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. 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 and Horsehoe Falls (on the border between 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 border):
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:
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.
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. 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 and Horsehoe Falls (on the border between 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 border):
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:
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.
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:
To get further outstanding data for backpackers on the move contact Backpacking PR company who are Northern Ireland based.. Free reprint available from: 3 Waterfalls You Must See.
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