South America is a continent that is known all over the world for its unique and amazing nature. There is a large amount of precipitation here, therefore the deepest rivers, the highest and most abundant waterfalls are located on this continent. Mountain systems with sheer cliffs and plateaus cause the emergence of waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. Their visit is necessarily included in sightseeing tours of any country in South America.
The most famous waterfalls are Iguazu and Angel. Millions of tourists visit them every year. However, many other waterfalls are worthy of travelers' attention. Among them there are both accessible, with equipped infrastructure, and located among the impenetrable dense jungle. On the way to the turbulent water flows, tourists will get acquainted with the inhabitants of the tropical thickets.
The most beautiful waterfalls in South America
List, photo with names and descriptions of the most famous waterfalls on the continent.
Iguazu Falls
A complex of 275 waterfalls on the border of Brazil and Argentina. The width of the waterfall system is 2.7 km., The height of the water fall on average is 60 meters. The Iguazu Falls is a popular tourist attraction, with 1.5-2 million visitors annually. For tourists at the foot of the waterfalls there are observation platforms, which are recommended to be entered in waterproof clothing. Hiking trails are laid along the perimeter of the cascade.
Angel (Kerepakupai-meru)
The highest waterfall in the world, which is located in the wild uninhabited places of Venezuela. Free fall water flies 807 meters. Getting to the waterfall is difficult. First you need to reach the village of Canaima by canoe or air, then walk about 3 kilometers. The area around is covered with fog for several kilometers. It was created by the water of a waterfall, sprayed into the air when dropped from a great height.
Kaieteur
The most spectacular waterfall in Guyana, which is one of the highest on the mainland - 226 meters. Located in a sparsely populated area. Tourism is poorly developed in this area, which allows travelers to enjoy the pristine nature around the waterfall. Hiking to it from the nearest settlement takes about three days. However, most of the tourists prefer excursion tours by plane.
Gokta
A waterfall 771 meters high in one of the provinces of Peru. The amount of falling water increases significantly during the rainy season. The tourist infrastructure is poorly developed. At the foot of the waterfall are the local villages of Kokachimba and Koka, whose residents act as guides to the waterfall. It will take about 5 hours to get to it from the villages, but the journey to these villages consists of a flight by plane and a trip by bus.
Waterfalls in Canaima Lagoon
An excursion to four beautiful waterfalls in the lagoon of Canaima National Park is very popular with tourists. The Ukaima and Golondrina Falls can be seen by canoeing past them, and there are hiking trails near the Acha and Wadaima Falls. Behind the raging streams of water, there is a path that only the most daring tourists risk walking along. There are many wild animals on the way to the falls.
Salto Grande
Located near Lake Nordenskold in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Its powerful jets fall from a height of only 15 meters, while presenting a rather impressive sight. The water in the waterfall has a bluish-green color, and drops of water falling off the cliff make an indelible impression on visitors. The spray spreads around several meters, so tourists should choose suitable clothing.
Aponwao Chinak Meru
The height of the fall of the water stream is 108 meters. It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America and is easily accessible. It is located in Venezuela, 200 km from Santa Elena de Huayren. On an Indian boat, you can reach the dam on the Aponwao River, and the remaining 500 meters can be covered on foot. The power of the water flow increases many times during the rains, and during this period the waterfall is striking in its picturesqueness.
Yumbilya
One of the five highest waterfalls in the world. Its height is 895 meters. It is located in a little explored area in Peru, therefore it was opened only in 2007. Since then, it has been included in the list of mandatory excursion programs in the Amazonas region of the country. Locals call the Yumbilia waterfall romantically - “heart in love”. A narrow walking path is laid to it through thickets of ferns and bromeliads.
Karakol
Located in the forests of Southern Brazil. The waterfall is of a cascade type, its upper tier is low and has a gentle slope. The second tier falls from a basalt cliff from a height of 100 meters and looks incredibly impressive. The total height of the two tiers of the waterfall is 131 meters. Karakol is located close to settlements, its proximity to civilization makes it popular among tourists. A staircase with 927 steps leads to the foot of the waterfall.
Tequendama
Located in Colombia on the Bogota River. The gorge of the river narrows before the cliff, and the water rushes downward in a violent stream with a strong pressure. The entire cascade of the waterfall has a height of 157 meters, the maximum value of the free fall height is 139 meters. Tequendama is beautifully nestled among greenery and lush trees. The most successful view of it opens from the observation deck at the hotel, built opposite the waterfall.
Orinduic
Located on the Ireng River in Guyana. It is a wide multi-level cascade type waterfall. Streams of water flow down the terraces and steps of red jasper. The waterfall is only 25 meters high, but Orinduik is 150 meters wide. Throughout its width, you can wade, there are several places for swimming. Locals call it "Nature's Jacuzzi". Its waters are considered medicinal due to their tannin content.
Petrogue
It flows among the faults of basaltic lava that formed an incredible volcanic landscape several centuries ago. The stormy streams of water rushing down from the bare peak of the volcano are a fantastic, albeit a little gloomy sight. The clear water of Petrogue has a slightly greenish tint. A visit to the waterfall is included in most of the tourist routes in the Vicente Perez National Park.
Salto del Laja
It is often called the "Pearl of Chile". The picturesque waterfall 35 meters high surrounded by high green hills is popular with both local residents and guests of the country. In the ancient rites of the Mapuche tribe, the waterfall played an important role. The initiation of a young man into a man was considered complete only after he independently overcame the waterfall. This dangerous event often had tragic consequences.
Saltos del Mondai
A cascading waterfall with a height of 45 meters. The waterfall is 120 meters wide. The cascade has three main jets and several smaller ones. The waterfall is located in Paraguay in the Mondai Nature Reserve and is a popular destination. People come here for picnics, swimming or boating. For tourists in the park around the waterfall there are hiking trails and observation platforms. The waterfall is especially beautiful in the early morning.
"Devil's Cauldron"
Landmark of Ecuador. Consists of three cascades with a total height of 100 meters. The waterfall got its unusual name because of the deep bowl with a whirlpool in the second tier. There is a suspension bridge next to the waterfall, which offers a stunning view of all the cascades of the waterfall. To the back of the waterfall, you can go through a tunnel along a steep stone staircase. The raging streams of water in this place can be touched with your hand.
Huilo-Huilo
Located in one of Chile's nature reserves.These are wild places with natural nature, where until 1870 no man had set foot. The waterfall flows from Lake Lacar in Argentina and falls into the Fai River from a height of 100 meters. The water in the waterfall is crystal clear and transparent. An ecological hotel has been built for tourists in the national park. It is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and is part of the environment.
Bordones
Located in Colombia, within the Puras National Park. The 400-meter waterfall is located among high mountains and dense forest. Its stormy streams flow in a narrow canyon-like gorge of the Magdalena River. Bordones has four rapids and a relatively small width. A dirt road leads to the top of the hill, from where you can view the waterfall, but a few hundred meters at the end of the path can only be overcome on foot.
Tequendamita
Located on the Buey River in the Antioquia department of Colombia. A small but picturesque waterfall is a significant natural attraction in the county. Its height is 20 meters. Streams of clear water break off the cliff and fall onto the rock mass. The waterfall got its name in honor of another waterfall - Tequendama, which is several times higher than it. The area around Tekendamit has been ennobled, there are cafes and shops.
Arcoiris
Located on the Pauserna River in Bolivia. The waters of the waterfall freely fall from a height of 88 meters. The width of the water stream is 50 meters. The name "Arkoiris" means "rainbow", and indeed - this natural phenomenon can often be observed just above the waterfall in the afternoon. Arkoiris is in the wild jungle. You can inspect it by flying over it in a light airplane, or by sailing on the rapids. The waterway takes 10-12 days.
Kama Meru
A popular waterfall among travelers, whose height is 50 meters. After a free fall, streams of water about 150 meters flow over the rocks of deep red color. The power of the waterfall increases during the rainy season. Kama Meru is located in the Canaima National Park of Venezuela. You can get to it by canoe along the river or on foot. The easiest way to see the waterfall is to fly to it in a small plane.
Juan Kuri
Located in Santander County, Colombia, amid dense forests. It is a 200 meter high cascade waterfall. Streams of falling water formed a small pool at the foot of the waterfall, where you can swim. For guests there is entertainment in the form of bungee and rope ladders. On the private territory at the beginning of the trail to the waterfall, you can pay for the services of a guide, as well as order lunch.
El Chiflon Falls
A system of mountain waterfalls in the dense forests of Mexico. The largest and most famous of them is called "Bridal Veil". A winding path leads to it, winding through the rocks. It leads to the observation deck opposite the powerful cascading waterfall. A rope will be stretched over the stormy stream of water, which can be ridden by thrill-seekers. The small waterfalls of the El Chiflon system form pools of clear blue water.
La Chorrera
It is one of the main natural attractions of the West Panama District of Colombia. The waterfall is 590 meters high, making it one of the highest in South America. La Chorrera has a cascade type and consists of several rapids. The road to the waterfall through steep rocky slopes through a dense forest among tropical plants will be a real adventure. There are thermal springs near the waterfall.
Santa rita
Located on the Quindio River near the city of Salento in Colombia. The stream of water falls from a cliff surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The road to the waterfall passes through a private farm area, and a fee is charged for walking along it. The trail leads through two tunnels in the hills, and partly runs along a picturesque river. A suspension bridge is thrown across the river to the observation deck, after which you need to climb up the stone slope.
Catarata del Tirol
A cascading waterfall among cliffs and lush green forests a short drive from the city of San Ramon in Peru. The entrance to it is paid, but this is compensated by the infrastructure and the improved territory. Next to the waterfall there are lounges and changing rooms for desperate travelers who ventured into the pool at the foot of the rugged waterfall. There are kiosks with drinks and snacks, toilets.
Kinata waterfall
Located in the northern part of Peru and is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Its height is 580 meters. Consists of three tiers, falling in a rapid stream from sheer cliffs in the wild jungle. You can hire a guide to visit them in one of the local villages. Locals know the short path to the observation deck. On days when Kinata is obscured by clouds, you can explore the ruins of Kuelapa next to the waterfall.
Flip Crystal
A beautiful stepped waterfall located in the southern part of Paraguay. Its height is 70 meters. Against the background of a cascading waterfall at its foot, incredibly beautiful photos are obtained. To the top of the Salto Cristal, you can climb a wooden staircase built in the middle of unspoilt nature. After the fall, the water forms a small bowl of turquoise clear water in which you can swim.
Pump up
Located on the Parana River in the unspoiled nature of the eponymous national park of Paraguay. The waterfall is 35-40 meters high and 110 meters wide. Locals call it a miniature copy of Niagara Falls. Powerful streams of water fall from the basalt rock as a vertical wall. In the pool at the foot of the waterfall, there is an island with little vegetation formed by fallen trees.
Bayoz
Located in Peru. A system of cascading waterfalls that form natural bathing bowls. The easiest way to reach them is by bus overnight from Lima. In this case, travelers arrive at the waterfalls in the early morning and have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the stormy waterfall against the backdrop of picturesque nature all day long. Large ants living in this area can darken the impression of a picnic.
Pucayakuillo
Located in Peru. Jets of Pukayakuillo water flow down the smooth rock into a small bowl. You can stand under the falling stream of water and enjoy the natural massage of the water jets hitting the body. The lagoon at the foot of the waterfall has a shallow depth, it is safe even for children to swim in it. Most often, the waterfall is visited by tourists living in the city of Tarapoto. The hiking route to the waterfall from it is simple and accessible to people with any physical fitness.
Ahuashiyaku
The height of the waterfall is 40 meters. Ahuyashiyaku is especially loved by families with small children. The shallow bowls of warm water at the foot of the falls are great for babies. The waterfall is located in Peru, just a short drive from the city of Tarapoto. A convenient staircase leads to its top point. The name of the waterfall is translated as “water singing”. The echo of the noise from the fall of a powerful jet of water on the rocks spreads far along the gorge.
Marie Blanche Falls
Located on the Nikkere River in Suriname. A low waterfall, 100 meters long, which is interesting for its fast and swift current. Swirling streams of water form a deep lake at the foot of the waterfall. The area where Marie Blanche flows is attracted by nature and its inhabitants. The jungle is home to several species of primates and about 200 species of birds. From the capital of the country to the waterfall is about 300 km.
Machay
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Ecuador. Its waters fall from a height of 70 meters in a powerful jet. It is located on the “road of waterfalls” on the path between Buños and Puia. Getting to the waterfall is difficult and risky - a steep path runs along the very edge of an unpredictable descent. On the way, you can meet exotic flora and fauna, and enjoy the beautiful tropical landscapes of the country.
Manto de La Novia
The waterfall is 40 meters high and consists of two parallel streams of water.In order to get to the waterfall, you need to overcome the Patas canyon. This can be done either by cable car or by a suspension bridge stretched over the abyss. The waterfall itself can be explored from all sides; convenient hiking trails are laid around it. The water temperature in the Chinchin River, which forms the waterfall, does not exceed 10 degrees. The waterfall is located in Ecuador.
Agoyan
A small waterfall in Ecuador that is easy to walk up to and take great photos against the backdrop of rapidly falling streams of water. It is located in a canyon amidst green hills. A cable car leads through the canyon to the waterfall. It is equipped with open cradles, giving an excellent opportunity to appreciate the nature around the waterfall. This waterfall is usually the starting point for an excursion tour along the "waterfall road" of Ecuador.
