Awe-inspiring natural beauties like waterfalls are found all over the world. They develop anytime a stream or river passes over a vertical drop. The drop can happen on ice shelves or icebergs, but it typically happens at the base of steep slopes. Find out more about the top five highest waterfalls in the world by looking at the list below.
Among the most popular and well-known natural tourist attractions on the planet are waterfalls. People travel far and wide to appreciate the spectacular natural attractions that are world-renowned for their beauty because they are so breathtakingly lovely. We present to you a list of the top five highest waterfalls in the world.
5. Yumbilla Falls
- Location: Cordillera Oriental, Amazonas, Peru
- Height: 986 meters
Yumbilla Falls is a waterfall in northern Peru’s Amazonas area. The waterfall was well-known to the native inhabitants of Peru, and it was probably they who gave it its name. At a height of almost 895 meters, it is one of the highest waterfalls in the world (2,936 feet). In the Utcubamba Valley, close to the hamlet of Cuispes, are Yumbilla Falls. The waterfall is a member of the Gocta Waterfalls, a group of waterfalls in the region that also includes the close-by Gocta Falls. Yumbilla Falls wasn’t really discovered until 2007 by a group of explorers under the direction of Stefan Ziemendorff.
Four-tiered waterfall Yumbilla Falls was created by a stream spilling over the side of Cerro Panhuayco mountain. Since then, it has grown to be a well-liked traveler and hiker destination where they can take in breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding jungle. Tourists can either take a helicopter trip to see the falls from above or they can climb to the base of the falls, which takes around 2-3 hours. While it comprises steep climbs and descents across difficult terrain, the walk to Yumbilla Falls is regarded as difficult, but the breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding area make the effort worthwhile.
4. Olo’Upena Falls
- Location: Molokai, Hawaii, USA
- Height: 900 meters
On the Hawaiian island of Molokai, which is a part of the United States of America, there is a waterfall that is the fourth-highest among the top five highest waterfalls in the world. Olo’Upena Falls frequently spelled Oloupena Falls, is exactly 900 meters (2,953 feet) tall. A little stream that rushes over the edge of a seaside mountain cliff between Pelekunu and Wailau Valley creates the waterfall. As a result, the stream plunges and empties into the Pacific Ocean. Only a difficult climb or a helicopter trip will get you to the waterfall, which is situated in the isolated Halawa Valley on the eastern side of Molokai.
The 8-mile round-trip distance of the walk to the falls can be accomplished in 6 to 8 hours. Hikers must be prepared and in good physical shape because the terrain is steep and difficult. Visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the waterfall as it cascades down the rock face and into a pool below once they arrive at the falls. Strong currents make the pool unsafe for swimming, but guests may still enjoy the scenery and take pictures from a safe distance. Olo’upena Waterfall is a stunning natural marvel and a must-see for adventure-seeking tourists to Molokai.
3. Tres Hermanas Falls
- Location: Otishi National Park, Junin, Peru
- Height: 914 meters
The third-highest waterfall in the world is called Tres Hermanas Falls, or Three Sisters Waterfall. It is situated in the Junin district of central Peru’s Otishi National Park. From the top fall to the plunge pool, it rises a total of 914 meters (2,999 ft). A creek that empties into the neighboring Cutivireni River creates the waterfall. The three tiers and three section drops of the waterfall are how it received its name. Each tier has pooled at the bottom and is 25 to 30 feet high.
The trail to Tres Hermanas Falls is steep, rocky, and has a lot of elevation variation, therefore it is regarded as a tough walk. To access the falls, hikers must obtain a permit; the trailhead is off Boulder Creek Road. The water flow is at its strongest after heavy rain, which makes the falls more stunning. The area around Tres Hermanas Falls can be dangerous for hiking because of flash floods and rock falls, among other risks. Before starting the hike, it’s crucial to check the weather and the trail’s condition. You should also pack lots of water and the right hiking equipment.
2. Tugela Falls
- Location: Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Height: 948 meters
- Plunge: 411 meters
The second-highest waterfall among the top five highest waterfalls in the world, Tugela Falls in South Africa, isn’t much smaller than Angel Falls. It is situated in the KwaZulu-Natal province of Eastern South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park. The Tugela River, which flows down from the Drakensberg mountain and creates the waterfall, is named after the waterfall. Tugela Falls has a 948-meter official height. Even still, some estimates put the number significantly higher. The Royal Natal National Park, where the falls are located, is well-known among tourists for its breathtaking mountain landscape and hiking paths.
Tugela Falls is similar to Angel Falls in height but is very different from it in other aspects. The falls, which take the name of the river they are a part of, including five primary drops, the longest of which is 411 meters. The Amphitheater, a massive, curved rock wall where the falls are located, is the fastest route to the top, but it requires a harrowing walk up precipitous cliffs using chain ladders. The Tugela Falls are best observed in the summer because they can ice over and be hard to see in the winter. The best vantage point can be found at the top of the Amphitheatre, which can be reached by cable car or on foot.
1. Angel Falls
- Location: Canaima National Park, Bolivar, Venezuela
- Height: 979 meters
- Plunge: 807 meters
The highest waterfall in the world is called Angel Falls, also known as Salto Angel in Spanish and Kerepakupai Vena in the Pemon language of native South America. It can be found in the Bolivar state’s Canaima National Park, which is in southeast Venezuela. The waters of the Rio Kerepacupai Mer, which flow over the Auyantepui plateau’s edge and into the Devil’s Canyon below, create Angel Falls. The entire waterfall flow is 3,212 feet or 979 meters. The waterfall is named for the first person to ever fly over it and describe it to the world, American pilot James “Jimmie” Angel, who did so in 1933. Angel’s ashes were spread above Angel Falls following his death in 1956.
Angel Falls is unique for a variety of reasons. By most standards, it is not only the tallest waterfall in the world, but it also has the highest single drop. Unbroken waterfalls for an astounding 807 meters. The water descends from this height with such power that it first turns to mist before finishing its descent. The only ways to get to the waterfall are by boat or by air because it is encircled by thick vegetation. A guided trip that involves a walk to the falls’ base and a boat ride up the river is another option for visitors to the falls who want to obtain a birds-eye perspective of the waterfall.
The top five highest waterfalls in the world are all spectacular examples of the unbridled beauty and force of nature. Whether it’s the lush jungle surroundings of Angel Falls in Venezuela, the strenuous hike to Tugela Falls in South Africa, or the breathtaking views from a helicopter tour of Yumbilla Falls in Peru, each of these waterfalls has its own distinct features and attractions that make it worthwhile to visit.
It can be difficult and rewarding to visit these waterfalls because you frequently have to walk over difficult terrain or take a helicopter trip to see the falls from above. The breathtaking vistas and opportunity to see one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena, however, make the effort well worth it.
