I've been to loads of waterfalls and as I once noted "you hardly ever get a sh*t waterfall" (except a 'waterfall' the Great Ocean Road in Australia which was literally just a drip of water). So here's my top three from what I've seen - don't miss them! Please note this is a top three of waterfalls I've actually been to, so Angel Falls (Salto Angel, Venezuela and Victoria Falls in Africa don;t qualify...).
1. ICELAND: Gullfoss:
Gullfoss you might think is a surprise inclusion, alas you may never even have heard of it. But this incredible endless flow of gushing water in Iceland is phenomenal!! As you walk up towards Gullfoss you have absolutely no idea of how much water is flowing. When you arrive at the first viewing point you can only gasp in awe. If you are ever in Iceland, don't miss Gullfoss! To get there either hire a car, become part of a tour bus excursion to it or do the famous Golden Circle Tour (which I did). Entrance to the waterfall is FREE but you might feel obliged to have a coffee or buy a souvenir in the nearby shop.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
There is a trend of waterfalls owned by two countries and this one is more commonly known as the Niagara Falls, yet the Horseshoe Falls is also here and they make up the border between the USA and Canada. View it for free from the various viewing platforms in both countries or get on a boat and do the Maid of the Mist tour which is less than $20 Canadian Dollars. I loved it. And I got wet and kept my trademark blue and white poncho!
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:
Iguazu Falls, Argentina:
Reaching the Argentina side of the falls isn't that difficult. You can get a bus that goes along Ruta 12 - it leaves from the centre of Puerto Iguazu and heads along the main road into the national park. This also goes past the Hostel Inn Iguazu Falls (the hostel I stayed in). Once you arrive at the national park, get a day pass (it was 85 Pesos in 2010 on my visit) and you have 3 real options (try and do all three): 1. Upper Falls route - a higher hike of the falls - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas 2. Lower Falls route - this goes closer to the falls itself and leads you down to the bottom parts - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas as well. 3. Garganta del Diablo/Devil's Throat - the most recommended part of the falls - this place is immense - after walk a few kilometres over a bridge you arrive at the waterfalls on a wooden ledge. You can also do boat trips, watch animals and eat in the restaurants inside the park.
From The Brazil Side:
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.
So there you have it - a brief account of my top three. Happy travelling to waterfalls!
1. ICELAND: Gullfoss:
Gullfoss you might think is a surprise inclusion, alas you may never even have heard of it. But this incredible endless flow of gushing water in Iceland is phenomenal!! As you walk up towards Gullfoss you have absolutely no idea of how much water is flowing. When you arrive at the first viewing point you can only gasp in awe. If you are ever in Iceland, don't miss Gullfoss! To get there either hire a car, become part of a tour bus excursion to it or do the famous Golden Circle Tour (which I did). Entrance to the waterfall is FREE but you might feel obliged to have a coffee or buy a souvenir in the nearby shop.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
There is a trend of waterfalls owned by two countries and this one is more commonly known as the Niagara Falls, yet the Horseshoe Falls is also here and they make up the border between the USA and Canada. View it for free from the various viewing platforms in both countries or get on a boat and do the Maid of the Mist tour which is less than $20 Canadian Dollars. I loved it. And I got wet and kept my trademark blue and white poncho!
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:
Iguazu Falls, Argentina:
Reaching the Argentina side of the falls isn't that difficult. You can get a bus that goes along Ruta 12 - it leaves from the centre of Puerto Iguazu and heads along the main road into the national park. This also goes past the Hostel Inn Iguazu Falls (the hostel I stayed in). Once you arrive at the national park, get a day pass (it was 85 Pesos in 2010 on my visit) and you have 3 real options (try and do all three): 1. Upper Falls route - a higher hike of the falls - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas 2. Lower Falls route - this goes closer to the falls itself and leads you down to the bottom parts - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas as well. 3. Garganta del Diablo/Devil's Throat - the most recommended part of the falls - this place is immense - after walk a few kilometres over a bridge you arrive at the waterfalls on a wooden ledge. You can also do boat trips, watch animals and eat in the restaurants inside the park.
From The Brazil Side:
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.
So there you have it - a brief account of my top three. Happy travelling to waterfalls!
About the Author:
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