6 Amazing South America Waterfalls Worth Your Visit

If you have seen the heartwarming and heartbreaking animated movie “Up” from 2009, you must remember that Carl and Elie dreamed of living next to the Paradise falls in South America (It’s like America but south). The Paradise Falls was actually inspired by the real-life Angel Falls in Venezuela, which is even more marvelous than in the movie.

This is just one example of the incredible beauty of South America and its majestic waterfalls. And the best thing about it is that no two are the same. Some are characterized by dramatic voluminous splashing over the rock edge, while others appear like steps with water overflowing in interesting patterns.

If you’re planning on visiting this region, here are some of the most amazing waterfalls you should visit.

1. Iguazu Falls, Argentina-Brazil border

Iguazu Falls fall in 275 cascades, which spread in a horseshoe shape over two miles of the Iguazu River on the Argentina-Brazil border. The result of a volcanic eruption, they are a true wonder of nature, and they’re divided into separate waterfalls by several islands.

One of the most famous is the Devil’s Throat (Gargantua del Diablo), but Bernabe Mendez, San Martin, and Bossetti are also noteworthy. As if their breathtaking sight is not enough, the Iguazu falls are surrounded by a virgin jungle ecosystem that is coated in jaw-droppingly green plant life.

2. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls in west-central Guayana proudly wear the title of the widest single-drop waterfalls in the world. Here, the water flows continuously over a 325-foot wide edge. They’re the central feature of the Kaieteur National Park, which boats striking green surroundings. It’s not just the width of the falls that is fascinating, but the height as well, considering that these falls are four times higher than Niagara Falls. While the trip to the sight is not simple, most of its magic lies exactly in this isolation.

3. San Rafael Falls, Ecuador

San Rafael Falls lie on the eastern slope of the Ecuadorian Amazon, near the charming city of El Chaco. At the height of nearly 500 feet, they’re a demonstration of the magnificent force of nature.

One of the most amazing things about this waterfall is that it’s located at the foot of the active Reventador volcano. To see this attraction, you need to drive through a mountain stream and then overcome a part of the path on foot. Some adventurers even decide to defy the myths about inflatable stand up paddleboards and cross a part of the path on one of these surprisingly durable vessels.

4. Angel Falls, Venezuela

This list wouldn’t be complete without Angel Falls (Salto Angel) in Venezuela. Being the world’s highest waterfall, this wonder of nature is over 3,000 feet high and provides a spectacular drop of 2,646 feet.

The cascade runs from the heart-shaped Auyantepui, one of the largest of sandstone-capped mesas (tepuis) into Devil’s Canyon. It is located in a lush wilderness, which is a phenomenon of its own. Because of all this, the waterfall is not accessible by road, but only by a canoe trip upriver. The current political situation in Venezuela is not helping either, but hopefully, one day, you will be able to visit.

5. Yumbilla Falls, Peru

The world’s fifth tallest waterfall has only recently begun gaining the attention of tourists worldwide. It stands close to 3,000 feet high, with the water tumbling down the cloud forest in northern Peru. Seeing it from a distance, it appears as if a silver line is parting the forest. When you get closer, you can see the cascade battering the rock and spraying through the wooded landscape. Tucked away in the Forest of Gigantic Waterfalls of Cuispes, this waterfall is difficult to reach, and you will need to hire a guide to take you there.

6. Tequendama Falls, Colombia

Tequendama Falls is one of the most visited falls in entire South America, largely thanks to the fact that it’s only 20 miles away from the country’s capital, Bogota. Most of the distance can be traveled by bus, and a short taxi ride can get you right to your goal.

Tequendama Falls stands out with its several steps and the water cascading over them from a narrow opening at the top. One of the best viewpoints is located just a few yards from the falls, and on it, there is a historic mansion offering eerie insight into Columbia’s history.

All of these locations are a superb manifestation of nature’s power. They are something everyone should have the opportunity to see, particularly because South America is yet unexplored, untouched, and partially “wild”. This is a luxury that cannot be experienced in many western countries. Of course, if you’re hoping to travel to one of these sights, make sure to first learn about the local history, accommodation options, possible dangers, and the political situation in each country.