Top 10 waterfalls more impressive in South America

cascadas de sudamerica

This post is also available in: Español

Before getting down to business and getting to know the top 10 waterfalls more impressive in South America, what is the difference between a waterfall and a cataract? No, we aren’t talking about the disease of the eye. Waterfall refers to a flow over the edge of a cliff and a cataract is the same but even bigger, a large waterfall that’s it. Once the difference is clear, we confess that many times they are used interchangeably, knowledge does not take place!

Now you’re ready to meet the top 10 waterfalls more impressive in South America:

Iguazu Falls – Argentina/ Brasil

Iguazu Falls border Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. This waterfall is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the most impressive waterfall in South America. It consist of 275 falls. The sound of the immensity of the water coming down at full speed will make your whole body vibrate and shake, it is an incomparable sensation!

Iguazu Falls Argentina South America

Visiting the Iguazu Falls form from Brazil is a great option for those who are passionate about photography because it offers perfect panoramic views from the distance. If you prefer a wilder experience you can always start your visit to Iguazu Falls from Argentina, there are options for all tastes!

Cachoeira da Fumaça – Brasil

Cachoeira da Fumaça is located in the Chapada de Diamantina National Park. It is 340 meters high and is the second-highest waterfall in Brazil. Its name means smoke falls and it is due to the fact that the water diffuses in the fall simulating a curtain of smoke. To avoid disappointment, keep in mind that in the dry season the waterfall can dry up, so it is better to travel between October and March!

Angel Falls – Venezuela

In Canaima National Park, the Angel Falls do not go unnoticed, and its 979 meters high either. It is the highest waterfall in the world! You can imagine that taking a picture of such dimensions can get a little complicated, but don’t give up. One step to the right, you bend down a little, lift the camera and, voilà!

Angel Falls Venezuela South America

Doesn’t its name catch your eye? Angel Falls owes its name to its discoverer, Jimmy Angel. The American explorer and aviator in 1937 landed on the top of the Auyantepuy, the mountain through which Angel Falls water flows, and confirmed its existence.

Tequendama Falls – Colombia

This impressive Colombian waterfall is one of the most visited in South America and is certainly a good start if you don’t know what to visit in Colombia. It is easily accessible and admiring its beauty from the Hotel del Salto’s viewpoint is a winning option. If you like the paranormal, read on. This waterfall has been a suicide option for many through the years and now the place is shrouded in a mysterious halo.

It is said that from the evening until the early morning, wailing and shouting are heard and shadows run through the place. It is thought that they are the souls in the pain of all those people who took their lives. Do you dare to prove it?

Tequendama Falls Colombia South America

Devil’s Cauldron – Ecuador

We are going to give you an idea and for sure you will love it: listening to the water falling from 80 meters high and feeling the breeze that comes from hitting the rocks. Along the stairs that border the Devil’s Cauldron, one of the essential visits in Ecuador, there are four balconies where you can stop to take a breath because the views leave you breathless. Have you got your hair stand on end?

Gocta Falls – Perú

In the middle of the green mantle, the veil of water is even more impressive: the Gocta Falls flow steeply, making themself heard from more than 700 meters above sea level. This waterfall, like many of the impressive waterfalls in South America, has only recently become a well-known attraction that has been discovered in a remote area.

Gocta Falls Peru South America

Arcoiris Falls – Bolivia

They are in the northeast of Bolivia, where the country shares the Amazon with Brazil, how Brazil likes to share! They are located in the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, a remote site with easy access only if the adventure runs through your veins. The Arcoiris falls have an uninterrupted water flow of 88 meters and are the most visited place in the national park because of its great beauty.

Salto Grande – Chile

Salto Grande is the largest waterfall in Torres del Paine National Park. Although it is not as big as some other waterfalls, the force with which it pushes the large volume of water through a narrow ravine before falling into the basin is impressive. Surely what you had in mind was to go through a trekking in Torres del Paine, but remember there’s no mountain without water.

Salto Grande Waterfall Chile South America

Juncal Waterfalls – Chile

In the Atacama mountain range, the Juncal waterfall is hidden among the colors and textures of the landscape. It is not the biggest and probably not the most impressive waterfall in South America, but it is still unknown to the masses and it is really nice to enjoy the immensity of the wild nature in an intimate way. And the best thing: in winter (from June to September) you can observe the frozen waterfall. The contrast with the desert is something unique and you can’t miss it.

Agua Azul Waterfalls – México

Agua Azul waterfalls in Mexico are located 133 kilometers from San Cristóbal de las Casas. These impressive waterfalls in South America are formed by the tributaries of the Shumuljá, Tulijá, and Otulún rivers. Due to the high mineral content, the water is a beautiful turquoise blue that invites even cats to swim. You don’t have to visit the Riviera Maya!

Agua Azul waterfalls Mexico South America

In the rainy season (June to October) the flow increases and the sediments that the water transports turn the famous turquoise into light brown. Agua Azul waterfalls (the name doesn’t change) are still impressive, but of course, if you can choose the best season to travel , better from November to May, don’t you think?

Kaieteur Falls – Guyana

We know that Guyana may not be in your plans if you visit South America, but maybe it should be. These waterfalls are the widest in the world (with an only fall) and are four times higher than Niagara Falls. Due to its remote location, it is very difficult to get there without taking a flight, what a thrill!

P.S.: It seems that we have present you with 11 waterfalls in South American and you didn’t even notice, it must have been entertaining!

Kaieteur Falls Guyana Sout America

There are many waterfalls in the world, and we are not going to say that South America has the best because we don’t like comparisons, but we can’t deny that it has a good collection and the bar is set high. Whatever your destination there is an impressive waterfall in South America waiting for you, are you choosing your favorite?

Paula

Journalist, nomad and adventurer. Paula would never say no to a camping trip and is an expert in setting up a tent in less than 10 seconds.

Besides that, she loves to dance and maybe that's why she loves Latin America so much. One of her best trips was to Argentina, but she has many more destinations behind her, which she talks about in this blog.

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