I've visited over 50 waterfalls now and I must say you don't often get a crap one (except for a few years ago on the Great Ocean Road in Australia when a waterfall advertised was literally just a drip! I've narrowed this list down to a top three as these three are head, shoulders and currents above the rest. I'm basing it only one waterfalls I've been to by the way (yet to do Angel Falls in Venezuela or Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe).
1. ICELAND: Gullfoss:
Oh to the undeniable magic of Gullfoss. This incredible and often unknown waterfall is in Iceland. So as well as strong gushing water you get the bonus of strong winds, rain,snow and cold conditions just to add to the awesome experience of it all. Gullfoss crops up out of nowhere - suddenly you're up next to it in disbelief at how fast and endless the water flow is. You can get to Gullfoss by getting on one of many Golden Circle tours, or hire a car if you want. Wear warm clothes and take plenty of photos! You'll love it. You can also buy food, drink and souvenirs nearby.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
The Niagara Falls and Horseshoe Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. You can do it for free from the many viewing platforms in both Canada and the USA. The waterfall straddles the border and there's even a bridge you can cross to do passport and immigration. But the Maid of the Mist tour is the one I did which gets you up close and personal to the falls itself. You get wet and you get to keep your blue and white trademark poncho. You'll be flabbergasted by the immensity of this fall of water. You can still do this tour for less than $20 Canadian Dollars. Either that or stare down at it for free.
3. Iguazu Falls (BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
There seems to be a debate or poll amongst travellers as to which is the best country to view the Iguazu Falls from, Argentina or Brazil. So when I was there I decided I had to see it from both sides of the border. I don't believe that there should be a "better side" to view it from, and having seen it from both I just have to say WOW! These waterfalls are amazing whether viewed from Argentina or Brazil. The Brazil one is slightly dearer to get in. A brief description of each here:
Viewed from Argentina:
To get to the Argentina side catch a bus along Ruta 12 away from Puerto Iguazu town. You can get the bus from the town centre or from a bus stop opposite the Hostel Inn Iguazu. Get an entrance day ticket on arrival. In 2010 this cost me 85Pesos. There are three main things to do once inside: 1. Catch a train to Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) - there's a few kilometres walk to see the falls from there. 2. Do the Upper Walk at the Station Cataratas 3. Do the lower walk at the Station Cataratas. You can also get a boat trip, view animals and there are souvenir shops and restaurants.
Brazil Side:
You get up close and personal to the falls on the Brazil side and get a decent viewpoint of the entire falls looking into Argentina. The transport method inside the National Park is all by bus. They drop you off ridiculously close to the falls viewpoints so not much walking is required, however it's worth doing one of the walks. You have to love Iguazu!
One thing to note is that both waterfall viewings whether from Brazil or Argentina will be busy such is the marvel of these natural flows of water.
So those are the top 3 waterfalls I've actually seen. I hope to do more sometime soon as I just love waterfalls!
1. ICELAND: Gullfoss:
Oh to the undeniable magic of Gullfoss. This incredible and often unknown waterfall is in Iceland. So as well as strong gushing water you get the bonus of strong winds, rain,snow and cold conditions just to add to the awesome experience of it all. Gullfoss crops up out of nowhere - suddenly you're up next to it in disbelief at how fast and endless the water flow is. You can get to Gullfoss by getting on one of many Golden Circle tours, or hire a car if you want. Wear warm clothes and take plenty of photos! You'll love it. You can also buy food, drink and souvenirs nearby.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
The Niagara Falls and Horseshoe Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. You can do it for free from the many viewing platforms in both Canada and the USA. The waterfall straddles the border and there's even a bridge you can cross to do passport and immigration. But the Maid of the Mist tour is the one I did which gets you up close and personal to the falls itself. You get wet and you get to keep your blue and white trademark poncho. You'll be flabbergasted by the immensity of this fall of water. You can still do this tour for less than $20 Canadian Dollars. Either that or stare down at it for free.
3. Iguazu Falls (BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
There seems to be a debate or poll amongst travellers as to which is the best country to view the Iguazu Falls from, Argentina or Brazil. So when I was there I decided I had to see it from both sides of the border. I don't believe that there should be a "better side" to view it from, and having seen it from both I just have to say WOW! These waterfalls are amazing whether viewed from Argentina or Brazil. The Brazil one is slightly dearer to get in. A brief description of each here:
Viewed from Argentina:
To get to the Argentina side catch a bus along Ruta 12 away from Puerto Iguazu town. You can get the bus from the town centre or from a bus stop opposite the Hostel Inn Iguazu. Get an entrance day ticket on arrival. In 2010 this cost me 85Pesos. There are three main things to do once inside: 1. Catch a train to Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) - there's a few kilometres walk to see the falls from there. 2. Do the Upper Walk at the Station Cataratas 3. Do the lower walk at the Station Cataratas. You can also get a boat trip, view animals and there are souvenir shops and restaurants.
Brazil Side:
You get up close and personal to the falls on the Brazil side and get a decent viewpoint of the entire falls looking into Argentina. The transport method inside the National Park is all by bus. They drop you off ridiculously close to the falls viewpoints so not much walking is required, however it's worth doing one of the walks. You have to love Iguazu!
One thing to note is that both waterfall viewings whether from Brazil or Argentina will be busy such is the marvel of these natural flows of water.
So those are the top 3 waterfalls I've actually seen. I hope to do more sometime soon as I just love waterfalls!
About the Author:
You can find more posts like three top waterfalls by visiting Jonny Blair's excellent travel, work and lifestyle site Dont Stop Living which is updated daily.
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