Few natural sights are as dramatic as a waterfall.

Some plunge hundreds of metres from remote mountains, while others spread across enormous river systems containing hundreds of individual cascades.

The best waterfalls in the world aren’t necessarily the tallest. Their surroundings, scale, accessibility and sheer spectacle can be just as important as the distance the water falls.

From the famous Niagara Falls to remote Kaieteur and the turquoise pools of Kawasan, these natural attractions are worth building a journey around.

Here are 10 of the best waterfalls in the world to add to your travel wish list.

1. Niagara Falls — Canada and USA

Niagara is easily one of the best waterfalls in the world for sheer accessibility and spectacle.

Located on the border between Ontario in Canada and New York State in the United States, Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls:

• Horseshoe Falls
• American Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls

Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three and straddles the international border.

The Canadian and American sides provide different perspectives, so travellers with enough time may want to experience both.

Experience Niagara from Different Angles

One reason Niagara ranks among the best waterfalls in the world is the number of ways you can experience it.

Observation areas provide classic views, while boat trips take visitors much closer to the falling water and spray.

There are also viewpoints and attractions around Niagara Gorge.

Don’t judge Niagara purely by height.

Its appeal comes from the enormous volume of water, broad horseshoe-shaped curtain and the ease with which visitors can experience the falls from several perspectives.

If Niagara forms part of a longer Canadian holiday, our guide to the best places to visit in Canada has more ideas for your itinerary.

2. Victoria Falls — Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls sits on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders”, the waterfall creates vast clouds of spray as the Zambezi plunges into the gorges below.

UNESCO describes Victoria Falls as the world’s greatest sheet of falling water.

At approximately 1,708 metres wide, its scale is difficult to appreciate until you’re standing near it.

That combination of width, spray, noise and surrounding landscape makes Victoria Falls one of the best waterfalls in the world.

Water Levels Transform the Experience

Victoria Falls can look dramatically different depending on when you visit.

Higher water levels produce extraordinary volumes of spray and a powerful curtain of water.

During lower-flow periods, more of the rock face can become visible.

Neither experience is necessarily better — they’re simply different.

The UNESCO-listed Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls site spans both Zambia and Zimbabwe, so research which side best suits your itinerary before travelling.

The famous Devil’s Pool is a seasonal natural pool on the Zambian side. Access depends on water levels and should only be attempted through authorised operators when conditions permit.

3. Gullfoss — Iceland

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions and an essential stop on the Golden Circle.

The Hvítá River drops through two main stages before disappearing into a rugged canyon.

From some viewpoints, the angle of the gorge makes it look as though the water simply vanishes into the landscape.

Its accessibility from Reykjavík helps make Gullfoss one of the best waterfalls in the world for travellers who want dramatic scenery without an expedition into a remote wilderness.

Visit as Part of the Golden Circle

Gullfoss is commonly combined with Þingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area.

That makes it possible to experience several very different Icelandic landscapes during the same journey.

Like many of the best waterfalls in the world, conditions at Gullfoss vary considerably with the seasons.

Summer brings long daylight hours and generally easier road conditions, while winter can transform the surrounding landscape with snow and ice.

Paths and viewpoints can become slippery, so follow local safety advice and don’t cross barriers in pursuit of a better photograph.

4. Kaieteur Falls — Guyana

Kaieteur Falls provides a completely different experience from heavily developed attractions such as Niagara.

Located within Guyana’s rainforest, the Potaro River makes a spectacular single drop of around 226 metres.

The combination of height, water volume and remote rainforest surroundings earns Kaieteur a place among the best waterfalls in the world.

Getting there is also part of the adventure.

Reaching Kaieteur Falls

Many visitors reach Kaieteur by small aircraft from Georgetown.

Flights provide extraordinary views over Guyana’s forest before arriving near the falls.

Conditions in this remote environment can affect travel arrangements, so build some flexibility into your itinerary.

Once there, viewpoints allow visitors to appreciate the scale of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

Kaieteur isn’t somewhere to visit for restaurants, shops or extensive tourist infrastructure.

Its appeal is precisely the opposite.

This is one of the best waterfalls in the world for travellers who want to experience a major natural attraction in a comparatively remote setting.

5. Angel Falls — Venezuela

Angel Falls is famous for one extraordinary statistic.

At approximately 979 metres, it is recognised as the world’s highest waterfall.

The water plunges from Auyán-tepui, one of the enormous table mountains of Venezuela’s Canaima National Park.

UNESCO recognises Canaima as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional landscapes, including its tepuis, cliffs and waterfalls.

The extraordinary height alone makes Angel Falls one of the best waterfalls in the world, but its isolated location adds another dimension to the experience.

A Remote Natural Wonder

Angel Falls isn’t comparable to driving up to a roadside viewpoint.

Reaching this part of Canaima requires considerably more planning, and conditions can affect access.

The waterfall’s flow also varies seasonally.

Because travel conditions and official advice concerning Venezuela can change, British travellers should check current GOV.UK travel advice for Venezuela before making plans.

Angel Falls is an extraordinary natural landmark, but safety and current travel guidance should always take priority over ticking a destination off a bucket list.

6. Iguazú Falls — Argentina and Brazil

If you’re looking for scale, Iguazú is difficult to beat.

The waterfall system stretches for approximately 2.7 kilometres along the border between Argentina and Brazil and consists of numerous cascades surrounded by subtropical forest.

Rather than viewing one narrow waterfall, visitors experience an enormous system of rushing water, islands and spray.

It’s this scale that makes Iguazú one of the best waterfalls in the world.

See Both Sides if You Can

Argentina and Brazil provide different experiences.

The Argentine side has extensive trails and viewpoints that allow visitors to explore different parts of the waterfall system.

The Brazilian side is particularly well known for its broad panoramic views.

If your itinerary and entry requirements allow, experiencing both can give you a better appreciation of the falls.

The surrounding protected areas are also important for wildlife and biodiversity.

UNESCO recognises national parks on both sides of the border as World Heritage Sites.

Among the best waterfalls in the world, Iguazú stands out because the surrounding rainforest is such an important part of the experience.

7. Plitvice Lakes National Park — Croatia

Plitvice is different from every other destination on this list.

Rather than one enormous waterfall, the Croatian national park contains a system of lakes interconnected by numerous waterfalls and watercourses.

Natural tufa barriers have formed over thousands of years as calcium carbonate has accumulated, creating the lakes and cascades that define the landscape.

The result is one of Europe’s most distinctive natural attractions.

Explore the Lakes and Cascades

Walking routes and boardwalks allow visitors to experience the park from different levels.

Water colours can appear to change depending on light, minerals and other natural conditions, adding to the remarkable scenery.

Plitvice Lakes National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

It’s also a sensitive natural environment.

Stay on permitted routes, follow park regulations and don’t enter areas closed to visitors.

Plitvice deserves inclusion among the best waterfalls in the world precisely because it demonstrates that a waterfall experience doesn’t need to revolve around one enormous vertical drop.

If you’re planning a wider trip, Croatia also appears in our guide to sunny holiday destinations.

8. Sutherland Falls — New Zealand

Sutherland Falls lies within Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island.

Water from Lake Quill plunges down the mountain in three dramatic stages towards the valley below.

Its remote setting helps distinguish it from the best waterfalls in the world that are easier to access.

Unlike urban or roadside waterfalls, experiencing Sutherland Falls is associated with one of New Zealand’s celebrated wilderness landscapes.

The Milford Track Experience

Sutherland Falls is closely associated with the Milford Track.

The multi-day Great Walk takes hikers through Fiordland scenery containing mountains, valleys, rainforest and waterfalls.

Access and conditions are highly seasonal, and the Milford Track requires proper planning.

Bookings can also be highly sought after during the Great Walks season.

If you’re considering Sutherland among the best waterfalls in the world to experience in person, check current track conditions and booking requirements well in advance.

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation should be your primary source for current hiking and safety information.

9. Kawasan Falls — Philippines

Kawasan Falls on Cebu provides something completely different from the huge waterfall systems elsewhere on this list.

Located in Badian, its turquoise water and lush surroundings have made it one of the Philippines’ best-known natural attractions.

The falls consist of multiple levels and pools rather than one enormous drop.

You can reach the main falls without taking part in canyoneering, contrary to the original version of this article.

Canyoneering at Kawasan

For adventurous visitors, regulated canyoneering routes provide a much more active experience.

These can involve swimming, scrambling, floating and optional jumps before finishing near Kawasan Falls.

Use accredited operators and follow local safety instructions.

Weather matters too.

Heavy rainfall can increase water levels and result in closures or cancellations.

The Philippines’ official tourism guide describes December to May as generally drier, while wetter conditions from June to November can produce stronger flows.

Kawasan earns its position among the best waterfalls in the world not through record-breaking height, but through its tropical setting and the different ways visitors can experience the water.

If you’re travelling farther around the country, read our guide to island hopping in the Philippines.

10. Gocta Waterfall — Peru

Gocta Waterfall is hidden within the cloud-forested landscape of northern Peru’s Amazonas region.

The waterfall consists of two major drops and has a total height of roughly 770 metres.

It gained much wider international attention only in the 2000s, despite being known to local communities long before then.

The original article described Gocta as the “third largest waterfall in the world.”

That’s misleading.

Waterfall rankings vary according to whether measurements consider total height, uninterrupted drop, volume or other characteristics.

Gocta doesn’t need an inaccurate world ranking to be impressive.

Hiking to Gocta

Reaching the waterfall normally involves hiking through the surrounding landscape.

Depending on your route and conditions, the journey can be as memorable as the final view.

Local guides and horse options may also be available.

Prepare for changing weather and suitable walking conditions rather than treating it as a quick roadside stop.

Gocta is one of the best waterfalls in the world for travellers interested in combining hiking, dramatic scenery and a less familiar part of Peru.

What Makes a Great Waterfall?

Ranking waterfalls isn’t an exact science.

Height is only one measurement.

Some waterfalls impress through enormous width or water volume, while others are memorable because of the landscape surrounding them.

The best waterfalls in the world can therefore be completely different from one another.

Angel Falls dominates in height.

Victoria Falls creates an enormous curtain of falling water.

Iguazú spreads across an immense system of cascades.

Plitvice combines lakes, forest and numerous smaller waterfalls.

Kawasan is memorable for its tropical pools and canyoneering.

That’s why a list based purely on height would miss some of the world’s most extraordinary waterfall experiences.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Waterfalls?

There isn’t one universal waterfall season.

Rainfall, snowmelt and dry seasons affect each destination differently.

Higher flow isn’t automatically better either.

Extremely high water can obscure views with spray, close trails or make certain activities unsafe.

Lower water levels can reveal more of the underlying rock formations but make the falls less powerful.

When planning a trip to the best waterfalls in the world, research conditions for that individual destination rather than assuming the same month works everywhere.

Also check:

• Seasonal road access
• Trail conditions
• Boat operations
• Park opening arrangements
• Rainfall
• Flood risk
• Local safety warnings

Current conditions matter far more than an old article claiming one particular month is always “best”.

Planning a Waterfall Holiday

Some of the best waterfalls in the world are extremely easy to visit.

Others require considerable planning.

Niagara can form part of a city-based North American holiday, while Gullfoss fits naturally into an Icelandic road trip.

Kaieteur, Angel Falls and Sutherland Falls require far more preparation.

Before travelling, consider how much of your holiday you’re willing to dedicate to reaching the waterfall itself.

For remote destinations, suitable travel insurance is particularly important.

Check that your policy covers any activities you’re planning, including hiking or canyoneering where applicable.

Our international packing guide can also help you prepare for a longer trip.

Best Waterfalls in the World: The Verdict

Choosing the best waterfalls in the world ultimately depends on what you want to experience.

Visit Niagara Falls for immense power and easy access, or Victoria Falls for one of the greatest curtains of falling water anywhere on Earth.

Choose Gullfoss for an Icelandic road trip, Kaieteur for remote rainforest scenery or Angel Falls for the world’s highest waterfall.

Iguazú provides extraordinary scale, while Plitvice Lakes offers an entire landscape shaped by water.

For adventure, consider Sutherland Falls or Kawasan Falls, while Gocta combines an enormous waterfall with the landscapes of northern Peru.

Each earns its place among the best waterfalls in the world for a different reason.

You don’t need to visit all 10 to appreciate how varied waterfalls can be.

Choose the best waterfalls in the world that fit naturally into the destinations you already want to explore, then give yourself enough time to experience the landscape around them rather than simply arriving for a photograph.

When you’re ready to plan a trip to the best waterfalls in the world, you can find flights, search for hotels and compare car hire through TravelHype.