Author: Maria Alfano
Nature is amazing and so are the tallest waterfalls in the world. These wonders are truly something to behold. They will intrigue you and have you going waterfall chasing in no time.
Do you love to travel? Are there places on your bucket list that you want to fulfill? Maybe you need ideas for your bucket list? Or, perhaps you didn’t know that visiting different waterfalls in the world was something that should be on your list?
Beach vacations are great and relaxing after the stress of working or other responsibilities of life is important to keep your balance. However, if you are anything like me, I can’t sit still for too long. Once I go to the beach, have a swim, and dry off, then what! I love adventure. Swimming under a waterfall fits that bill for me. What about you?
Visit The Tallest Waterfalls In The World
I have been fascinated by waterfalls since I was a little girl. My parents took us on a road trip to visit probably the most well-known waterfalls – Niagara Falls. I was mesmerized by the beauty and force of the water. And, I could not fathom how these falls were shaped into a horseshoe.
This post is all about the tallest waterfalls in the world.
Angel Falls, Venezuela
These waterfalls have intrigued me for many years. They are the tallest uninterrupted waterfalls in the world. Located in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela. These waterfalls are 979 meters (3,212 feet) with 807 meters (2,648 feet) high at their longest drop. That is almost 87 football fields high. Or, 3 times the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Wow, what a drop!
In the peak of summer, the water evaporates before it hits the ground creating a mist all around the base of the falls. The trek to the top of the mountain will take several days. Along the way, you will find stunning rest spots and lagoons. July and August are the rainy season and are also the optimal months to go see the Angel Falls in action.
Tugela Falls, South Africa
A set of 5 drops make up these cascades in the Drakensberg (Dragon’s Mountains) of Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. The falls are 948 meters (3110 feet) high with the longest drop being 411 meters (1,348 feet) long.
Hiking these falls is possible. Of course, the first 4 or 5 miles of the hike are pretty easy and great for beginners. As you climb higher the hike is more difficult and the air becomes much thinner but the views make it all worth it. The best time to visit is from March to April.
Peru
Peru is graced with 2 of the tallest waterfalls in the world. The best times to see these waterfalls is between November and March.
Three Sisters Falls – this magnificent waterfall stands at 914 meters (3,000 feet) tall. It is called a horsetail waterfall because the drops are a sequence of 3 narrow cascades that resemble a horse’s tail. Find this marvel in the forest reserve of Parque Nacional Otishi, Peru. Climbing this magnificent wonder is not possible. It is best to get an aerial view of this beauty. Named the Three Sisters Falls because of the 3 tiers in the drops.
Yumbilla Falls – another horsetail standing just shy of 896 meters (2,937 feet) in height. It is located in an area with more than 20 other waterfalls. People flock to this region to sneak a peek at these grand chutes from Mother Nature. Yumbilla boats 4 major drops to behold.
Olo’upena Falls, USA
Hawaii on its own is a magnificent natural wonder. Add the Olo’upena Falls to the mix and you will have to give Mother Nature big props. She has outdone herself with this one. This beauty is also a horsetail waterfall. It stands 900 meters (2,953 feet) tall with the longest drop being 457 meters (1500 feet) high. It starts its run from the tallest sea cliffs and has etched its mark deeply into the side of the mountain. To understand the magnitude of the outpouring of water, it is best to visit Olo’upena Falls between November and March.
Vinnufossen, Norway
Norway is known as the waterfall capital of the world. It has more than 200 waterfalls and 10 of the top 20 tallest waterfalls in the world. Vinnufossen is Norway’s tallest tiered horsetail. She stands at 865 meters (2,840 feet) tall with its longest single drop being 730 meters (2,394 feet) long. These falls widen as they drop from their very humble and narrow beginnings as they crest over the cliffside. Travel to Vinnufossen in the summer months of June to August to see get the full effect of these falls.
James Bruce Falls, Canada
This unassuming horsetail waterfall is the tallest on mainland North America is located in western Canada in the province of British Columbia in the Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park. Melting glacier water feeds a narrow but steady stream of water slithering down the face of this 840 meters (2,755 feet) high mountainside. To get to James Bruce Falls, you will need to get on a boat or float and then hike the rest of the way. You may want to avoid going in July or August when the water levels are all but dried up.
Browne Falls, New Zealand
Browne Falls are another set of unassumingly quiet waterfalls. They don’t brag about having the most rushing water. In fact, they quietly drop into the Doubtful Sound. They do however make it to the top of the tallest waterfalls in the world list. Their total six cascades stand a brilliant 836 meters (2,744 feet) high. Browne Falls are found in Southland, New Zealand. Locals often discount these falls as being the tallest in the country. This pristine countryside is best approached by boat during the late months of the year.
In Summary
Any one of these spectacular visions would be an excellent addition to your travel bucket list. The tallest waterfalls in the world are truly a sight to behold. This post was all about the 8 of the tallest cascades you will find globally. Couple a sightseeing tour to one of these magnificent beauties along with other adventures to these amazing countries to make it a trip of a lifetime.
We would love to hear from you. Which one of these is your favorite? Have you been to see any of these? What was your experience like?