Few things in nature stir our senses like falling water. Whether it’s a gentle trickle or a raging torrent, waterfalls are one of nature’s gifts. We’ve focused on the latter type—waterfalls that inspire awe and majesty. Some, like Niagara Falls, are world-famous, while others are so inaccessible that few have seen them up close. Keep reading to discover the biggest waterfalls in the world.
How To Measure Waterfalls
Searching for the largest waterfalls in the world doesn’t yield a definitive answer for several reasons:
1. Measurement Challenges: Accurately measuring huge waterfalls is difficult due to their dangerous and often inaccessible nature.
2. Definition of ‘Biggest’: The term can refer to height, width, or volume of water flow, complicating comparisons.
3. Variability in Lists: Lists of the tallest waterfalls may differ based on what’s measured—total height versus the longest uninterrupted drop. We focused on total height.
So, here are the 5 highest and 5 widest waterfalls in the world.
Searching for the largest waterfalls in the world doesn’t yield a definitive answer for several reasons:
1. Measurement Challenges: Accurately measuring huge waterfalls is difficult due to their dangerous and often inaccessible nature.
2. Definition of ‘Biggest’: The term can refer to height, width, or volume of water flow, complicating comparisons.
3. Variability in Lists: Lists of the tallest waterfalls may differ based on what’s measured—total height versus the longest uninterrupted drop. We focused on total height.
So, here are the 5 highest and 5 widest waterfalls in the world.
1. Tallest Waterfall: Angel Falls (Kerepakupai-merú in Local Languages)
Location: Canaima National Park, Bolivar, Venezuela, South America
Height: 3,212 feet or 979 meters
Volume: Up to 4 cubic meters per second
Angel Falls is special for many reasons. Not only is it the highest waterfall in the world by most measurements, but it also boasts the highest single drop. Water falls uninterrupted for a staggering 807m. From this height, the water plummets with such force that it becomes mist before finishing its plunge.
Reaching the falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, requires hours of boating along rivers and trekking through forests led by local guides. The falls have an element of mystique. It falls down the wall of a mountain known as Auyán-tepui (Devil’s Mountain), and the summit is often shrouded in clouds.
Unusually, the clouds are the source of the waterfall, rather than a river or meltwater as is often the case. Therefore the appearance of the falls frequently varies depending on the level of rainfall these clouds release, and in the dry season, it becomes little more than a trickle.
Location: Canaima National Park, Bolivar, Venezuela, South America
Height: 3,212 feet or 979 meters
Volume: Up to 4 cubic meters per second
Angel Falls is special for many reasons. Not only is it the highest waterfall in the world by most measurements, but it also boasts the highest single drop. Water falls uninterrupted for a staggering 807m. From this height, the water plummets with such force that it becomes mist before finishing its plunge.
Reaching the falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, requires hours of boating along rivers and trekking through forests led by local guides. The falls have an element of mystique. It falls down the wall of a mountain known as Auyán-tepui (Devil’s Mountain), and the summit is often shrouded in clouds.
Unusually, the clouds are the source of the waterfall, rather than a river or meltwater as is often the case. Therefore the appearance of the falls frequently varies depending on the level of rainfall these clouds release, and in the dry season, it becomes little more than a trickle.
2. Second-Tallest Waterfall: Tugela Falls
Location: Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Africa
Height: 3,110 feet or 948 meters
Volume: Unknown (low volume with seasonal variability)
Tugela Falls, while nearly as tall as Angel Falls, differs greatly in other ways. Named after the river it’s part of, the falls consist of five main drops, the longest measuring 411m. They cascade down a vast, curving rock wall known as the Amphitheater, and the quickest route to the top involves a daunting climb up sheer cliffs using chain ladders. Geologists debate whether Tugela Falls is truly the tallest in the world, pointing out inaccuracies in the measurements of both Tugela and Angel Falls.
Location: Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Africa
Height: 3,110 feet or 948 meters
Volume: Unknown (low volume with seasonal variability)
Tugela Falls, while nearly as tall as Angel Falls, differs greatly in other ways. Named after the river it’s part of, the falls consist of five main drops, the longest measuring 411m. They cascade down a vast, curving rock wall known as the Amphitheater, and the quickest route to the top involves a daunting climb up sheer cliffs using chain ladders. Geologists debate whether Tugela Falls is truly the tallest in the world, pointing out inaccuracies in the measurements of both Tugela and Angel Falls.
3. Third-Tallest Waterfall: Tres Hermanas
Location: Otishi National Park, Junin Region, Peru, South America
Height: 2,998 feet or 914 meters
Volume: Up to 1 cubic meter per second
Peru boasts several spectacular waterfalls, such as Gocta and Yumbilla. These are easy to access and draw many visitors. In contrast, Tres Hermanas is relatively unknown and rarely visited due to its difficult terrain. Its name means “Three Sisters” in Spanish, and the waterfall cascades through a dense forested mountain in three stunning sections before flowing into the Cutivereni River.
Location: Otishi National Park, Junin Region, Peru, South America
Height: 2,998 feet or 914 meters
Volume: Up to 1 cubic meter per second
Peru boasts several spectacular waterfalls, such as Gocta and Yumbilla. These are easy to access and draw many visitors. In contrast, Tres Hermanas is relatively unknown and rarely visited due to its difficult terrain. Its name means “Three Sisters” in Spanish, and the waterfall cascades through a dense forested mountain in three stunning sections before flowing into the Cutivereni River.
4. Fourth-Tallest Waterfall: Olo'upena Falls
Location: Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA, North America
Height: 2,952 feet or 900 meters
Volume: Unknown
Another nearly inaccessible waterfall is Olo’upena Falls on the volcanic island of Molokai, home to the world’s largest sea cliffs. This waterfall is the tallest here, with thin white ribbons of water streaming down nearly vertical, emerald green cliffs during the rainy season. Olo’upena Falls plunges straight in.
Location: Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA, North America
Height: 2,952 feet or 900 meters
Volume: Unknown
Another nearly inaccessible waterfall is Olo’upena Falls on the volcanic island of Molokai, home to the world’s largest sea cliffs. This waterfall is the tallest here, with thin white ribbons of water streaming down nearly vertical, emerald green cliffs during the rainy season. Olo’upena Falls plunges straight in.
5. Fifth-Tallest Waterfall: Yumbilla Falls
Location: Cuispes, Amazonas, Peru, South America
Height: 2,939 feet or 896 meters
Volume: Unknown, but low volume
In a region known for stunning waterfalls, Yumbilla Falls remains surprisingly obscure. Most visitors flock to the nearby Gocta Waterfall, which is less tall but more famous. However, reaching Yumbilla Falls is a scenic hike well worth the effort, as the water plunges through five dramatic sections.
Yumbilla wraps up our top 5 tallest waterfalls. Now, let’s explore the 5 widest waterfalls! They may not reach the heavenly heights of the tallest, but they certainly awe us with their noise and sheer power from the incredible volume of water that flows over them.
Location: Cuispes, Amazonas, Peru, South America
Height: 2,939 feet or 896 meters
Volume: Unknown, but low volume
In a region known for stunning waterfalls, Yumbilla Falls remains surprisingly obscure. Most visitors flock to the nearby Gocta Waterfall, which is less tall but more famous. However, reaching Yumbilla Falls is a scenic hike well worth the effort, as the water plunges through five dramatic sections.
Yumbilla wraps up our top 5 tallest waterfalls. Now, let’s explore the 5 widest waterfalls! They may not reach the heavenly heights of the tallest, but they certainly awe us with their noise and sheer power from the incredible volume of water that flows over them.
6. The Widest Waterfall: Khone Phapheng Falls
Location: Ban Hang Khone, Laos, Southeast Asia
Width: 35,672 feet or 10,873 meters
Volume: 11,000 cubic meters per second (average)
The vast breadth of these falls comes from the mighty Mekong River splitting into seven channels. When measured side-by-side, they reach nearly 11km, making it the world’s widest waterfall!
Although the falls aren’t particularly high, with the tallest drop around 20 meters, many parts look more like a series of rapids. These falls prevent navigation along the Mekong into China, creating such a significant barrier that the river before the falls is known as the ‘upper’ part and the river after the falls is called the ‘lower’ part.
Location: Ban Hang Khone, Laos, Southeast Asia
Width: 35,672 feet or 10,873 meters
Volume: 11,000 cubic meters per second (average)
The vast breadth of these falls comes from the mighty Mekong River splitting into seven channels. When measured side-by-side, they reach nearly 11km, making it the world’s widest waterfall!
Although the falls aren’t particularly high, with the tallest drop around 20 meters, many parts look more like a series of rapids. These falls prevent navigation along the Mekong into China, creating such a significant barrier that the river before the falls is known as the ‘upper’ part and the river after the falls is called the ‘lower’ part.
7. Second-Widest Waterfall: Para Falls
Location: Bolivar, Venezuela, South America
Width: 18,398 feet or 5,608 meters
Volume: 3,540 cubic meters per second
Though just over half the width of Khone Phapheng Falls, Para Falls is still an impressive sight for those who embark on the treacherous journey.
The falls occur as the Cauro River, a tributary of the great Orinoco, splits into two streams on either side of an 8-mile-long island. As these streams cut through gorges on each side, they reconverge in a vast horseshoe fall, creating a truly sensational sight!
Location: Bolivar, Venezuela, South America
Width: 18,398 feet or 5,608 meters
Volume: 3,540 cubic meters per second
Though just over half the width of Khone Phapheng Falls, Para Falls is still an impressive sight for those who embark on the treacherous journey.
The falls occur as the Cauro River, a tributary of the great Orinoco, splits into two streams on either side of an 8-mile-long island. As these streams cut through gorges on each side, they reconverge in a vast horseshoe fall, creating a truly sensational sight!
8. Third-Widest Waterfall: Kongou Falls
Location: Ivindo National Park, Ogooue-Ivindo Province, Gabon, Central Africa
Width: 10,498 feet or 3,200 meters
Volume: 900 cubic meters per second
Mention waterfalls in Africa, and you might think of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, a more famous Natural Wonder. However, Kongou Falls is almost double the width of Victoria Falls and is considered by some to be the strongest-flowing waterfall in the world!
Its power is best demonstrated at the ‘Sun’ and ‘Moon’ cataracts, where deep brown water gushing over the falls crashes into the gorge below. From Mokokou, local guides can lead adventurers to the falls via canoe and trails through the stunning jungle. Sadly, the area’s natural beauty is threatened by plans to dam the falls for mining power. Thankfully, fierce opposition from the Gabonese people has kept these plans at bay!
Location: Ivindo National Park, Ogooue-Ivindo Province, Gabon, Central Africa
Width: 10,498 feet or 3,200 meters
Volume: 900 cubic meters per second
Mention waterfalls in Africa, and you might think of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, a more famous Natural Wonder. However, Kongou Falls is almost double the width of Victoria Falls and is considered by some to be the strongest-flowing waterfall in the world!
Its power is best demonstrated at the ‘Sun’ and ‘Moon’ cataracts, where deep brown water gushing over the falls crashes into the gorge below. From Mokokou, local guides can lead adventurers to the falls via canoe and trails through the stunning jungle. Sadly, the area’s natural beauty is threatened by plans to dam the falls for mining power. Thankfully, fierce opposition from the Gabonese people has kept these plans at bay!
9. Fourth-Widest Waterfall: Iguazú Falls
Location: Parana, Argentina, South America
Width: 8,858 feet or 2,700 meters
Volume: 1,746 cubic meters per second
Iguazú Falls is a jaw-dropping waterfall straddling Argentina and Brazil, dwarfing Niagara Falls! Just before reaching the falls, the Iguazú River spreads across a vast, flat shelf, with a large portion tumbling into a narrow, horseshoe-shaped gorge known as “Devil’s Throat.”
Unlike the three widest waterfalls, Iguazú (or Iguaçu on the Brazilian side) is a hugely popular tourist attraction. It’s easily accessible from nearby towns, and walkways provide prime vantage points to see right down the Devil’s Throat—words simply can’t describe the view that awaits visitors!
Location: Parana, Argentina, South America
Width: 8,858 feet or 2,700 meters
Volume: 1,746 cubic meters per second
Iguazú Falls is a jaw-dropping waterfall straddling Argentina and Brazil, dwarfing Niagara Falls! Just before reaching the falls, the Iguazú River spreads across a vast, flat shelf, with a large portion tumbling into a narrow, horseshoe-shaped gorge known as “Devil’s Throat.”
Unlike the three widest waterfalls, Iguazú (or Iguaçu on the Brazilian side) is a hugely popular tourist attraction. It’s easily accessible from nearby towns, and walkways provide prime vantage points to see right down the Devil’s Throat—words simply can’t describe the view that awaits visitors!
10. Fifth-Widest Waterfall: Mocona Falls
Location: Misiones, Argentina, South America
Width: 6,774 feet or 2,065 meters
Volume: Unknown (variable)
This waterfall on the Argentina-Uruguay border has the unique characteristic of running parallel to its river! A fault line along the Uruguay River causes half of the river to be lower than the other. When the water level is low enough, it cascades from one side to the other for over 2km.
However, you need to time your visit just right to see it—depending on rainfall, the height of the falls varies. For nearly half the year, they can disappear as high rainfall raises the water on both sides above the falls!
Location: Misiones, Argentina, South America
Width: 6,774 feet or 2,065 meters
Volume: Unknown (variable)
This waterfall on the Argentina-Uruguay border has the unique characteristic of running parallel to its river! A fault line along the Uruguay River causes half of the river to be lower than the other. When the water level is low enough, it cascades from one side to the other for over 2km.
However, you need to time your visit just right to see it—depending on rainfall, the height of the falls varies. For nearly half the year, they can disappear as high rainfall raises the water on both sides above the falls!
While many of the falls on our list are in very remote locations, there are plenty of other places around the world where you can see these wonders of nature.
Norway has many towering falls among its fjords, as does Fjordland in New Zealand. Yosemite National Park is also famous for its gigantic cataracts, and Africa’s Congo and Zambezi Rivers are home to several mighty cascades.
Norway has many towering falls among its fjords, as does Fjordland in New Zealand. Yosemite National Park is also famous for its gigantic cataracts, and Africa’s Congo and Zambezi Rivers are home to several mighty cascades.
