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:
Gullfoss could be a surprise inclusion, it could also be unknown. But believe me - if you ever visit Gullfoss you won't forget it. Iceland has a cold, windy, stormy climate and my visit to Gullfoss was a mixture of them all. It was just amazing. An unbelievable flow of endless constant water just runs and runs and you wonder to yourself - where on earth is all that water coming from! At the first sighting of Gullfoss you will be suitably inspired. An amazing place. To get to it, the best idea is to do the Golden Circle Tour when you're in Iceland and your driver will more than likely take you there. Don't miss it - there's also a souvenir shop nearby plus a coffee shop and restaurant.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (on the border between CANADA and USA):
It was over 10 years ago since I was at the Niagara Falls. I did the Maid of the Mist tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. An amazing spray from these falls and the border town of Niagara is in an awesome location overlooking the spectacular waterfalls. It's FREE to gaze down onto the waterfall itself, but to do the Maid of the Mist Tour is still under $20 Canadian Dollars and even cheaper if you're a child, a student or a pensioner. I'd recommend it - you get up close to the falls and you get wet.
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:
Viewed from Argentina:
To get there you need to get a bus along Ruta 12 away from the town of Puerto Iguazu. If you stay in the Hostel Inn Iguazu ( a former winner of South American hostel of the year) you can get a bus there from across the road. Once you arrive it's a day ticket for entrance, this was 85Pesos when I was there in 2010. Once inside there are three main sights: 1. Get a train to Garganta Del Diablo (which is a couple of kilometre walk over wooden platforms to the waterfalls). 2. Do the lower walk at Estacion Cataratas and 3. Do the upper walk at Estacion Cataratas. There are countless other things to do and see inside, including shows, boat trips, animal viewing, souvenirs and restaurants.
From The Brazil Side:
I arrived at the Brazil falls on a bus from Argentina. Once you get inside the national park, transport is by car. You get an overall better view of the falls from the Brazil side I have to say,but it costs a bit more. There are a number of hikes alongside the waterfalls and a viewing tower. Iguazu Falls is just spectacular no matter what you do there - you cannot but LOVE it!
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:
Gullfoss could be a surprise inclusion, it could also be unknown. But believe me - if you ever visit Gullfoss you won't forget it. Iceland has a cold, windy, stormy climate and my visit to Gullfoss was a mixture of them all. It was just amazing. An unbelievable flow of endless constant water just runs and runs and you wonder to yourself - where on earth is all that water coming from! At the first sighting of Gullfoss you will be suitably inspired. An amazing place. To get to it, the best idea is to do the Golden Circle Tour when you're in Iceland and your driver will more than likely take you there. Don't miss it - there's also a souvenir shop nearby plus a coffee shop and restaurant.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (on the border between CANADA and USA):
It was over 10 years ago since I was at the Niagara Falls. I did the Maid of the Mist tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. An amazing spray from these falls and the border town of Niagara is in an awesome location overlooking the spectacular waterfalls. It's FREE to gaze down onto the waterfall itself, but to do the Maid of the Mist Tour is still under $20 Canadian Dollars and even cheaper if you're a child, a student or a pensioner. I'd recommend it - you get up close to the falls and you get wet.
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:
Viewed from Argentina:
To get there you need to get a bus along Ruta 12 away from the town of Puerto Iguazu. If you stay in the Hostel Inn Iguazu ( a former winner of South American hostel of the year) you can get a bus there from across the road. Once you arrive it's a day ticket for entrance, this was 85Pesos when I was there in 2010. Once inside there are three main sights: 1. Get a train to Garganta Del Diablo (which is a couple of kilometre walk over wooden platforms to the waterfalls). 2. Do the lower walk at Estacion Cataratas and 3. Do the upper walk at Estacion Cataratas. There are countless other things to do and see inside, including shows, boat trips, animal viewing, souvenirs and restaurants.
From The Brazil Side:
I arrived at the Brazil falls on a bus from Argentina. Once you get inside the national park, transport is by car. You get an overall better view of the falls from the Brazil side I have to say,but it costs a bit more. There are a number of hikes alongside the waterfalls and a viewing tower. Iguazu Falls is just spectacular no matter what you do there - you cannot but LOVE it!
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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