There's something special about the raw power and beauty a waterfall. There's no sight quite like it. These marvelsserve as a testament to the power and beauty of our planet's diverse landscapes. But while some waterfalls, like Niagara or Iguazu, stand out in terms of water flow, others tend to be taller and slimmer.Now, imagine those that stand as titans among their peers—the tallest waterfalls in the world. Each one presents a unique spectacle of cascading water, a spectacle that's truly awe-inspiring.
Following our mountain theme, in which we included the tallest mountains in the world and the two most dangerous peaks in the world, Annapurna and Nanga Parbat, it's time for a bit about waterfalls -- and what better way to start than a list of the tallest waterfalls in the world? We all know what waterfalls are, but not everybody knows just how beautiful they can be and what the tallest are. Unfortunately, the tallest waterfalls aren't always the most spectacular, but that doesn't make them any less special.
We'll dive into more details after the jump, but just in case you wanted a rundown of the tallest waterfalls, here they are.
|
Waterfall Name | Height (m) | Country | Fascinating Fact |
| Angel Falls | 979 | Venezuela | Named after Jimmy Angel, a pilot from Missouri, USA, who was the first to fly over the falls in 1933. The falls are located in the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| Tugela Falls | 948 | South Africa | Tugela Falls are the second-highest waterfall in the world and are located in the Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province. However, according to some, this is actually the tallest waterfall in the world -- it depends how you define "fall". |
| Tres Hermanas Falls | 914 | Peru | Tres Hermanas Falls, or 'Three Sisters Falls,' are located in an isolated region of the Otishi National Park. The falls get their name from the three distinct steps in the waterfall's drop. |
| Olo'upena Falls | 900 | USA (Hawaii) | Olo'upena Falls are located on the northeast coast of Molokai, Hawaii's fifth largest island. The falls are usually viewed from the ocean, as they cascade from a cliff into the sea. |
| Yumbilla Falls | 896 | Peru | Yumbilla Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the world and is located in the Amazonas region of Peru. The falls are situated in a cloud forest, which is home to a plethora of unique flora and fauna. |
5. Yumbilla, Catarata - 895.5 meters (2939 ft)
- Continent: South America
- Country: Peru
- State / Province: Amazonas
- Locality: Cuispes
Yumbilla in Cuispes is one of Peru's best-kept secrets. Even some locals are unaware of the gem they have in their backyard. Situated in the Amazonas region, the waterfall is nestled in a cloud forest rich with unique flora and fauna. The falls spill over in four drops, creating a delicate, misty veil that stands in stark contrast to its towering height.
In terms of water volume, the waterfall is not that impressive, but in terms of height, it's a different story. Towering at 896 meters in the cloud-enshrouded forests of the Amazonas region, it's one of the most remarkable geographic hidden gems on the face of the planet.
4. Olo'upena Falls - 900 meters (2952 ft)
- Continent: Oceania
- Country: USA
- State / Province: Hawaii
- Locality: Molokai
We're off to Hawaii, where a small and stubborn seasonal stream spills over the edge of one of the tallest sea-side cliffs in the world. Emerging from the emerald green cliffs of Molokai, one of the most unspoiled islands of Hawaii, the Olo'upena Falls make their majestic 900-meter descent straight into the indigo blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. T
The waterfall exists because the stream eroded the groove in the cliff face, and it can only be observed from the ocean or the air.
3. Tres Hermanas - 914 meters (2999 ft)
- Continent: South America
- Country: Peru
- State / Province: Ayacucho
- Locality: Cordillera Oriental
- Specific Location: Rio Cutivireni
Tres Hermanas Falls in Peru, aptly named the 'Three Sisters Falls,' is a sight to behold. Soaring at an impressive 914 meters within the heart of the Otishi National Park, it is distinguished by its unique three-step cascade -- the trio of sisters it is named after. This hidden gem is located in an isolated region of the park, which also hosts a dazzling variety of tropical birds.
Peru is the only country to show up on this list twice.
2. Tugela Falls - 948 meters (3110 ft)
- Continent: Africa
- Country: South Africa
- State / Province: Kwazulu Natal
- Locality: Royal Natal National Park
- Specific Location: Mont Aux Sources
South Africa's Tugela Falls is truly dizzying. As the second highest waterfall in the world, it cascades 948 meters down the rugged face of the Drakensberg's amphitheatre—a breathtakingly steep cliff often draped in clouds and providing habitat to the rare Bearded Vulture. Unlike other waterfalls on this list, which are more inaccessible, this waterfall can be viewed from several climbing paths.l
The water flow also starts to look a bit more impressive than the previous examples on the list, but still -- don't expect really really big quantities of water. As I said earlier, the tallest waterfalls are not at all the most spectacular. Still, they have a sense of distinguished elegance.
1. Angel Falls - 979 meters (3211 ft)
- Continent: South America
- Country: Venezuela
- State / Province: Bolivar
- Locality: Canaima National Park
- Specific Location: Auyan Tepui
There it is ladies and gents! The tallest water fall in the world. Disputed by some at over 1200 meters (and confirmed by most at just under 1,000 meters), it's been quite a hot topic in geographical circles. Angel falls -- quite an adequate name.
Angel Falls, named after the daring American pilot, Jimmy Angel, holds the title of the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. Encased within the lush rainforests of Venezuela's Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Angel Falls stuns with its precipitous plunge of 979 meters off the Auyán-tepui, one of the many unique table-top mountains or 'tepuis' in this region. This waterfall is at its most captivating during the rainy season, when it transforms into an ethereal shroud of mist.
From the misty heights of Venezuela's Angel Falls to the cascading steps of Tres Hermanas in Peru, these giants offer far more than just their impressive statistics. They're hidden in national parks, nestled amidst rich ecosystems, and represent the harmony of elements shaping the Earth over millions of years. Their locations span continents, reflecting the geographical diversity of our planet.
If you were not impressed by these splendid waterfalls and you want something else, we've also got a list of "splashier waterfalls" you may enjoy.
