With their raw power and serene beauty, waterfalls are among the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth. From thundering cascades to gentle flows, each waterfall offers a unique experience. This guide takes you around the globe to explore 15 of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, each promising an unforgettable journey.
1. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
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Embark on a journey to Niagara Falls, where the sheer power of nature is on full display. These massive waterfalls, consisting of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, offer a variety of experiences. The Maid of the Mist boat tour provides an up-close encounter where the roar and mist of the falls are overwhelming. Visit the observation decks or the Journey Behind the Falls for a different perspective. In the evening, the falls are lit up in a spectrum of colors, creating a breathtaking sight. The surrounding area also offers parks, gardens, and numerous vantage points to appreciate the falls’ majesty.
Insider’s Tip
Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds.
When To Travel
Late spring or early fall for pleasant weather.
How To Get There
Easily accessible from Buffalo, New York, or Toronto, Canada.
2. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
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Explore the grandeur of Iguazu Falls, which stretches across the border of Argentina and Brazil. This magnificent series of 275 waterfalls spans almost 3 kilometers, making it one of the most expansive waterfall systems in the world. On the Argentine side, you can walk right up to the Devil’s Throat, feeling the spray and thundering sound of the largest fall. The Brazilian side offers panoramic views of all the falls, encapsulating their vastness and beauty. The surrounding rainforest adds to the fall’s allure, hosting diverse wildlife and several hiking trails.
Insider’s Tip
Don’t miss the Devil’s Throat, the most spectacular section of the falls.
When To Travel
March to September for less humidity and clearer skies.
How To Get There
Fly to Puerto Iguazu Airport (Argentina) or Foz do Iguaçu Airport (Brazil).
3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
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Venture to Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” this enormous waterfall is one of the largest and most famous in the world. The best views are from the Zimbabwean side, where you can see the full width and height of the falls. Consider bungee jumping or white-water rafting on the Zambezi River for an adrenaline rush. The lunar rainbow, visible during full moon nights, adds a mystical element to the falls.
Insider’s Tip
Take a helicopter ride for a stunning aerial view.
When To Travel
March to May for the fullest flow.
How To Get There
Fly to Livingstone Airport (Zambia) or Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe).
4. Angel Falls, Venezuela
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Journey to the remote and breathtaking Angel Falls in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. The falls drop from a height of 979 meters, creating a spectacular sight as water cascades down from the Auyán-tepui mountain. The trek to Angel Falls is an adventure in itself, often involving a flight to Canaima Camp followed by a boat trip along the river. The falls’ isolated location means fewer tourists, offering a serene and intimate experience with one of nature’s wonders.
Insider’s Tip
The falls are best viewed by air, as the canopy can obscure ground views.
When To Travel
June to December for the best flow and accessibility.
How To Get There
Access is typically via a flight to Canaima Camp, followed by a river trip.
5. Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia
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Discover the enchanting beauty of the Plitvice Waterfalls in Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This natural wonder features a series of stunning lakes connected by cascading waterfalls, surrounded by dense forests. Wooden walkways meander through the park, allowing you to wander amidst the turquoise waters and lush greenery. The park’s beauty changes with the seasons, offering a different experience whether you visit in the vibrant spring, lush summer, colorful autumn, or the tranquil, snow-covered winter.
Insider’s Tip
Visit early in the morning to experience the park in solitude.
When To Travel
Late spring or early autumn for fewer crowds.
How To Get There
Drive or take a bus from Zagreb or Zadar.
6. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
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Experience the raw power of Kaieteur Falls, located in the heart of Guyana’s rainforest. As one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, Kaieteur impresses with its height and the volume of water cascading over a sandstone plateau into a deep gorge below. The journey to the falls is an adventure, typically involving a small plane flight from Georgetown, offering stunning aerial views of the Amazon rainforest. The falls’ remote location in Kaieteur National Park ensures a peaceful experience, surrounded by untouched nature.
Insider’s Tip
Opt for a guided tour from Georgetown for a hassle-free experience.
When To Travel
May to July for optimal flow and accessibility.
How To Get There
Accessible by a small plane from Georgetown.
7. Gullfoss, Iceland
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Visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and a key part of the Golden Circle tourist route. This massive, two-tiered waterfall powerfully cascades into a deep canyon, creating a spectacular display. The surrounding landscape adds to the waterfall’s dramatic appeal with its greenery and rugged terrain. Numerous viewpoints around Gullfoss provide different perspectives to appreciate its grandeur. In the winter, parts of the waterfall freeze, creating a mystical, icy spectacle.
Insider’s Tip
Check out the visitor center for insights into the waterfall’s history.
When To Travel
Summer for the best access and weather.
How To Get There
Drive from Reykjavik, which takes about 1.5 hours.
8. Yosemite Falls, USA
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Explore Yosemite Falls in California’s Yosemite National Park, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls. This impressive waterfall, divided into three distinct sections – Upper, Middle, and Lower Yosemite Falls – offers various hiking opportunities and stunning views. The falls are at their peak in late spring, fueled by the melting snow. Surrounding trails range from easy walks to the more strenuous Upper Yosemite Fall hike, leading to the top for breathtaking valley views. The surrounding Yosemite Valley offers additional scenic spots and trails.
Insider’s Tip
Visit in late spring when the water flow is at its peak.
When To Travel
May and June are the best water flows.
How To Get There
Drive to Yosemite Valley from nearby cities like San Francisco or Fresno.
9. Ban Gioc–Detian Falls, China/Vietnam
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Experience the serene beauty of Ban Gioc–Detian Falls on the border of China and Vietnam. This picturesque multi-tiered waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and striking karst formations, is among the largest waterfalls in Asia. The tranquil setting is perfect for a peaceful day trip, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and take a bamboo raft ride for a closer view of the cascading water. The falls are particularly impressive during the rainy season when the water volume is at its peak.
Insider’s Tip
Take a bamboo raft ride for a closer view of the falls.
When To Travel
May to October for fuller waters.
How To Get There
Accessible from Nanning in China or Cao Bang in Vietnam.
10. Tugela Falls, South Africa
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Tugela Falls in South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park is a breathtaking series of seasonal waterfalls cascading down the Amphitheatre cliff in the Drakensberg mountains. The falls are often shrouded in mist, adding to their mystique. Hiking trails, such as the Tugela Gorge trail, provide spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. The best time to visit is after the summer rains when the water flow is at its strongest, making the falls even more spectacular.
Insider’s Tip
Hike the Tugela Gorge trail for a rewarding view of the falls.
When To Travel
April to August for the best views.
How To Get There
Drive to Royal Natal National Park from Johannesburg.
11. Havasu Falls, USA
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Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, known for its vibrant blue-green waters set against red canyon walls. Part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, this secluded waterfall offers a tranquil paradise for swimming and relaxation. The hike to Havasu Falls is challenging but rewarding, with several smaller waterfalls along the way. Be sure to plan and reserve your trip well in advance due to limited access and high demand.
Insider’s Tip
Make reservations well in advance as access is limited.
When To Travel
Spring and fall for ideal hiking conditions.
How To Get There
Hike from Hualapai Hilltop, which is reachable by car.
12. Rhine Falls, Switzerland
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Visit Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, Switzerland, to witness one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. The falls are impressive for their size and the sheer volume of water cascading over a breadth of 150 meters. Boat trips take you up close to the falls, and several viewing platforms along the river provide different perspectives on this natural spectacle. The area around the falls is ideal for leisurely walks or picnics, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Insider’s Tip
Take a boat trip to the rock in the middle of the falls for an up-close experience.
When To Travel
Summer for boat trips and the best weather.
How To Get There
Drive or take a train to Schaffhausen, then a bus to the falls.
13. Kuang Si Falls, Laos
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At Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang, Laos, you’ll find a stunning three-tiered waterfall known for its cascading turquoise blue pools set in a lush jungle. The main waterfall tumbles over limestone formations, creating a series of natural pools perfect for swimming. Wooden walkways and bridges allow for easy exploration of the area. The falls are part of a park that also includes a bear rescue center, adding to the appeal of the visit.
Insider’s Tip
Bring a swimsuit to enjoy a dip in the natural pools.
When To Travel
November to April for the dry season.
How To Get There
Take a tuk-tuk or a minivan from Luang Prabang.
14. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
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Experience the unique beauty of Seljalandsfoss in Iceland, one of the few waterfalls you can walk behind. This 60-meter-high waterfall, part of the Seljalands River, cascades over a cliff, allowing visitors to walk behind it for a unique perspective. The path can be slippery, so waterproof gear is recommended. The waterfall is particularly picturesque during the long summer days but offers a magical sight when lit at night.
Insider’s Tip
Wear waterproof gear if you plan to walk behind the falls.
When To Travel
Summer for easier access and longer daylight hours.
How To Get There
Drive from Reykjavik along the South Coast.
15. Skógafoss, Iceland
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Skógafoss, another of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls, is known for its impressive width and height. Located on the Skógá River, the waterfall drops 60 meters over a former sea cliff, creating a powerful curtain of water. On sunny days, rainbows often form in the mist created by the falls, adding to their enchantment. A staircase next to the waterfall leads up to an observation platform, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean.
Insider’s Tip
For photography enthusiasts, capturing Skógafoss during the golden hour can result in stunning images.
When To Travel
Visit in the summer for the best weather conditions and easier access.
How To Get There
Skógafoss is easily accessible by car, along the Ring Road, about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik.
The Bottom Line
As you travel around the globe exploring these magnificent waterfalls, each visit offers an opportunity to connect with nature’s raw beauty and power. From the thundering cascades of Iguazu Falls to the serene turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls, these natural wonders provide a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. Remember to respect these natural environments, ensuring they continue to inspire and amaze for generations to come. In the presence of these waterfalls, you’re not just a spectator; you’re a part of the grandeur and majesty of our natural world.
If you enjoy adventures, read The Green Voyage guide to Exploring 15 of the World’s Top Cultural Destinations in 2024 for inspiration!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / 4045.