The overwhelming force of water has fascinated the human being throughout human history. Who does not dream of seeing one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world up close? Beyond Niagara, Iguazu and Victoria, which are the most spectacular waterfalls on the planet due to their height, flow density and the environment that surrounds them, we will discover other beautiful waterfalls.
This gift of mother nature leaves no one indifferent. The most impressive waterfalls in the world are usually surrounded by forests, jungles and exuberant vegetation, which contributes to magnify their spectacularity. Foam, beauty and, also, vertigo, come together in perfect symbiosis to recreate a mesmerizing show. We select the ten that have impacted us the most.
The 10 most spectacular waterfalls on the planet
1.- Niagara –United States and Canada
The three most cinematographic waterfalls in history make up these falls visible from the state of New York in the United States and from Ontario in the Canadian part. Their height of 52 meters together with the breadth of their forehead, which reaches 56 kilometers, have made them a legend. Together they move 110,000 cubic meters of water, which erodes the rock; It is said that 12,000 years ago they were about 11 kilometers ahead. The Superman movie also did its bit to make them more epic.
Less known is that the cable car from which you can enjoy impressive views is the work of Leopoldo Torres, a Spanish engineer.
As a curiosity, in each country between which it acts as a natural border there is a city called Niagara Falls, so if you decide to visit them you will have to take into account the view you prefer so as not to err in the choice of the city.
2.- Iguazu – Argentina and Brazil
On the border between Argentina and Brazil is this spectacular complex, which is part of the Iguazu National Park, declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. If most of the waterfalls discharge on the Argentine side, on the Brazilian side you can enjoy from the highest fall, known as the Salto del Diablo (80 meters). They have the merit of having been chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of the World on November 11, 2011, the date on which Cataratas Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the preservation of the park and the entire region.
They were rediscovered by the Spaniard Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca in 1542 and its name in Guarani means ‘big water’. They are made up of 275 waterfalls, but depending on the river flow they vary between 150 and 300. Its horseshoe shape provides its uniqueness and makes it recognizable from other falls on the planet. Due to its majesty, it has been the setting for mythical films such as The Mission or Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Legend has it that God in the form of a serpent, M’Boy, intended to marry a beautiful Indian woman named Naipi, who on the wedding day fled in a canoe with her beloved Taroba. The god became angry and cut the river creating the waterfalls and condemning them to an eternal fall.
3.- Victory – Zambia and Zimbabwe
We owe the discovery of one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world to the British explorer David Livingstone in 1855. The name he gave it pays tribute to the person who then reigned in his country of origin, however the aborigines call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, something as well as the smoke that thunders.
A World Heritage Site, this impressive waterfall, over 100 meters high, separates Zambia from Zimbabwe and can be seen from a steel bridge built in 1905. It links the towns of Livingstone and Victoria Falls through 130 meters
The water vapor they give off precipitates again gently, creating what is called the rain forest, which is why it becomes the only place in the world where it rains perennially, although in the dry season the fine mist is reduced. remarkably. In fact, climate change is especially affecting this African natural wonder due to the droughts that are being experienced.
Penetrating this fine mist, seeing the colors of the rainbow displayed or the thunderous noise are unique experiences in an extraordinary place.
4.- Angel Falls – Venezuela
Overwhelming is the image offered by what is considered the highest waterfall in the world. Within the Canaima National Park, on Mount Auyantepui, the water falls from 979 meters high. The natives baptized it as Kerepakupai Meru, which means waterfall from the deepest place. A wonder of nature served as inspiration for movies like Avatar or Up.
The beauty of the jungle that surrounds it surely contributed to its declaration as a World Heritage Site since 1994. Its name pays homage to the American aviator Jimmy Angel, who was the first to locate its exact location when he flew over the area in a small plane. Undoubtedly, this medium is the most extraordinary option to fully enjoy the show, but it is also the most expensive.
By land, you can reach a viewpoint located just opposite, but always through an authorized tour operator between the months of June and December. Although it requires a good walk, the beauty of the place is worth the effort.
5.- Cascadas Gullfoss – Iceland
It is known as the Golden Waterfall due to the optical effect generated by the water as it passes through the three waterfalls that seems that the earth is swallowing the Hvita river. It attracts a large number of visitors due to its particular composition: three large steps and two 32-meter-high waterfalls, but also due to its proximity to the capital, ReykjavÃk.
These waterfalls, which are also horseshoe-shaped but small, were about to become a source of hydroelectric power to harness the power of the water. Fortunately, the project did not prosper and today this place is preserved for the enjoyment of humanity.
The source of the water comes from the second largest glacier on the island, Langjokull, and the deep crack through which it disappears was formed by flash floods that were grading the rock.
If you decide to visit this dream corner, it is open all year.
6.- Plitvice Falls – Croatia
The most famous national park in Croatia gives its name to these falls. Located in the mountainous region of Lika, it is the favorite destination of international tourism for the beauty of these waterfalls. More than a waterfall, it is a network of 16 blue and green crystalline lakes linked by waterfalls.
If you like opera, you may know that Plitvice was a famous singer of this musical genre from the 19th century and the place was named after her. Since 1979 it has been recognized as a World Heritage Site.
The most impressive of the waterfalls is known as the Great Cascade or Veliki Slap in Croatian. It is part of the lower lakes and its 78 meters make it the highest in the country and the most beautiful. It is distinguished from the rest of the waterfalls because it comes from the Plitvica Potok river. The others are formed when water spills from the upper lake to the one below.
7.- Horsetail Waterfall – United States
On some days at the end of February, when the sun sets and its last sparkles bathe the waterfall, it seems that the water turns into fire. It is a spectacle of incredible beauty that lasts just 10 minutes and if the weather conditions are right. The interior of the Yosemite National Park, in California, hosts this beautiful jump that comes from the melting ice and creates a drop of 500 meters.
They say that the Awahneechee Indians, who inhabited the Yosemite Valley for hundreds of years, gathered on these dates to see “the water that turned into blood.”
The most daring can reach the top of the waterfall on a hike that takes a full day. Without a doubt, it is a delight to be able to contemplate this amazing place, which is why we could not forget about it in this selection of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.
8.- Epupa Falls – Namibia
It is one of the most beautiful oases in Africa and is located in Namibia. in the Kaokoland region. The Epupa waterfalls plunge into the void between the rocks from a height of 40 meters from the cliffs that are surrounded by huge baobabs, turning the place into an authentic orchard. The water coming from the Kunene river forms a beautiful pattern made up of consecutive falls.
Little frequented by tourists due to its difficult access, the area keeps the African essence and is the habitat of the Timbas, an ancestral ethnic group of the continent.
9.- Ouzoud Waterfalls – Morocco
In the heart of the High Atlas, in the province of Azilal, these waterfalls have become one of the great tourist attractions in Morocco. Counterpoint to the desert surroundings, they are some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world that form pools at the end of the precipice visible through numerous hiking trails.
The waterfall of about 110 meters is the highest in North Africa and falls through a natural gorge in the course of the Ouzoud river. It is common for the water particles that remain in suspension after hitting the rock to form a small rainbow that gives magic to the place.
It is located about three hours from the country’s capital and can be visited at any time of the year, since the waterfall shows a significant flow even in summer. It is possible to take a bath in its waters, as well as navigate the area in small rowing boats.
10.- Sutherland Waterfall – New Zealand
The Maoris know it as ‘white thread’ and its position among the most impressive in the world is due to the fact that it is possible to walk along its base. Of course, the force of the water, which surrounds it like a whirlwind, makes it barely visible. But the deafening noise makes the experience unforgettable.
Located in the Fiordland National Park, on the South Island of the country, they are seen from kilometers away. Water from Quill Lake tumbles down three waterfalls before cascading down the rock. It owes its name to Donald Sutherland, who was the first European to see it despite the difficult route through thick tropical forests to reach it.
In summer, it looks spectacular and travelers can enjoy the nearby landscapes and observe the wonderful rainbows and white clouds that form next to the waterfall.
We hope you have enjoyed this collection of majestic waterfalls. Without a doubt, they are a sample of the overflowing nature with which the countries in which they are located have been regulated.
