Where are the biggest waterfalls in the world located? In today’s article, you will find out where the largest waterfalls in the world are and every important detail about each one of them.
One of the most appealing natural wonders in the world is the sight of a waterfall cascading from a great height. Water crashing against the rocks or splashing in all directions is quite magnificent. By visiting similar places near you, you may be able to relate to a city, a beach, or any other tourist attraction. However, only by seeing, smelling, and touching a waterfall in person can you really appreciate its beauty. Every waterfall, in fact, is distinct in terms of height, force, color, and even flavor. Check out our list of the world’s 12 largest waterfalls. Some are unbelievably tall, while others are gloriously wide.
Every waterfall on this list is a testament to Mother Nature’s unrivaled grandeur. The spectacle of these foamy waterfalls coated in mist falling from thousands of feet into a pool will take your breath away.
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Some of these locations even have challenging hiking paths, campsites, and other amenities. During peak seasons, delight the traveler in you by visiting some of the world’s largest waterfalls. The following list will be an excellent guide for your next visit to these waterfalls.
Top 12 Largest waterfalls in the world In 2021
#1. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world’s tallest waterfall, with a plunge of 979 meters (3212 ft). This waterfall features two drops, the biggest of which is 807 meters high (2,648 ft). Angel Falls is a renowned tourist attraction in the UNESCO-listed Canaima National Park. Pilot Jimmy Angel, who first noticed the waterfall in 1937, gave it his name. A boat ride from Canaima will take you to the largest waterfall in South America.
The National Park also offers a variety of camping possibilities for a night’s stay. Hikers take roughly nine and a half days to reach the top of the waterfall, according to estimates. On a 5-day excursion tour, you can visit the many sights in and around Canaima National Park.
#2. Niagara Falls, US – Canada Border
Niagara Falls is a series of three waterfalls located at the Niagara Gorge’s southernmost reaches. They spread across the United States’ border in New York and Canada’s province of Ontario. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three, and it’s also known as the Canadian Falls. Bridal Veil and American Falls, on the other hand, are located in the United States, they are the largest waterfalls in the United States. Goat Island separates Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. The American Falls and Luna Island are on the same boat. These islands are also on the outskirts of New York City.
On both banks of the river, this waterfall attracts millions of tourists throughout the year. As a result, there has been a lot of construction on both sides, including hotels, casinos, vistas, and more. The “Maid of the Mist” boat cruise and the Niagara Falls sightseeing tour are two must-do attractions in this area. In Toronto, you might take a Niagara-on-the-Lake trip.
#3. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
By volume, Kaieteur Falls is the world’s largest single-drop waterfall. It’s a tremendous waterfall that erodes the riverbed, turning it muddy in the process. At a height of 226 meters, this waterfall cascades from the Potaro River (741 ft). This massive waterfall has an average flow of 663 cubic meters per second (23,400 cubic feet). This waterfall is located in the heart of the Kaieteur National Park in Guyana, South America. The unique airstrip at Kaieteur is about a 15-minute walk from the falls’ summit.
To get to the falls, you can take a Guyana River and Nature Safari guided excursion. There are also a number of local tour companies that may take you on a journey to this magnificent waterfall.
#4. Khone Falls, Laos
The Khone Falls in Laos are the largest and broadest waterfalls in Southeast Asia. In a series of rapids, it traverses a tremendous distance of 6 miles (9.7 km). It’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience to behold. This waterfall served as the most formidable obstacle for colonizers attempting to cross the Mekong River in the past. From a height of 21 meters, the highest quick drops (69 ft). The series of cascades flowing into one another in this waterfall, though, is truly breathtaking.
#5. Pearl Shoal Waterfall, China
The World Biosphere Reserve includes the Pearl Shoal Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is located within a national park. One of the Bailong River’s primary tributaries feeds this waterfall. The falls have a width of 162.5 meters (533 feet) and a height of 40 meters (137 feet). Seven charming villages surround this waterfall. It is a well-known tourist spot in China, drawing millions of visitors each year. Remember to look out for the waterfall’s outward concaves, which are a distinctive geological feature. This waterfall is very popular, especially during the summer.
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#6. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, located on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. This waterfall cascades into the Devil’s Pool, a big pool. During periods of heavy rainfall in the preceding season, the Zambezi River’s waterfall was the world’s largest. It peaks later, after the Barotse wetlands had overflowed. The waterfall’s discoverer, David Livingstone, named it after Queen Victoria. The Lozi language refers to it as the “Smoke that Thunders.”
This waterfall resembles a spectacular waterfall curtain. On a helicopter tour over Victoria Falls, you may get an aerial perspective of the tremendous cascades. Day tours to both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the Victoria Falls are also available. This waterfall has a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) and a height of 108 meters (355 feet).
#7. Dettifoss, Iceland
Dettifoss in Iceland is Europe’s second-most-impressive waterfall. This waterfall, which flows from the melting of the Vatnajökull glacier, covers a huge region in north-east Iceland. Reykjavik is 330 miles (531 kilometers) away from this waterfall. It’s part of the Diamond Circle, which is similar to Gulfoss’ Golden Circle. Hsavk, Byrgi Canyon, Lake Mvatn, and Dettifoss waterfall are among the key attractions in the Diamond Circle. A day trip to the Diamond Circle can be combined with a stay at the Dettifoss Waterfall base. There is a tiny observation area where visitors may get a close look at the waterfall. However, miles away from the falls, the mist and several rainbows may be seen.
#8. Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia
The Plitvice Waterfalls, located within Croatia’s Lake Plitvice National Park, are the country’s largest and most famous for their spectacular views of 16 interconnected waterfalls. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, with breathtaking views of the river. The 16th and highest drop is 77 meters (255 feet) above earth. Every year, almost a million tourists visit this waterfall, especially during the summer (July to September). Plitvice Falls is best visited in the spring and autumn when the crowds are lower and the colors are more vibrant.
#9. Tugela, South Africa
One of the largest waterfalls in Africa, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province, Tugela Falls cascade as several cataracts. Tugela, which means “surprise” or “startling” in Zulu, is the name of this waterfall. The waterfall is named by the fact that it can be absolutely dry at various times of the year but still plummet majestically during heavy rains. The Tugela River, which originates in the Drakensberg Escarpment, is where the falls are located. The overall drop of this waterfall is 947 meters (3110 feet), making it the world’s second tallest. You may enjoy a 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) stroll in the highlands while admiring the spectacular landscape of the falls and the surrounding woodlands.
#10. Salto Para Falls, Venezuela
In Venezuela, the Salto Para Falls served as a historic boundary between the Ye’kuana and Kalina tribes. With a breadth of 5,608 meters, this waterfall is the second-widest in the world (18,400 ft). It has a tremendous flow of 3540 cubic meters per second, despite its largest drop of 60 meters (197 feet). The confluence of two major rivers created this half-moon-shaped waterfall with beautiful green trees on both sides. To get to Salto-Para Falls, there is no road. You may, however, take a boat ride to see the misty beauty of this massive waterfall.
#11. Vinnufossen Waterfall In Sunndal, Norway
With a height of 853 meters, Vinufossen or Vinufallet is Europe’s largest waterfall (2838 ft). This waterfall in Sunndal village is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. It is ranked sixth among the world’s highest waterfalls and falls in four phases before reaching the earth. You may obtain an up-close look of the falls by taking a ten-minute walk from road 70 along the signposted route at the foot of the valley. The melting of the Vinnubreen glacier feeds the flow of the waterfall.
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#12. Gocta Cataracts
The Gocta Cataracts are a Peruvian perennial waterfall that drops 771 meters (2530 feet) above sea level. This waterfall is easily accessible from Chachapoyas on a day excursion. During the peak rainy season, from October to April, the best sights include a powerful torrent. After a two-hour hike, you’ll arrive at the waterfall. Locals kept this waterfall hidden for a long time because they were afraid of the curse of a blond mermaid who is claimed to live there. Take in the breathtaking vistas of the lush Amazon that surround this waterfall.