The 16 Most Epic Waterfalls In The World
Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, creating natural marvels in varying forms from deserts to rain forests, and anything in between. Of course, there are also spectacular, roaring waterfalls, with their powerful waters plummeting over vertical drops, creating breathtakingly beautiful sights you won’t soon forget. From big and not so big to year-round and seasonal varieties, here is Culture Trip’s list (in no particular order) of the most epic waterfalls found around the world.
1. Sutherland Falls – New Zealand
Park
Sutherland Falls – New Zealand
Located in New Zealand’s South Island in the Fiordland National Park, Sutherland Falls is an incredible natural beauty named after the explorer Donald Sutherland. This waterfall features three drops for a total of 1,904 feet (580 meters), making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world. Visitors can hike to the base of the falls – via Milford Track – where they will be greeted by a breathtaking, albeit misty, view and the roaring sound of the water cascading downward.
Sutherland Falls, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
2. Plitvice Waterfalls – Croatia
Plitvice Waterfalls – Croatia
The Plitvice Waterfalls are located throughout the Plitvice Lakes National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – in Croatia, and they are a sight to behold. Crystal clear waters flow through verdant woodland terrain and over limestone and chalk cliffs and deposit into stunning lakes, of which there are 16. The fauna is just as impressive with bears, deer, wolves and rare birds. The park is open to the public, with entrance fees varying on the time of year and age group.
Plitvice Waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
3. Dettifoss – Iceland
Park
Dettifoss – Iceland
Found in Vatnajökull National Park in the northeast portion of Iceland, Dettifoss is a dramatic waterfall measuring 45 meters high (147.6 feet) and 100 meters in width (328 feet). Deemed the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with about 500 cubic meters of water rushing over the edge every second, this nature-made masterpiece is accessible via the west or east side, but is important to stay on the tracks provided.
Dettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
5. Yosemite Falls – California, USA
Hiking Trail, Natural Feature
6. Kaieteur Falls – Guyana
Park
Kaieteur Falls – Guyana
Kaieteur Falls is found in the Kaieteur National Park in Guyana, and it is a beast of a waterfall. This natural wonder is 741 feet high (226 meters), so it’s not as tall as some others on this list; however, it is the highest single-drop waterfall in the world. Adding to the impressiveness is the width, which varies from 250-400 feet (76-122 meters), plus the gorgeous thick verdant surroundings. A fascinating piece of information: due to the force of the waterfall, there is a perpetual hurricane at the base.
Kaieteur Falls, Kaieteur National Park, Guyana
7. Angel Falls – Venezuela
Park
Angel Falls – Venezuela
Also known as the ‘El Salto Ángel,’ Angel Falls is located in an isolated portion of the Canaima National Park in southeastern Venezuela and is named after Jimmy Angel – an American pilot who flew over the area and attempted to land on the plateau. This magical beauty is the tallest waterfall on the planet, rising up 3,212 feet (979 meters), whose mighty waters spills over the flat-topped plateau known as Devils Mountain, or Auyán-Tepuí.
Angel Falls, Bolívar, Venezuela
8. Niagara Falls – Canada/USA
Niagara Falls – Canada/USA
Niagara Falls comprises three waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls – that are located on the USA and Canadian borders. While it may not be as big as other waterfalls on this list, there is no doubt that it is one of the most popular waterfalls in the world. Not only do millions of visitors flock in droves to Niagara Falls each year, but this nature-made beauty also attracts movie and TV sets, and inspires music, literature and art.
Niagara Falls, Canada & USA
9. Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe/Zambia
Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe/Zambia
Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia in southern Africa, Victoria Falls is so powerful that its sound can be heard from 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) away, and its beautiful, iridescent mist can be seen from 20 kilometers (12.4 miles)! A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the waterfall being ‘the most impressive to be found anywhere in the world,’ Victoria Falls, fed by the Zambezi River, is two kilometers (1.25 miles) wide and cascades 108 meters (354 feet). While incredible any time of the year, visit during February and March to see it at its best.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
10. Iguazu Falls – Brazil/Argentina
Natural Feature
11. Pearl Shoal Waterfall – China
Park
Pearl Shoal Waterfall – China
Situated in the northern Sichuan Province in southwestern China, Pearl Shoal Waterfall is a picturesque natural scene that is sure to take your breath away. The width of the waterfall at the top is 533 feet, or 162.5 meters while it plummets for 130 feet, or 40 meters. Nestled in the lush forested landscape of the Jiuzhai Valley National Park, the surrounding area is also home to incredible flora and fauna, including giant pandas and golden monkeys.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Jiuzhai Valley National Park, China
12. Palouse Falls – Washington
Park
Palouse Falls – Washington
Located in the USA’s Pacific Northwest, Palouse Falls is known as ‘the official waterfall of Washington State.’ There are hiking trails all around of varying degrees of skill sets, making it a great destination to take the entire family. Tucked inside the state park of the same name, Palouse Falls is surrounded by basalt cliffs over which it cascades 198 feet (60 meters). The falls are at their peak during spring and the early part of summer.
Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park, Washington, USA
13. Taughannock Falls – New York
Park
Taughannock Falls – New York
Another waterfall found in a state park of the same name, Taughannock Falls is a scenic attraction located in New York. The falls, whose shear force has cut through the sandstone, shale and limestone area over the years, plummets 215 feet (65 meters), creating a gorgeous sight. The park itself is a great spot for fun adventures for the entire family, including picnic sites, camping, and a playground.
Taughannock Falls, Taughannock Falls State Park, New York, USA
14. Ban Gioc-Detian Falls – China/Vietnam
Ban Gioc-Detian Falls – China/Vietnam
The Ban Gioc-Detian Falls are two waterfalls that straddle the borders of China and Vietnam. Together, they create a dazzling display of mother nature at her finest and one of the largest waterfalls in Asia, with a width of 200 meters (656 feet) and a drop of 70 meters (229.6 feet) over three separate tiers. Adding to the charm are the karst peaks and green, lush surrounds.
Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, China & Vietnam
15. Tugela Falls – South Africa
Park
Tugela Falls – South Africa
Located in South Africa in the Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls is one of the highest in the world. These waterfalls are made more prominent after heavy rainfall when up to 18 separate waterfalls may appear, making the view all the more impressive. If you happen to visit during the winter, the falls often turn to ice, creating a whole unique scene.
Tugela Falls, Royal Natal National Park, South Africa
16. Baatara Gorge Waterfall – Lebanon
Baatara Gorge Waterfall – Lebanon
The Baatara Gorge Waterfall is truly a unique and impressive sight. Located in Tannourine, Lebanon, the winter water carved this natural limestone wonder over millions of years – a stunning creation like no other. The waterfall, which is an estimated height of 255 meters (837 feet), drops behind three nature-made bridges into a cave. This is a seasonal waterfall that dazzles everyone in March and April.
Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Lebanon
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.