Waterfalls impressive in South America: 14 most spectacular waterfalls

South America is famous for its large number of attractions in the beautiful National park and beautiful landscapes. However, it is the waterfalls that are located throughout the continent that deserves special attention. If you think that it is only Niagara Falls can impress you, it is not true. More about impressive waterfalls in South America will be discussed in this article.

Iguazu Falls

If you want to know about spectacular waterfalls in South America, then Iguazu Falls deserve special attention. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole world and is distinguished by its grandeur. If you decide to visit Argentina or Brazil, then be sure to visit this attraction, which is located between the countries.

Regardless of which side of the pond you are on, you can fully appreciate the beauty. The Iguazu Falls are divided into 2 parts, each of which consists of 150-300 cascades. It is impossible to name the exact amount because it all depends on the amount of precipitation. The main features of Iguazu Falls are:

• the highest point of the falls is 269 feet;
• there are several cities near the waterfall, including the Brazilian Foz do Iguacu and the Argentinean Puerto Iguacu;
• visiting the attraction is recommended during the winter months when the volume of water is considered to be the highest.

Way to Iguazu

If you decide to visit this waterfall, then getting to it is not difficult. There are direct flights from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu. If you are in Argentina, then from Buenos Aires you can get by plane to Puerto Iguazu. After the waterfall can be reached by bus.

Angel Falls

Many people compare Iguazu Falls and Angel Falls. Water is drained in a cascade from table mountain, which also looks no less elegant. Some locals even consider it a wonder of the world.

Getting to Angel Falls is quite difficult. However, difficulties can be easily overcome if you want to enjoy the beauty of the tallest waterfall in the world. You will remain under a pleasant impression.

As you know, there are constant riots in Venezuela. However, this does not prevent tourists from buying tickets to this country to enjoy the beauty of landscapes and see a rather beautiful waterfall. For security reasons, it is better to consciously choose a tour operator when you book tickets.

The main features are:

• Angel Falls height is 2648 feet;
• the waterfall is located in the South-Eastern part of Venezuela;
• nearby is the city of Ciudad Bolívar;
• it is recommended to visit the waterfall from mid-summer to mid-autumn when the highest water level is observed.

How to get there?

If you arrive in Caracas, you can buy tickets for a direct flight to the nearest city to the waterfall, Ciudad Bolivar. After that, you can rent a canoe or a small plane that will bring you to the Canaima camp. From the camp to the waterfall trail can be reached in just 4 h. This is what canoes do. If you want to get to the observation deck, the journey will take only 1.5 h.

Kaieteur waterfall

If you move east from Angel Falls, you will find yourself in a fascinating and beautiful country called Guyana. There are few tourists here compared to other countries in South America. However, those who like to enjoy the wild nature, where there are practically no tourists, should visit it.

You will also not meet crowds of tourists, so you can better inspect it and enjoy the beautiful views at Kaieteur Falls. Be sure to take a picture so that beauty remains not only in your memory but also in a picture that you will show off to your friends.

Kaieteur is not considered a famous waterfall. However, it is considered the highest single-drop waterfall in the entire world. Believe me, you will remain under a pleasant impression after viewing this attraction. Around are dense jungles, where you can meet rare animals and plants.

Many tourists come to this part of the country to see the rare wildlife. This is a Guianan rock rooster, which has a tangerine color.

The main features of Kaieteur Falls are:

• the height of the falls is 741 feet;
• the body of water is located in the Kaieteur National Park in Guyana;
• nearby, there is a town called Georgetown;
• visiting the waterfall is recommended from May to July when the water level is at its highest.

How to get there?

You can get to the waterfall from Georgetown, from where planes constantly fly. And Kaieteur National Park has a dirt strip for landing and takeoff. So, it’s a bit of a walk.

Tequendama Falls

Near Bogotá, there is a quite popular waterfall in the country called Tequendama. The summit is located on a cliff, which is completely overgrown with forest. Tequendama falls is located near the city limits. It’s safe to say that getting to this waterfall is the easiest.

Regardless of which part of Colombia you travel to, visiting this attraction is a must. Be prepared for the fact that it is impossible to climb to the top or go to the bottom. A beautiful view opens from a beautiful old mansion. Inside is the Tequendama Museum, so after visiting the waterfall, you can walk around the museum.

The main attractions include:

• Tequendama Falls height is 433 feet;
• the Tequendama Falls is located south of Bogotá. It is this city that is closest to the reservoir;
• you can visit Tequendama Falls in spring or autumn when the highest water level is observed.

How to get there?

You can get to the waterfall by bus, which runs regularly. The journey will take only 1 hour. You can also rent a car and drive around. The journey from Bogotá will take 45 minutes.

El Paylon del Diablo waterfall

The El Paylon del Diablo waterfall, which translates as the Devil’s Cauldron, will look very cumbersome. It is located in a dense canyon surrounded by forest. A rope bridge passes through it, which will appeal to fans of extreme sports.

The canyon has a well-groomed staircase, which is carved directly into the rocks. On it, you can get to the waterfall itself. The stairs go down from the top, and you can see a truly spectacular sight along the way.

The main features are:

• height is 262 feet;
• the reservoir is located in central Ecuador, namely, in the province of Tungurahua;
• nearby is the city of Ambato;
• it is recommended to visit the attraction all year round. Indeed, in this region, it constantly rains, so the waterfall will constantly overflow.

How to get there?

Being in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, you can take a bus and go to Ambato. The journey will take only 3.5 hours. From Ambato, you will also have to travel by bus for another 1 hour.

Gocta Falls

In the north of Peru, there is one of the most incredible waterfalls in South America. Gocta Falls has two long cascades, which are surrounded by a beautiful and dense forest. In this area, you can see unusual representatives of exotic flora and fauna.

Here you can often meet various parrots, woolly monkeys, and hummingbirds. Orchids and agave trees deserve special attention. If you’re lucky, you might encounter spectacled bears.

The main features of Gocta Falls are:

• height is 2526 feet;
• the Gocta Falls is located in the department of Amazonas;
• there is a town called Chachapoyas nearby Gocta Falls;
• it is recommended to visit the nearby Gocta Falls from May to June when there is a lot of rainfall and the waterfall overflows. However, be careful as the trails can be treacherous.

How to get there?

The path to the waterfall is not difficult. First, you will have to take a bus or plane in Lima, and move towards Chachapoyas. The trail to the waterfall starts in the village of Cocachimba. You can get here from Chachapoyas in just 1 hour. The path to the waterfall itself will take another 3 hours.

Yumbilla waterfall

If you go north from the Gokta waterfall, you will come to an equally significant body of water – Yumbilla. The height of the attraction is 896 feet. It will be possible to consider the reservoir if you climb the path, which has a length of about 5 kilometers. It begins in the small village of Quispes and passes through a dense jungle.

Yes, this waterfall is visited by a few people. However, you can enjoy the beauty and take memorable photos. And no one will interfere with you.

The main features include:

• height is 2939 feet;
• located in a reservoir in the north of Peru, namely, in the department of Amazonas;
• nearby is the town of Chachapoyas;
• it is recommended to travel to this place in May and June.

You need to rent a taxi in Chachapoyas and go to the city of Pedro Ruiz. After that, you should take a taxi to the village of Quispes. Then you have to walk, and the journey will take about 1.5 hours.

Rainbow waterfall

The Rainbow Falls, which is located almost on the border of two countries – Bolivia and Brazil, will look no less beautiful. Yes, the waterfall is located quite remotely, and the path to it is quite difficult. However, once you get to it, you will not regret the time and effort spent.

The waterfall is located behind a limestone ledge. Visually, it resembles a pillar and is constantly illuminated by a rainbow. Booking tickets must be made by a travel company that has been approved by the government of the country.

The main features of the beautiful waterfalls include:

• height is about 289 feet;
• there is a landmark on the border of eastern Bolivia and Brazil, namely, the Noel Kempf National Park;
• nearby is the city of Santa Cruz;
• it is recommended to visit the waterfall in the spring when the rainy season ends. After all, the water level will be significantly high.

You can get to the reservoir using a private jet, which can be rented in Santa Cruz. The journey will take only 1.5 hours.

Cachoeira do Fumas waterfall

The name translates as “Waterfalls from the smoke”. It is located in the east of Brazil and looks very impressive. Under the gusts of wind, the water turns into a foggy cloud, so the reservoir seems to be smoking. This is what gave it its name.

When the dry season begins, the water stream turns into steam. Therefore, the best waterfalls in South America look very atmospheric. They fall from high cliffs in the Chapada Diamantina National Park.

The main features of the waterfall include:

• height is 1115 feet;
• nearby is a city called Salvador;
• it is recommended to visit the reservoir from the end of autumn to the middle of spring when there is a lot of water. You can also come from May to October to see the fake smoke cascade.

How to get there?

You will need to take a bus to El Salvador and get to Lencois. The journey will take 5-6 hours. It is also possible to rent a car. This option is appropriate if you are traveling on your own. From the city, you will have to walk for several hours to the southwest to get to the top of the waterfall.

If you want to get to the bottom of the waterfall, the path will be more difficult. We’ll have to walk from Lencois for about 3 days.

Junkal Falls Waterfall

In the south of the Atacama Desert, which is located in Chile, you can enjoy a very unusual phenomenon. Indeed, in the driest desert in the world, there is a waterfall. When the cold starts, which happens from June to September, the waterfall begins to freeze. Therefore, the locals call it the Cascade Kongelada waterfall.

It translates as “Freezing Waterfall”. On the way to the waterfall, you can encounter severe cold. Therefore, when going on a journey, you need to dress well. After enjoying the beautiful scenery, head to the thermal hot springs called Termas de Juncal to warm up.

The main features include:

• height is only 30 feet;
• nearby is the city of Copiapo, in Chile
• it is recommended to visit the waterfall from June to August when the reservoir begins to freeze.

How to get there?

You will need to board a plane to Santiago and arrive at Chamonate Airport. It is located next to Copiapo. It is impossible to get to the waterfall by public transport. Therefore, you will have to rent a car or book a tour with a private transfer company.

Petrohue waterfall

Near the lakes, which are located in southern Chile, is the Petrohue waterfall. It cannot be said that it has a great height. The beauty of the attraction is given by a polished basalt rock, along which water flows. The summit of the Osorno Volcano can be seen in the background, thus forming a majestic view.

With the advent of spring, the reservoir begins to fill with melted snow, which flows down from the Andes. Therefore, the waterfall acquires a bluish tint.

The main features include:

• only 16 feet high;
• the waterfall is located in the south of Chile, namely in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park;
• nearby is the city of Puerto Monto;
• the visit must be rescheduled for the period from September to November when the water level rises.

How to get there?

From Santiago, you can take a plane and get to Puerto Mont. You can then use public transport to take you to your destination. However, it is best to travel by private tours, or by renting a car.

Salto Grande Waterfall

In Chile, namely in the Torres del Paine National Park, there is a beautiful waterfall called Salto Grande. It is the landscapes in the background that give the greatest beauty to the reservoir. Outside the Salto Grande, you can see a beautiful view of the mountain range called the Cordillera del Paine.

The Salto Grande cannot be called high. However, Salto Grande is distinguished by its beauty and icy blue water.

The main attractions of the Salto Grande are:

• Salto Grande’s height is 49 feet;
• nearby Salto Grande is a city called Puerto Natales;
• you can travel to the spectacular waterfall Salto Grande all year round. However, the peak season is between November and March. If you do not want to face the influx of tourists, this period is best avoided. The largest volume of water is observed from September to November.

How to get there?

From Santiago, you need to get to Puerto Natales. In this city, you need to take a bus and drive about three hours to Pudetto. You can walk to the waterfall itself, 15 minutes from Pudetto.

Los Amigos Cascade Falls

No less significant for South America is Los Amigos Falls, whose name translates as Friends’ Falls. You can visit it at any time of the year. In winter, the waterfall is often covered with ice. In spring and summer, you will accurately appreciate the streams of water that descend from the cliff.

They form a narrow stream that flows into the Beagle Channel. Getting to the waterfall is not difficult if you start your journey in Ushuaia. The tour will not be long, however, pleasant. You can enjoy the beauty of the mountains, glaciers, and the Beagle Channel.

The main characteristics of the spectacular waterfall include:

• low height, only 29 feet;
• the closest city is Ushuaia, in Argentina;
• it is recommended to place the waterfall from June to August when it freezes. If you are more attracted to streams of water, then come to the reservoir at any other time.

How to get there?

First, you need to get to the city of Ushuaia. You can get to it by plane that leaves from Buenos Aires or Santiago. After that, you will have to walk, and the path will take about 6 miles.

Marinka waterfall in Colombia

If you try to find the famous waterfalls in South America and visit them, be sure to include Marinka Falls in your list. It is considered one of the most popular among tourists and is natural. You can get to it from the Caribbean coast, namely, from Santa Marta.

The waterfall begins in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada, which are completely covered with ice. Around you can see a beautiful and dense jungle. First, you will have to get by plane to Santa Marta and then go to Minka. From the village, you can get to the waterfall by bus or taxi.

The main feature of this waterfall is the presence of a pool. If the desire arises, you can bathe in it. All of this is completely safe. You can also rent a beautiful hammock from the nearby cabins, which offer excellent views of paradise falls.

On the territory of the waterfall, there is a restaurant where you can have a bite to eat and enjoy delicious drinks. Entrance to the attraction will cost $2. At the same time, you can enjoy beautiful views at least all day long. Near the waterfall, there is a hotel where you can relax and swim in the pool.

FAQ

When it comes to beautiful waterfalls in South America, a large number of questions arise. The answers to the most common questions will be presented below.

What is the most visited waterfall in South America?

The most visited waterfall in South America is Iguazu Falls. Hundreds of tourists come to it every day to enjoy the greatness of the reservoir and take beautiful photos.

Which country in South America has the most waterfalls?

Most of the waterfalls of South America are located in Argentina and Brazil. In other countries of Latin America, there are also waterfalls, however, their number is small.

Which waterfall is located in South America?

All of the above waterfalls are located in South America. You can visit the option you like, or visit each reservoir. It all depends on the desire and possibilities.

What is the name of the famous waterfall in South America?

The Iguazu Falls are considered the most significant in South America.

Does South America have waterfalls?

The continent of South America is filled with various beautiful waterfalls that differ in height and intensity of water flow. However, they all differ in that they help a person get pleasant emotions. Therefore, all tourists who come to this continent always include the waterfall in their list of places to visit.

Fortunately, there are a large number of different spectacular waterfalls in South America. There is even an option that freezes. Therefore, you will remain under a pleasant impression.

Results

As you can see, South America is famous for its various waterfalls, which number more than a hundred. They are found in almost all countries, and some of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Therefore, regardless of where you arrive, you can enjoy the greatness of the waterfalls.

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