Rainforests can offer up some of the world's most beautiful landscapes.

After all, they're filled with exotic plants, roaring rivers that wind along the lush green shores, with heaps of weird and wonderful creatures living amidst the leaves.

Despite being estimated to cover less than 6% of the world's surface, they're believed to be home to half of the planet's plant and animal species.

It's therefore no surprise that rainforests have been drawing in intrepid explorers for decades - and there are a few hotspots that are particularly popular.

The Amazon is probably the world's most famous rainforest, while Australia's Daintree never fails to dazzle with its impressive array of wildlife. Meanwhile other spots in the likes of Costa Rica and Borneo also make for diverse landscapes.

We take a look at 10 amazing rainforests around the world that will have you dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure...

1. The Amazon, Brazil

Amazon (
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The world's largest tropical rainforest spans over 1.4 billion acres of dense forests, as well as offering 4,100 miles of winding rivers including the iconic Amazon river.

The rainforest covers eight countries; Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. In fact, it's believed to cover 40% of South America.

Unsurprisingly, there's a seriously diverse array of plants and animals which live in the Amazon rainforest with everything from sloths to anacondas and heaps of different species of monkeys.

2. Daintree Rainforest, Australia

The world heritage listed daintree rainforest in Mossman Gorge, Australia (
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Believed to be the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, Daintree offers up a diverse array of wildlife including cassowary birds, pythons, frogs and even kangaroos.

TV fans may recognise it as one of the locations from David Attenborough's Seven Worlds, One Planet series.

Located about two hours' drive from Cairns, there are plenty of rainforest tours on offer whether you want to explore by foot or boat.

3. Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Khao Yai National Park (
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Thailand's first national park is an explorer's dream with its dense greenery, ethereal waterfalls and array of colourful plants.

As for wildlife? For a start there are 85 species of reptiles alone, alongside heaps more creatures such as elephants, porcupines, deer and jackals.

It's the third largest national park in Thailand and there are walking trails although it's forbidden to take these on without a guide due to the size of the park and the possibility of getting lost when you don't know it!

4. Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park (
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The rainforest in the Manuel Antonio National Park is nestled amidst plenty more incredible landscapes including white sand beaches,so it's no surprise that the region is regularly features on lists highlighting Costa Rica's most amazing nature reserves.

In the heart of all of the lush greenery, you can find animals from sloths to monkeys, and even a plane-turned-hotel.

5. Tongass National Forest, The USA

Tongass National Forest (
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This temperate rainforest in Alaska is the USA's largest national forest at approximately 16.7million acres.

Expect everything from roaring rivers to gentle streams, islands and mountains, and even fjords and - during the colder months - glaciers.

There are plenty of boardwalk trails for visitors, as well as observatories and even centres from which you can try and catch a glimpse of the brown bears.

6. Borneo rainforest

Orangutans live in Borneo and you can often spot them on dedicated tours (
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The island of Borneo sits in Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago, and is covered in a dense and vibrant rainforest.

In fact, the Borneo jungle is over 130 million years old and was around when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. 

Highlights include the Kinabatangan river which boasts incredible jungle views and creatures such as crocodiles. Oh, and there's the Gomantong Cave, which is home to over a million bats!

7. El Yunque National Rainforest, Puerto Rico

El Yunque Rain Forest (
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This tropical rainforest is one of the world's smallest at 29,000 acres, yet it's impressively diverse with hundreds of species of animals and plants residing here.

It's particularly popular for birdwatching thanks to the colourful residents ranging from Puerto Rican parrots to woodpeckers.

Highlights include La Mina waterfall and Mount Britton, while the Yokahú Observation Tower at an elevation at 1,575ft is popular with visitors wanting some epic views of the landscape.

8. Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

Yasuni national park (
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Located in the Amazon Basin, although Yasuni covers less than 1% of the region, it still boasts millions of animals, and is believed to be home to one third of reptile and amphibian species.

It's part of the Amazon rainforest but because of its incredible biodiversity, it gets its own spot on the list.

9. Dominica

Dominica (
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The tropical rainforest covers this entire Caribbean island, and is home to an impressive variety of plants and animals. The island also boasts some beautiful rivers and waterfalls, making it popular with intrepid explorers.

Then of course there are those picture-perfect beaches and azure waters if you want a break from the breathtaking greenery.

10. Harapan Rainforest, Indonesia

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Harapan - which means 'hope' in the Indonesian language - is located in Sumatra, and spans 98,555 hectares.

There are over 54 mammal species known to live in the forest, including endangered species such as orangutans, Asian Elephants and Sumatran Tigers.