I've seen dozens of waterfalls and as I mentioned once before "you rarely get a sh*t waterfall" (there was one on the Great Ocean Road in Australia actually, as it was literally just a drip of water falling...). But I've narrowed it down to a top three here as these three stand alone as easily the best hat trick of constant dropping water I have seen (I missed Angel Falls/Salto Angel in Venezuela and I haven't yet been to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia). In no particular order of wetness...
1. Gullfoss, ICELAND:
Oh to the undeniable magic of Gullfoss. This incredible and often unknown waterfall is in Iceland. So as well as strong gushing water you get the bonus of strong winds, rain,snow and cold conditions just to add to the awesome experience of it all. Gullfoss crops up out of nowhere - suddenly you're up next to it in disbelief at how fast and endless the water flow is. You can get to Gullfoss by getting on one of many Golden Circle tours, or hire a car if you want. Wear warm clothes and take plenty of photos! You'll love it. You can also buy food, drink and souvenirs nearby.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
The Niagara Falls and Horseshoe Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. You can do it for free from the many viewing platforms in both Canada and the USA. The waterfall straddles the border and there's even a bridge you can cross to do passport and immigration. But the Maid of the Mist tour is the one I did which gets you up close and personal to the falls itself. You get wet and you get to keep your blue and white trademark poncho. You'll be flabbergasted by the immensity of this fall of water. You can still do this tour for less than $20 Canadian Dollars. Either that or stare down at it for free.
3. Iguazu Falls (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
There seems to be a debate or poll amongst travellers as to which is the best country to view the Iguazu Falls from, Argentina or Brazil. So when I was there I decided I had to see it from both sides of the border. I don't believe that there should be a "better side" to view it from, and having seen it from both I just have to say WOW! These waterfalls are amazing whether viewed from Argentina or Brazil. The Brazil one is slightly dearer to get in. A brief description of each here:
Argentina Side:
Reaching the Argentina side of the falls isn't that difficult. You can get a bus that goes along Ruta 12 - it leaves from the centre of Puerto Iguazu and heads along the main road into the national park. This also goes past the Hostel Inn Iguazu Falls (the hostel I stayed in). Once you arrive at the national park, get a day pass (it was 85 Pesos in 2010 on my visit) and you have 3 real options (try and do all three): 1. Upper Falls route - a higher hike of the falls - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas 2. Lower Falls route - this goes closer to the falls itself and leads you down to the bottom parts - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas as well. 3. Garganta del Diablo/Devil's Throat - the most recommended part of the falls - this place is immense - after walk a few kilometres over a bridge you arrive at the waterfalls on a wooden ledge. You can also do boat trips, watch animals and eat in the restaurants inside the park.
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 those are the top 3 waterfalls I've actually seen. I hope to do more sometime soon as I just love waterfalls!
1. Gullfoss, ICELAND:
Oh to the undeniable magic of Gullfoss. This incredible and often unknown waterfall is in Iceland. So as well as strong gushing water you get the bonus of strong winds, rain,snow and cold conditions just to add to the awesome experience of it all. Gullfoss crops up out of nowhere - suddenly you're up next to it in disbelief at how fast and endless the water flow is. You can get to Gullfoss by getting on one of many Golden Circle tours, or hire a car if you want. Wear warm clothes and take plenty of photos! You'll love it. You can also buy food, drink and souvenirs nearby.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
The Niagara Falls and Horseshoe Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. You can do it for free from the many viewing platforms in both Canada and the USA. The waterfall straddles the border and there's even a bridge you can cross to do passport and immigration. But the Maid of the Mist tour is the one I did which gets you up close and personal to the falls itself. You get wet and you get to keep your blue and white trademark poncho. You'll be flabbergasted by the immensity of this fall of water. You can still do this tour for less than $20 Canadian Dollars. Either that or stare down at it for free.
3. Iguazu Falls (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
There seems to be a debate or poll amongst travellers as to which is the best country to view the Iguazu Falls from, Argentina or Brazil. So when I was there I decided I had to see it from both sides of the border. I don't believe that there should be a "better side" to view it from, and having seen it from both I just have to say WOW! These waterfalls are amazing whether viewed from Argentina or Brazil. The Brazil one is slightly dearer to get in. A brief description of each here:
Argentina Side:
Reaching the Argentina side of the falls isn't that difficult. You can get a bus that goes along Ruta 12 - it leaves from the centre of Puerto Iguazu and heads along the main road into the national park. This also goes past the Hostel Inn Iguazu Falls (the hostel I stayed in). Once you arrive at the national park, get a day pass (it was 85 Pesos in 2010 on my visit) and you have 3 real options (try and do all three): 1. Upper Falls route - a higher hike of the falls - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas 2. Lower Falls route - this goes closer to the falls itself and leads you down to the bottom parts - start the hike at Estacion Cataratas as well. 3. Garganta del Diablo/Devil's Throat - the most recommended part of the falls - this place is immense - after walk a few kilometres over a bridge you arrive at the waterfalls on a wooden ledge. You can also do boat trips, watch animals and eat in the restaurants inside the park.
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 those are the top 3 waterfalls I've actually seen. I hope to do more sometime soon as I just love waterfalls!
About the Author:
To get more outstanding information for travellers on the move contact Backpacking PR company who are Northern Ireland based.
No comments :
Post a Comment