The top 5 unexplored rainforests in Central America

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant animal and plant life on a journey through Central America. Each destination offers a remarkable diversity of nature and landscapes. For those seeking an extraordinary nature adventure away from the well-trodden paths, explore the top 5 hidden rain-forests in Central America featured in this article.

La Amistad International Park (Costa Rica/Panama)

Miles of mountain peaks shoot up among the tropical rainforest in La Amistad International Park. Situated in the Talamanca mountain range, La Amistad International Park stretches across 4,070 square kilometers (1571 miles) of Panama and Costa Rica. This UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolic of cross-border cooperation, features mountain peaks reaching over 3,000 meters (9842 ft), enveloped in tropical rainforests.


The park includes both Costa Rica's highest peak, Cerro Chirripo, and Panama's Volcán Burá. Hiking here offers breathtaking vistas of the Pacific and Caribbean on clear days.

Large parts of La Amistad International Park are still undiscovered and virtually inaccessible to tourists. If you want to get the most out of your visit to La Amistad International Park during your vacation, set out with an experienced guide who will take you through the green nature of this special park.

Bosawás Biosphere Reserve (Nicaragua)

In the remote northern reaches of Nicaragua, the Bosawás Reserve offers a spectacular tropical cloud forest setting leading to many waterfalls. Rich in wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and rare birds, the Reserve provides an unique experience in primary rainforests, home to the vibrant quetzal.


An overnight stay in an eco-hostel and a challenging hike to the forest's highest point adds to the adventure.

Montecristo Cloud Forest (El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala)

The Montecristo Cloud Forest, also known as the Trifinio Biosphere Reserve, spans the borders of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. It is a haven for unique ecosystems. From varied plant species, various mammals to hundreds of birds, reptile and butterfly species; this cloud forest is known for its high biodiversity for good reason. Furthermore, the Monteverde cloud forest is the destination of choice to catch a glimpse of the quetzal bird. In short, an ideal destination for avid birdwatchers.


The forest's conservation history dates back to the 1940s, with efforts intensifying in the 1970s. If you are going to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, there are plenty of different accommodations where you can stay. Around the nature reserve are several hotels, hostels and lodges for different budgets. Sometimes the accommodations are in the middle of nature which gives you a great chance to spot different animals right in front of your door.

Sierra de las Minas (Guatemala)

This mountainous region, with altitudes up to 3010 meters (9875 ft), hosts diverse ecosystems from dry forests to lush cloud forests.


Large quantities of food and medicinal plants are also produced in the biosphere reserve. Regarding ecotourism, this region is still in its infancy. You will spend the night here in a basic cabin (no hot water and limited solar energy) in the middle of the forest.

Reserva Biologica Indio-Maiz (Nicaragua)