golden monkeys, chimpanzees in Uganda, and hundreds of vibrant bird species make these forests a paradise for bird-watchers – each species seems more colourful and spectacular than the last.

Uganda and Rwanda are easily accessible, stable and offer a well-established selection of jungle lodges. You can combine your jungle adventure with a Big Five family safari experience or a relaxing beach holiday.

However, it is important to note that there is a minimum age for gorilla trekking; children must be at least 15 years old. This experience is therefore best suited for families with older teenagers. For those travelling with younger children, the lodges offer various activities to keep them engaged while you embark on your gorilla trek. These activities can include visiting nearby villages to meet local communities and learn more about their traditional lifestyles, or discovering the forest on shorter nature walks near the lodge.

Some of our favourite jungle destinations in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kibale Forest. In Rwanda, we highly recommend the spectacular lodges near Volcanoes National Park.

Costa Rica is a small but remarkable country, home to some of the most biologically diverse and pristine forests in the world. The country is deeply committed to conservation, with vast areas under formal protection, making it a haven for environmental sustainability.

There is an abundance of jungle-based adventures to enjoy all over Costa Rica, many of which blend conservation and culture. Experience the mist-cloaked cloud forests of Monteverde, where you can walk along suspended bridges that bring you eye-level with the dense tree canopy. Admire the hundreds of varieties of colourful orchids that grow here. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy an outdoor adventure together while learning about Costa Rica’s rich natural heritage.

Head into Pacuare Reserve, where you can raft along winding rivers and explore rainforests, home to wildlife like jaguars and howler monkeys. Hike to picturesque waterfalls and zipline through the tree canopy before meeting the indigenous Cabécar people to learn about their traditional way of life.

The Osa Peninsula is unmissable. Though just a small corner of Costa Rica, it is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Enjoy jungle walks and then cool off with a swim or paddle in the Pacific Ocean. Tortuguero National Park also combines the best of beach and jungle, featuring tropical rainforest alongside pristine coastline, which serves as an important nesting beach for hawksbill turtles.

Costa Rica is also home to fantastic eco-lodges, many with impressive records of supporting local communities and active involvement in conservation efforts. A few of our favourites include El Silencio Lodge in the Cloud Forest, Pacuare Lodge in the Pacuare Reserve and Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula.

For a truly immersive experience, families can get involved in conservation projects during your stay. Many lodges offer programmes where you can assist researchers in tracking wildlife, monitoring ecosystems, and contributing to conservation efforts. These activities not only provide a deeper understanding of the environment but also instil a sense of responsibility and stewardship in young travellers.

When it comes to a family jungle vacation, there is no destination more iconic than Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest. This vast region is the epitome of rainforest adventure. While the Amazon spans nine different countries, the largest portion is in Brazil, offering an unparalleled, immersive experience.

The Amazon is nature’s greatest classroom, home to nearly 400 billion trees, 40,000 species of flora, 1,300 species of birds, and an abundance of other wildlife. Guided walks into the jungle will engage all your senses as you take in the beauty all around you, from waterfalls to winding rivers, as monkeys swing among the trees and colourful toucans and macaws fly overhead.

The special species you may encounter include various primates such as agile spider monkeys to red and black howler monkeys. The apex predator of the Amazon is the famed jaguar. While sightings are rare, you may be lucky enough to spot one prowling along the riverbanks. On the river, you might encounter pink river dolphins and giant otters during a cruise or canoe trip.

Along with many hiking trails and river-based adventures, no family trip to the Amazon jungle is complete without spending time with the indigenous communities that call the rainforest home. Visiting a local village allows you to learn about daily life for those living amidst nature. Participate in local craft making, cooking and learning basic survival skills. This enriching experience offers families a chanced to understand and appreciate traditions and practices of people with lifestyles vastly different from our own.

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, we highly recommend Uakari Lodge for families looking to enhance the community aspect of their Amazon experience. The lodge boasts a breathtaking location floating on a lagoon, connected by walkways and surrounded by the vast rainforest. Another great option is Mirante do Gaviāo, an ecolodge set on the Rio Negro, deep in the Amazon, where you can stay in charming family treehouses.

If you like the idea of exploring pristine rainforests with your family, then get in touch with our expert team on +44 (0) 20 3821 5994 (UK), +1 (833) 215 9353 (US), or at explore@niarratravel.com and begin planning your very own family jungle adventure. Whether it’s trekking with gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, experiencing the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica, or diving deep into the heart of Brazil’s Amazon, your family is guaranteed an unforgettable journey filled with discovery and learning.