I've seen dozens of waterfalls and as I mentioned once before "you rarely get a sh*t waterfall" (there was one on the Great Ocean Road in Australia actually, as it was literally just a drip of water falling...). But I've narrowed it down to a top three here as these three stand alone as easily the best hat trick of constant dropping water I have seen (I missed Angel Falls/Salto Angel in Venezuela and I haven't yet been to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia). In no particular order of wetness...
1. Gullfoss in ICELAND:
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/Horsehoe Falls - CANADA and USA border:
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:
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.
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!
You will probably find queues, viewing platforms etc. to be very busy such is the popularity of these waterfalls. Tourists are everywhere and how can you blame them. This is a must see waterfall!
So there you have it - a brief account of my top three. Happy travelling to waterfalls!
1. Gullfoss in ICELAND:
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/Horsehoe Falls - CANADA and USA border:
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:
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.
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!
You will probably find queues, viewing platforms etc. to be very busy such is the popularity of these waterfalls. Tourists are everywhere and how can you blame them. This is a must see waterfall!
So there you have it - a brief account of my top three. Happy travelling to waterfalls!
About the Author:
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