12 Majestic Waterfalls Around the World To Add to Your Bucket List
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Waterfalls have much to offer outdoor enthusiasts, whether you are looking to soak in their beauty, enjoy their serenity, or explore their surroundings. There is a waterfall whose features will leave you with a permanent memory, no matter your criteria of beauty or magnificence.
From the majestic heights of Angels Falls to the thunderous falls of Niagara, these waterfalls will impress you with their grandeur, scenic beauty, mighty falls, impressive heights, beautiful natural surroundings, large volumes, and activities you can engage in.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
The Iguazu Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Wonder of Nature. The falls typically have 275 individual falls but can go as high as 300 or as low as 150, depending on the season and water levels. It is a fantastic spectacle, especially in the rainy season when the water levels peak.
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While the horseshoe series of falls is a spectacle to behold, you should also explore the lush green vegetation surrounding it. There are walking trails that let you experience the power and beauty of this waterfall from different perspectives. Visit both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, then take a boat trip for close-up views of the fall.
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Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Falling approximately 355 feet (108 meters), Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest in volume, width, and height. They are one of the world’s seven Natural Wonders and the world’s largest sheet of falling water. The falls are also known for the thunderous sound of water hitting the rocks and forming a constant mist that can be seen from miles away.
Take time to explore the views of the cascading waters, the lush green surroundings, and the rainbows that can be spotted in the misty air. There are many ways to experience the beauty of Victoria Falls, including scenic helicopter rides and guided tours. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can go bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
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Be sure to experience both sides; Zimbabwe’s side is known for unbeatable panoramic views, while Zambia’s side provides close-up views of the falls and the daring Devil’s Pool experience.
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Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
Lying on the border of Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, Niagara Falls consists of three smaller falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The largest of the three, Horseshoe Falls, is approximately 173 feet (53 meters) tall. Niagara Falls is renowned for its striking beauty and impressive water volume, making it one of the most visited destinations in North America.
To better experience this spectacle, take boat tours such as the Maid of The Mist, go up observation decks, and walk along the trails for close-up views.
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You should also get both daytime and night views. At night, the falls are illuminated, creating a whole new magical experience you do not want to miss.
Read more: Hikes With Breathtaking Views
Gullfoss Falls, Iceland
The Gullfoss Falls is known for its powerful cascades created by the Hvita River plunging over the rugged canyon walls, creating a mesmerizing scenery. The falls descend in two tiers, totaling about 105 feet (32 meters).
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The beauty of The Gullfoss Falls is more than the mighty fall of waters; its natural surroundings are a sight to behold, too. As you take in the beauty of the falls, explore the breathtaking canyon as well. Go to the different viewpoints for different perspectives of the falls and canyon. The upper viewing platform provides panoramic views of the falls, while the lower platform allows tourists to get closer to the falling water and feel its power.
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Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, Vietnam/China
The Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, or Detian Falls, lies on the border of Vietnam and China and descends to approximately 98 feet (30 meters).
While visiting, explore the lush greenery and dramatic cliffs where the falls are set. This, and the mist from the falling water, adds to the ethereal beauty of the falls.
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Go hiking on the trails around the water to catch panoramic views of the water and appreciate its power and size. However, for a closer and more immersive experience, we recommend taking boat tours along the Quây Sơn River, which offers different but unmatched perspectives of the waterfall.
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Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Bali, Indonesia
Your itinerary to Bali is never complete without visiting Tukad Cepung waterfalls. The beauty of this waterfall is not in the massive size or volume of water, but in the calming beauty it exudes. If you’re seeking a picturesque and tranquil escape, Tukad Cepung would be your perfect choice.
The falls feature a series of cascades, all of which add up to approximately 15 meters (49 feet). The water falls from the top of a canyon into a cave, creating a surreal experience perfect for photo sessions. To access this waterfall, you will have to walk through narrow pathways and ankle-deep waters.
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For the best views, visit between 9 am and 11 am; it offers a more magical experience when the sun’s rays penetrate the cave alongside the waters.
While admiring the falls, relaxing in its tranquility, and having a great experience, you may want to come prepared to swim; the shallow and crystal-clear waters are irresistible.
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Angel Falls, Venezuela
Descending to a staggering height of approximately 3212 feet (979 meters), Angels Falls is recognized as the world’s highest waterfall. Witnessing its sheer height and power is a good enough reason to visit, but there is more this wonder has to offer.
The falls fall from a table mountain into the thick jungle of Canaima National Park. Marvel at the water spectacle, the pristine environment it is set in, and the undestroyed beauty of the Venezuelan wilderness.
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This fall has so much to do and experience; set aside more than a day for boat rides on the Carrao and Churun rivers, hiking through the jungle, and overnight stays in the campsites. You could also opt for helicopter tours to view the falls and its surroundings.
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Yosemite Falls, USA
Yosemite National Park has many features and waterfalls, but Yosemite Falls is an iconic landscape you cannot miss. The fall consists of three sections: the Upper Falls, The Middle Cascades, and the Lower Falls. Together, they total approximately 2,425 feet (739 meters), making it one of the tallest in North America.
The falls continue to attract tourists for their impressive vertical drop and thunderous cascades that can be heard from miles away. The scenery is even better in spring when snow melt increases the volume falling over the high granite cliffs.
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Go hiking on different trails for different viewpoints; the Mist Trail takes hikers close to the fall’s base, offering an exhilarating experience that includes feeling the spray of water droplets and mist.
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Rhine Falls, Switzerland
When the Rhine River tumbles over a series of limestone cliffs, it forms the Rhine Falls, the most powerful and largest European waterfalls. Rhine Falls is a spectacle at approximately 75 feet (23 meters) high and stretching 490 feet (150 meters) in width, especially in summer when the melting snow from the Swiss Alps increases its flow and power.
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Take views from different points for different perspectives of the magnificent falls, its breathtaking surroundings, and the dramatic cliffs, all of which add to this site’s allure. You can also go hiking along the riverbanks of the Rhine River or take boat rides for an immersive experience.
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Tugela Falls, South Africa
The Tugela Falls is located in the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal and falls to a total height of approximately 3110 feet (948 meters), making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
The best time to visit the Tugela Falls is during summer, when the melting snow from Drakensberg Mountain adds more volume to the Tugela River, making the cascade over the cliffs more powerful and thunderous.
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Find a perfect viewpoint to observe the stunning falls, the high cliffs, and the lush valleys surrounding it. If you want to experience the Tugela Falls’s full glory, consider hiking to the top of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre. While it is not an easy hike, the stunning views you will get to enjoy will be worth it.
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Skogafoss, Iceland
Skógafoss is approximately 197 feet (60 meters) tall and 82 feet (25 meters) wide, making it one of Iceland’s largest and most iconic waterfalls. The Skógá River, which originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, feeds the waterfall.
The beauty of this waterfall is not only in its impressive size but also in the lush greenery and rugged cliffs surrounding it. Visiting on sunny days offers views of rainbows, adding to the allure of fall. On the other hand, visiting in cold winter offers ethereal scenery of surroundings covered in snow dust.
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Go hiking on the staircase adjacent to the falls; it offers stunning views of the falls from different angles and heights.
Read also: Mountain Trips in the US for Every Season
Yumbilla Falls, Peru
The Yumbilla Falls has several tiers and cascades, all of which add up to a height of approximately 2936 meters (895 meters), making it one of the tallest in the world. This waterfall is hidden in the remote Amazonian region of Northern Peru.
Visit it to witness its impressive height, beautiful surroundings, and the Amazonian region’s lush tropical vegetation and rugged cliffs. Accessing Yumbilla Falls involves hiking through the dense jungle, crossing rivers, and navigating rugged terrain, all of which add to the thrill of the trip.
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For the best experience, take guided tours from nearby towns like Chachapoyas and Cuispes. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the unspoiled paths leading to the falls and experience their magnificence up close.
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Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com, watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.
