The tallest waterfalls you can visit are natural wonders that hold a powerful fascination for travelers. They are not just high drops of water but living landscapes that mix geology, history, and culture.
Visiting these sites lets you feel the raw energy of the earth while also entering remote environments where few people venture. Each waterfall has its own story, and the experience of standing near one is never the same as simply reading its measurements on a map.
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls is widely known as the highest waterfall on Earth, with a drop of 979 meters. Located in Canaima National Park, this natural wonder requires effort to reach. Travelers usually begin with a flight to Canaima, followed by river navigation through thick jungle. The falls descend from the Auyán-tepui mountain, creating mist that spreads across the forest. The area is home to the Pemon people, who call the waterfall “Kerepakupai Merú,” meaning “waterfall of the deepest place.” The best time to visit is during the rainy season from June to December, when the water volume is greatest.
Tugela Falls, South Africa
Tugela Falls in the Drakensberg Mountains is often listed as the second highest waterfall in the world, with a combined drop of about 948 meters. The waterfall is formed by the Tugela River, flowing from the Mont-aux-Sources plateau. It offers one of the most scenic hiking experiences in Africa, with dramatic cliffs and peaks surrounding the route. During the wet season, the falls are at full strength, but even in drier months the cliffs and highland trails provide a remarkable journey.
Tres Hermanas Falls, Peru
Located in Otishi National Park, Tres Hermanas Falls, or “Three Sisters Falls,” drops around 914 meters. It is one of the least accessible waterfalls in the world, hidden deep within the Peruvian rainforest. Very few visitors manage to reach it, which keeps its natural environment largely untouched. The waterfall flows through three main sections, giving it the name “Three Sisters.” The surrounding jungle is home to rare wildlife, and the trip requires special permits and guides.
Olo’upena Falls, Hawaii, USA
On the island of Molokai, Olo’upena Falls descends 900 meters down a rugged sea cliff. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the United States, but it is extremely difficult to visit by land. Most travelers see it by helicopter or boat, as it falls directly into the ocean-facing cliffs of the island. The remote location makes it both mysterious and breathtaking. Flying over the coastline gives an unforgettable perspective of how water, wind, and time shape volcanic islands.
Yumbilla Falls, Peru
Another giant in Peru is Yumbilla Falls, with a height of about 896 meters. It is located in the Amazonas region, not far from the more famous Gocta Falls. Unlike Tres Hermanas, Yumbilla is easier to reach. Local communities offer guided tours, and hiking trails lead through cloud forests filled with orchids and colorful birds. The region remains less crowded compared to other tourist destinations, giving visitors a chance to see towering waterfalls in a more personal setting.
Vinnufossen, Norway
Europe also has some of the tallest waterfalls. Vinnufossen in Norway measures around 860 meters, making it the highest in Europe. It flows from the Vinnufjellet mountain into the valley of Sunndalen. The area is well known among travelers for scenic drives, green valleys, and dramatic peaks. Visiting in spring or early summer allows you to see the waterfall in full force, as snowmelt feeds the river.
Balåifossen, Norway
Norway holds another giant with Balåifossen, dropping 850 meters. It is often overlooked because of its remote position, but for travelers who explore deeper into Norway, it is a hidden treasure. The combination of cliffs, high mountain walls, and narrow valleys gives the area a raw, untouched feel.
Gocta Falls, Peru
Although not as high as the others, Gocta Falls, at about 771 meters, is one of the most accessible tall waterfalls in South America. It was largely unknown outside local communities until 2005. Today, hiking routes lead through villages and forest, ending at a powerful two-tiered fall. The region has grown in tourism but still retains a remote atmosphere.
Why Travelers Visit the Tallest Waterfalls
Traveling to the tallest waterfalls you can visit is not only about size or statistics. It is about the experience of being in landscapes shaped by extreme forces of nature. These waterfalls often stand in remote regions, requiring effort, patience, and sometimes days of travel. The reward is the sight and sound of water plunging hundreds of meters, creating mist that rises like smoke, and leaving memories that stay long after the trip is over.
