Famous for Its Waterfalls: A Guide to the Most Spectacular Falls Around the World
Waterfalls have been captivating travelers for centuries, with their power, beauty, and awe-inspiring majesty. From the most iconic cascades, to hidden gems off the beaten track, here’s a guide to some of the most famous waterfalls around the world.
Niagara Falls
No list of the world’s most famous waterfalls would be complete without mentioning Niagara Falls. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, this spectacular set of three waterfalls is one of the most iconic natural attractions in North America. With an average of 750,000 gallons of water flowing over the cascades every second, Niagara Falls is truly a sight to behold.
Victoria Falls
Voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is known for its sheer size and beauty. Located on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, the falls span an impressive 5,604 feet, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. As well as its sheer size, Victoria Falls is also known for the unique rainbows that form in the mist of the cascades.
Iguazu Falls
Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in South America. The falls are made up of hundreds of individual cascades, the most impressive of which is the Devil’s Throat. At the center of Iguazu Falls, the Devil’s Throat is an impressive 82 feet tall and 375 feet wide.
Gullfoss
Located in southern Iceland, Gullfoss is the most iconic of the country’s many waterfalls. The falls are made up of three cascades, the first of which plunges 32 feet into a narrow ravine. The second cascade is particularly impressive, as it plunges 105 feet into an even narrower ravine. These two cascades combine to form a spectacular wall of water.
Angel Falls
Located in Venezuela, Angel Falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. At an impressive 3,212 feet tall, it is twice as high as Niagara Falls. Angel Falls is also unique for its location, as it is hidden away in the remote rainforest of the Canaima National Park.
Kakabeka Falls
Kakabeka Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Canada. Located in the province of Ontario, the falls are made up of a single, powerful cascade that plunges 130 feet into the Kaministiquia River. The falls are particularly impressive after heavy rainfall, when the volume of water flowing over the falls is at its most powerful.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in the United States. Located in Yosemite National Park, the falls are made up of three cascades that plunge a total of 2,425 feet. The falls are particularly impressive in late spring and early summer, when they are at their most powerful.
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is one of the most unique waterfalls in the world. Located in Croatia, the falls are made up of 16 terraced lakes that cascade into each other. The cascades are particularly impressive, as they tumble over travertine barriers and create spectacular waterfalls.
With its power, beauty, and sheer majesty, it’s no wonder waterfalls have captivated travelers for centuries. From the most iconic cascades, to hidden gems off the beaten track, there are Explore the world’s most captivating waterfalls:
- Niagara Falls: Iconic border falls between the US and Canada, a breathtaking natural wonder.
- Victoria Falls: Africa’s largest curtain of water, known for its immense size and stunning rainbows.
- Iguazu Falls: Straddling Argentina and Brazil, a spectacular series of cascades, including the impressive Devil’s Throat.
- Gullfoss: Iceland’s iconic falls with three cascades, creating a mesmerizing wall of water.
- Angel Falls: Hidden in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall.
- Kakabeka Falls: Ontario’s powerful cascade into the Kaministiquia River, especially impressive after heavy rainfall.
- Yosemite Falls: The tallest waterfall in the US, with three cascades totaling 2,425 feet, most powerful in late spring and early summer.
- Plitvice Lakes: Croatia’s unique falls featuring 16 terraced lakes, creating a mesmerizing cascade over travertine barriers.
Waterfalls, with their power and beauty, continue to captivate travelers globally.