10.
SUTHERLAND FALLS [Fiordland, New Zealand]
In a country that holds a special place in our
hearts, this gorgeous 580m waterfall is easily New Zealand's most spectacular
waterfall and makes our list. Given its remote location deep in the wild and
beautiful Fiordland National Park (also a World Heritage Area), it's one of
many highlights of the Milford Track - said to be one of the finest walks in
the world.
9.
DETTIFOSS [Jökulsárgljúfur, Iceland]
It is Europe's most powerfull waterfall sending
glacial meltwaters over its 44m precipice unchecked at a flow of around 500
cubic meters per second. It epitomizes the wild and raw Icelandic Nature and is
a favorite amongst Icelandic Nature lovers. Its position at the head of the
impressive Jökulsárgljúfur (the Icelandic version of the Grand Canyon)
surrounded by three other major waterfalls on the same river makes it a
no-brainer for this to make our Top 10 Waterfalls List.
8. GULLFOSS
[Haukadalur, Iceland]
One of the more unique waterfalls you'll ever see
in the world, this wild and wide waterfall tumbling on the Hvítá River in two
tiers at 90 degree angles to each other is one of Iceland's iconic natural
attractions. Part of the Golden Circle of Iceland's main attractions in the
Southwest, this is a must on anyone's itinerary. In addition to the falls'
unique shape, you can see rainbows arcing over the falls when your timing's
right and the weather cooperates.
7. KAIETEUR
FALLS [Potaro River, Guyana]
Said to be one of the tallest single-drop
waterfalls in the world, this rectangular-shaped monster (said to be 741ft tall
370ft wide) sits atop the ancient Guyana Shield amidst some of the most
pristine rainforest left on earth! Indeed a visit to this world wonder can
yield rare wildlife settings as well as the reassurance that there are still
places on the planet where nature is still allowed to thrive. Thus, Julie and I
had to make room for this waterfall on our Top 10 List!
6. YOSEMITE
FALLS [California, USA]
Even though this waterfall doesn't flow year
round, it does flow for a good part of the year and it's one of the tallest in
the world at 2425ft. It's the crown jewel of attractions in the incomparable
Yosemite Valley and it's easily seen from a multitude of viewpoints and trails.
So given its ease of access, scenery, and sheer size, this waterfall makes our
Top 10 Waterfalls List.
5. ANGEL
FALLS (SALTO ÁNGEL) [Canaima, Venezuela]
Plunging uninterrupted for 807m (with total drop
of 979m) from a mystical tabletop mountain (tepuy) deep in a Venezuelan
equatorial rainforest, it is widely acknowledged as the tallest permanent
waterfall in the world. Its existence defies logic as its source is nothing but
the soggy cloud forest on the plateau of the tepuy. No doubt about it, there's
nothing like this waterfall and the adventure to even get to this so-called
Lost World (Mundo Perdido) for a chance to see this world wonder is sure to leave
you with a lasting impression.
4. PLITVICE
WATERFALLS [Northern Dalmatia, Croatia]
When it comes to the overall waterfalling
experience, it's hard to beat this world famous attraction. While the rest of
the waterfalls on our Top 10 List are primarily singular waterfall attractions,
this one is really a network of countless waterfalls (some of which are
impressive enough to stand out on their own). The waterfalls themselves
segregate the many clear and colorful lakes that bring life to this lush and
protected ecosystem. Plus, you have boardwalks that take you under, over, and
around almost all of the notable waterfalls for some of the most intimate
waterfalling experiences to be had. Add it all up, putting these waterfalls on
this list was an absolute no-brainer as far as Julie and I were concerned.
3. NIAGARA FALLS
[Ontario, Canada/New York, USA]
Easily the most famous waterfall in North
America, this powerful waterfall also ranks as the biggest one by volume with a
whopping average of about 750,000 gallons per second (2.8 million Liters per
second)! In addition to its raw power, the falls is easily one of the easiest
to access and view from all sorts of angles. While its surroundings are a bit
less naturesque for many, it clearly makes the upper tier of our list of Top 10
Waterfalls.
2. VICTORIA FALLS
(MOSI-OA-TUNYA) [Livingstone, Zambia/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe]
Easily deserving of the top spot on this list
(though it finished a very close second), it's the largest singular waterfall
in the world spanning a width of 1.7km, a height of 108m, and an average flow
of 1 million liters per second! It's no wonder this "smoke that
thunders" is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and
is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Indeed, it's got power, beauty, and it will
make you humble and awestruck.
1. IGUAZU FALLS
(IGUASSU FALLS) [Puerto Iguazú, Argentina/Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil]
With its brink spanning a
distance of an incredible 2km in its average flow of 1.3 million liters per
second, this falls tops our list of favorites. The falls actually consists of
some 275 individual waterfalls and cascades. Catwalks make it easy to get closeup
and intimate views and the rainforest surroundings make the scenery feel right
for a natural attraction such as this. Put it all together and Julie and I
believe this falls is heads and shoulders above the rest (except Victoria
Falls) that we've seen!
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