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 (on the border between 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 (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
SO the ongoing debate continues - which country is the best to view the Iguazu Falls from? And the answer is BOTH Argentina and Brazil. Plus the only way to experience it properly is actually to visit it from both sides, which I did in 2010 when I visited. Both National Parks are fairly close to each other and there are frequent border buses so you are best to view it from Both Argentina and Brazil. The Brazil one costs slightly more to get, which I noted, here's a rundown of them both:
Iguazu Falls, 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.
Viewed from Brazil:
The Brazil Side of the falls featured wooden platforms right up close and personal to the waterfalls and a decent view over the border into Argentina. On the Brazil side the method of transport was by bus when I was there in 2010. There are a few walks along the side of the waterfall. Iguazu is just incredible!
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.
Well that's my top three waterfalls - feel free to disagree or comment. You have to love Iguazu though...it's probably my favourite of the three!
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 (on the border between 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 (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
SO the ongoing debate continues - which country is the best to view the Iguazu Falls from? And the answer is BOTH Argentina and Brazil. Plus the only way to experience it properly is actually to visit it from both sides, which I did in 2010 when I visited. Both National Parks are fairly close to each other and there are frequent border buses so you are best to view it from Both Argentina and Brazil. The Brazil one costs slightly more to get, which I noted, here's a rundown of them both:
Iguazu Falls, 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.
Viewed from Brazil:
The Brazil Side of the falls featured wooden platforms right up close and personal to the waterfalls and a decent view over the border into Argentina. On the Brazil side the method of transport was by bus when I was there in 2010. There are a few walks along the side of the waterfall. Iguazu is just incredible!
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.
Well that's my top three waterfalls - feel free to disagree or comment. You have to love Iguazu though...it's probably my favourite of the three!
About the Author:
You can find more posts like three top waterfalls by visiting Jonny Blair's excellent travel, work and lifestyle website Dont Stop Living which is updated daily.. Free reprint available from: A Hat Trick of Amazing Waterfalls.
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