When is a hike not a hike? When it's a trek. But what's the difference? According to Google, trekking is a bit more hardcore, aka junglistic rough terrain, the sort of thing you might need a fetching machete/combat gear ensemble for, or at the very least, a compass. (It's not like jogging/running, which as we all know are one and the same thing, just that running sounds better.)
And let's face it - trekking through atmospheric jungle channelling your warrior nature self is a travel dream for the ages, from way before post-lockdown hike obsessions were invented - but if you’ve never done it before, or want to attempt one with kids, then you might want to start small. A hike/trek, perhaps (trike? Hek?) but either way, you don't want to invest in a ton of expensive kit and lug a pack the size of Bear Grylls' survival budget if you're new to the game.
So if you want to keep it simple whilst doing something exciting and new - make sure you're covered for the essentials, and do your research on the best time to visit your destination of choice - is it rainy season? Will I get cold? Is there a tiny cocktail bar en route? Etc.
One thing you’ll always need on a foray into the wild side is plenty of insect repellent, and that’s why Love Bites Only is an essential item on every trekker's pack list. With its chemical-free formulation, gorgeous smell, and ability to ward off a range of critters, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when it comes to strapping on those walking boots.
So check out our guide to some of the most fun and accessible treks/hikes/whatevs for newbies, and don't forget - leave nothing behind except your footprints!
Thailand
Thailand is always a solid choice, for everything it seems - and true to form, it's great for newbie trekkers. Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province is a stunner of an Insta-loved destination full of lush rainforest, limestone cliffs and aquamarine lakes - your basic happy place. And there are treks of all levels throughout the park, but try the Long Sok Waterfall Trail for stunning views and easy terrain.
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is a trekking legend beloved of backpackers since they were invented, being a cool city in its own right, with treks accessible directly from the city. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is just outside Chiang Mai, with several beginners' treks including the Monk's Trail, which starts near Wat Pha Lat and leads up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It's a smooth ascent through the forest leading to incredible views of the city and countryside - not saying you'll actually glide up, but the satisfaction gained may well feel similar.
A couple of hours' drive from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand's highest peak - but instead of tackling that madness, do the Ang Ka Nature Trail instead: a pretty loop through the forest giving plenty of flora and fauna spots. Yay!
Costa Rica
Everyone loves Costa Rica, home of cloud forests and breathtakingly diverse animal species - and coffee, which as we all know runs the world. There are loads of treks you can do on guided trips which take 2-3 days, including the Monteverde Cloud Forest one, but if you want to do your own thing, there's options for that too.
The Arenal Hanging Bridges, near the Arenal Volcano, has a series of easy trails through the rainforest, and is a great pick for the inexperienced. Get ready for the spectacular sight of the hanging bridges themselves, with incredible views of the forest canopy and surrounding landscape. Just don't become a statistic and fall off anything precarious in pursuit of that perfect selfie.
Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica's Pacific coast is known for its abundant wildlife and easy trails - both big wins in our book. The main trail within the park is well-kept and not too steep. You should see sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds in all the colours of the rainbow, which is as mind-blowing as it sounds.
Peru
You can't think of Peru and not immediately picture the Amazon Rainforest. And while much of the terrain is clearly not for beginners (even Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge might struggle) there's plenty of accessible treks to be found. Head for eco resorts and jungle lodges, such as the ones near Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos, where you can get on guided jungle walks to easy trails. These will give a flavour of the biodiversity of the region, whilst keeping the trek light enough to navigate. And you'll be able to say you've been to the Amazon!
Manu National Park, in the Amazon basin, has a great range of trekking options, including some trails suitable for beginners. Again, guided tours are available, so head to the cultural zone, where you can get into the rainforest without needing a machete to hack through the vegetation. Because machetes might look cool, but they're very heavy, and shouldn't be wielded unless you absolutely know what you're doing. Which we don't.
Australia
While it may not seem the obvious choice for a jungle trek, Australia has some rainforest going on, and it's properly ancient, like up to 180 million years old. The Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland is a few hours north of Cairns across the Daintree River, and has the status of being the oldest tropical lowland rainforest in the world. The Discovery Centre near the Daintree Village run guided walks across a series of elevated boardwalks, where you can learn about the local fauna such as the rare flightless cassowaries, saltwater crocodiles, tree kangaroos and beautiful Ulysses Blue butterflies. But it's easy enough to find a place to stay in Cape Tribulation and take off into the forest yourself - just be aware that saltwater crocodile numbers are on the rise these days, and have a quick chat with locals before you go!
Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is huge, with incredibly diverse landscapes including monsoon forests, wetlands and savannah woodlands. Try the Nourlangie Rock Walk: an easy 1.5 km loop trail around Nourlangie Rock for amazing views and plenty of Aboriginal rock art, which is one of those awe-inspiring sights to remind you we are but tiny cogs in the universe.
The Ubirr Rock Walk takes you to the top of Ubirr Rock for gorgeous views of the Nadab floodplain and more Aboriginal rock art. The Gubara Pools Walk is an easy walk of about 1.8 km through monsoon forests to tranquil rock pools where you can have a dip and relax. And the Bardedjilidji Walk is an easy 2.5 km loop trail through sandstone and woodlands, with those uniquely outback rock formations, plants, and wildlife.
Rwanda
Rwanda is the big one, if you're talking about gorillas that is (the primate, not the delivery service). It's stuffed full of national parks, and famous for its trekking opportunities. Possibly the best-known due to the mountain gorilla treks, Volcanoes National Park has treks for all levels of ability, providing amazing volcano and forest views.
Nyungwe National Park is a vast rainforest with excellent trails beginners can attempt, such as the Canopy Walk - an easy hike through the forest canopy along suspension bridges. There are also shorter nature trails where you can spot cute primates, birds, and other wildlife.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is fairly new on the scene, and known for its lush forests and diverse species. You can take gentle hikes through the forest, on the lookout for chimpanzees, monkeys, birds, and any other exciting creatures you may be lucky enough to stumble upon. The trails here are generally suitable for beginners and offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to some of Rwanda's more famous parks.
Enjoy, novice trekkers, and make sure you take plenty of water!
LBO x