Every continent on Earth has spectacular waterfalls to marvel at, and each offers something different for curious travelers. Whether they are frozen blue in the Icelandic wilderness or cascading down mountains in Venezuela, waterfalls are nature's opportunity to show off. Check out these special places below.
The Weeping Wall, Hawaii the weeping wall
Hawaii is full of superlative landscapes, and you'll probably want to visit more than one waterfall in these green islands - Kauai alone has enough beautiful nature to keep you busy for weeks. At its center is Mount Waialeale, which means "overflowing water" in Hawaiian and is the second wettest place on earth. As you would expect, waterfalls are not uncommon here. Hundreds of narrow waterfalls tumble out of the mist and make their way through the lush green forest. If you are an experienced hiker, you can follow trails to the Blue Hole, the base of the mountain, and experience the Weeping Wall for yourself.
Iguazu, Brazil and Argentina
This list would not be complete without what is officially the world's largest waterfall, Iguazu. With Brazil on one side of the river and Argentina on the other, this chain of hundreds of individual waterfalls stretches for 3 km and drops 70 meters. Sure, you can look at pictures and imagine what it looks like, but being up close and personal with the sound of the water cascading down is an experience worth traveling for.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Another waterfall that forms a border between two countries. Victoria Falls may not be the tallest or widest, but it is definitely one of the most impressive. The seemingly tranquil Zambezi River meanders through the jungle, then suddenly the entire river plunges over 360-foot cliffs into bubbling pools below. The water mist can be heard and seen for miles, which explains the indigenous name Mosi-oa-Tunya - "the thundering smoke" - for the falls. You can even swim in the river and take some crazy photos on the edge - preferably accompanied by a guide who knows what he's doing and can capture the best subjects.
Gullfoss, Iceland
This waterfall might cost you, because it's really worth two trips - one in summer and one in winter. Known as the Golden Waterfall, the Hvítá River is fed by melting glacial ice in the summer, and the sediment in the water makes it glow in the sun. The water falls over two levels that are almost at right angles to each other, providing opportunities for great photos. In winter, icicles decorate the sides of the river and the water appears blue as it cascades down through the frozen landscape.
Ban Gioc, Vietnam
In the northwest corner of Vietnam, on the border with China, the Quay Son River stretches over 300 meters and plunges over several terraces into a deep, tropical green basin. These waterfalls are an eight-hour drive from Hanoi and are off the beaten tourist path in Vietnam. Bamboo rafts take you up to the falls so you can really grasp the magnitude of the water's movement. For the best view of the falls, hike up to the Buddhist temple at sunset.
Angel Falls, Venezuela
This is the biggest - the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall plunges 3212 feet over the side of a mesa deep in Venezuela's Canaima National Park. It's best visited in the dry season from December to April - when there's less water, but you can see the peak, which is often obscured by clouds in the rainy season. No one said that spotting waterfalls is easy, and this one requires some effort. You have to fly to Ciudad Bolivar or Puerto Ordaz, take a day trip by canoe, and then hike an hour to the base of the falls.
The Great Waterfall, Croatia
With this waterfall, the clue is in the name. When something is this beautiful in one of the most natural countries in the world, it's definitely worth a visit. Sixteen crystal-clear lakes in Plitvice National Park cascade through ancient forests that are home to bears, lynx and wolves. You can spend hours following the trails and marveling at the chalky waters that flow in shades of turquoise and emerald over the chalk and limestone cliffs.
Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
High in the mountains of Fiordland Park is a glacial cirque that, if you remember geography class, is a deep, bowl-like depression left by a circular glacier. Over time, it filled with water, creating a huge lake. The Sutherlands Fall is the water escaping and plunging 1,900 feet in spectacular fashion. The easiest way to see it is by helicopter tour, but true adventurers can hike the 33 miles and experience the breathtaking sight from the ground.