I've seen dozens of waterfalls and as I mentioned once before "you rarely get a sh*t waterfall" (there was one on the Great Ocean Road in Australia actually, as it was literally just a drip of water falling...). But I've narrowed it down to a top three here as these three stand alone as easily the best hat trick of constant dropping water I have seen (I missed Angel Falls/Salto Angel in Venezuela and I haven't yet been to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia). In no particular order of wetness... 
1. ICELAND: Gullfoss:
Gullfoss you might think is a surprise inclusion, alas you may never even have heard of it. But this incredible endless flow of gushing water in Iceland is phenomenal!! As you walk up towards Gullfoss you have absolutely no idea of how much water is flowing. When you arrive at the first viewing point you can only gasp in awe. If you are ever in Iceland, don't miss Gullfoss! To get there either hire a car, become part of a tour bus excursion to it or do the famous Golden Circle Tour (which I did). Entrance to the waterfall is FREE but you might feel obliged to have a coffee or buy a souvenir in the nearby shop.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
The Niagara Falls and Horseshoe Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. You can do it for free from the many viewing platforms in both Canada and the USA. The waterfall straddles the border and there's even a bridge you can cross to do passport and immigration. But the Maid of the Mist tour is the one I did which gets you up close and personal to the falls itself. You get wet and you get to keep your blue and white trademark poncho. You'll be flabbergasted by the immensity of this fall of water. You can still do this tour for less than $20 Canadian Dollars. Either that or stare down at it for free.
3. Iguazu Falls (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
There seems to be a debate or poll amongst travellers as to which is the best country to view the Iguazu Falls from, Argentina or Brazil. So when I was there I decided I had to see it from both sides of the border. I don't believe that there should be a "better side" to view it from, and having seen it from both I just have to say WOW! These waterfalls are amazing whether viewed from Argentina or Brazil. The Brazil one is slightly dearer to get in. A brief description of each here:
Iguazu Falls, Argentina:
To get there you need to get a bus along Ruta 12 away from the town of Puerto Iguazu. If you stay in the Hostel Inn Iguazu ( a former winner of South American hostel of the year) you can get a bus there from across the road. Once you arrive it's a day ticket for entrance, this was 85Pesos when I was there in 2010. Once inside there are three main sights: 1. Get a train to Garganta Del Diablo (which is a couple of kilometre walk over wooden platforms to the waterfalls). 2. Do the lower walk at Estacion Cataratas and 3. Do the upper walk at Estacion Cataratas. There are countless other things to do and see inside, including shows, boat trips, animal viewing, souvenirs and restaurants.
Brazil Side:
I arrived at the Brazil falls on a bus from Argentina. Once you get inside the national park, transport is by car. You get an overall better view of the falls from the Brazil side I have to say,but it costs a bit more. There are a number of hikes alongside the waterfalls and a viewing tower. Iguazu Falls is just spectacular no matter what you do there - you cannot but LOVE it!
You will probably find queues, viewing platforms etc. to be very busy such is the popularity of these waterfalls. Tourists are everywhere and how can you blame them. This is a must see waterfall!
So those are the top 3 waterfalls I've actually seen. I hope to do more sometime soon as I just love waterfalls!
1. ICELAND: Gullfoss:
Gullfoss you might think is a surprise inclusion, alas you may never even have heard of it. But this incredible endless flow of gushing water in Iceland is phenomenal!! As you walk up towards Gullfoss you have absolutely no idea of how much water is flowing. When you arrive at the first viewing point you can only gasp in awe. If you are ever in Iceland, don't miss Gullfoss! To get there either hire a car, become part of a tour bus excursion to it or do the famous Golden Circle Tour (which I did). Entrance to the waterfall is FREE but you might feel obliged to have a coffee or buy a souvenir in the nearby shop.
2. Niagara Falls and Horsehoe Falls (CANADA and USA):
The Niagara Falls and Horseshoe Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. You can do it for free from the many viewing platforms in both Canada and the USA. The waterfall straddles the border and there's even a bridge you can cross to do passport and immigration. But the Maid of the Mist tour is the one I did which gets you up close and personal to the falls itself. You get wet and you get to keep your blue and white trademark poncho. You'll be flabbergasted by the immensity of this fall of water. You can still do this tour for less than $20 Canadian Dollars. Either that or stare down at it for free.
3. Iguazu Falls (on the border of BRAZIL and ARGENTINA):
There seems to be a debate or poll amongst travellers as to which is the best country to view the Iguazu Falls from, Argentina or Brazil. So when I was there I decided I had to see it from both sides of the border. I don't believe that there should be a "better side" to view it from, and having seen it from both I just have to say WOW! These waterfalls are amazing whether viewed from Argentina or Brazil. The Brazil one is slightly dearer to get in. A brief description of each here:
Iguazu Falls, Argentina:
To get there you need to get a bus along Ruta 12 away from the town of Puerto Iguazu. If you stay in the Hostel Inn Iguazu ( a former winner of South American hostel of the year) you can get a bus there from across the road. Once you arrive it's a day ticket for entrance, this was 85Pesos when I was there in 2010. Once inside there are three main sights: 1. Get a train to Garganta Del Diablo (which is a couple of kilometre walk over wooden platforms to the waterfalls). 2. Do the lower walk at Estacion Cataratas and 3. Do the upper walk at Estacion Cataratas. There are countless other things to do and see inside, including shows, boat trips, animal viewing, souvenirs and restaurants.
Brazil Side:
I arrived at the Brazil falls on a bus from Argentina. Once you get inside the national park, transport is by car. You get an overall better view of the falls from the Brazil side I have to say,but it costs a bit more. There are a number of hikes alongside the waterfalls and a viewing tower. Iguazu Falls is just spectacular no matter what you do there - you cannot but LOVE it!
You will probably find queues, viewing platforms etc. to be very busy such is the popularity of these waterfalls. Tourists are everywhere and how can you blame them. This is a must see waterfall!
So those are the top 3 waterfalls I've actually seen. I hope to do more sometime soon as I just love waterfalls!
About the Author:
You can read more articles like three top waterfalls by visiting Jonny Blair's excellent travel, work and lifestyle site Dont Stop Living which is updated daily.. Also published at The World's Best Three Waterfalls.
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