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 (CANADA and USA):
There is a trend of waterfalls owned by two countries and this one is more commonly known as the Niagara Falls, yet the Horseshoe Falls is also here and they make up the border between the USA and Canada. View it for free from the various viewing platforms in both countries or get on a boat and do the Maid of the Mist tour which is less than $20 Canadian Dollars. I loved it. And I got wet and kept my trademark blue and white poncho!
3. Iguazu Falls (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
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:
Argentina Side:
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:
The Brazil Side of the falls featured wooden platforms right up close and personal to the waterfalls and a decent view over the border into Argentina. On the Brazil side the method of transport was by bus when I was there in 2010. There are a few walks along the side of the waterfall. Iguazu is just incredible!
It's important to note that is both waterfall viewings whether from Brazil or Argentina will be busy as these are just brilliant falls of water.
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 (CANADA and USA):
There is a trend of waterfalls owned by two countries and this one is more commonly known as the Niagara Falls, yet the Horseshoe Falls is also here and they make up the border between the USA and Canada. View it for free from the various viewing platforms in both countries or get on a boat and do the Maid of the Mist tour which is less than $20 Canadian Dollars. I loved it. And I got wet and kept my trademark blue and white poncho!
3. Iguazu Falls (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
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:
Argentina Side:
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:
The Brazil Side of the falls featured wooden platforms right up close and personal to the waterfalls and a decent view over the border into Argentina. On the Brazil side the method of transport was by bus when I was there in 2010. There are a few walks along the side of the waterfall. Iguazu is just incredible!
It's important to note that is both waterfall viewings whether from Brazil or Argentina will be busy as these are just brilliant falls of water.
So there you have it - a brief account of my top three. Happy travelling to waterfalls!
About the Author:
You can read more articles like three top waterfalls by visiting Jonny Blair's informative travel, work and lifestyle website Dont Stop Living which is updated daily.. Unique version for reprint here: Top 3 Waterfalls In The World.
