What is the most powerful waterfall in the world? Waterfalls: characteristics and types. Information about the waterfall

Angel Falls is located on the territory of the state of Venezuela in the Canaima National Park on the mainland of South America. It was discovered by the Spanish pioneer Ernesto Sanchez la Cruz, not so long ago, namely in 1910. However, the whole world learned about it even later - in 1935, when it was discovered while flying nearby by American pilot and gold miner J.C. Angel. Actually, the waterfall is named after him (or rather, his surname) (in Spanish, Angel sounds like Angel).

The height of Angel Falls is 979 (according to other sources - 1054) meters, which is twenty times higher than Niagara. It falls from the top of Mount Auyantepui. Moreover, falling from a kilometer height, the water does not reach the end, but descends as fog spreading for many kilometers around the waterfall. The height of the giant was measured in 1949 by an official expedition of the National Geographic Society.

The discovery was a matter of chance; the monoplane he was piloting got stuck in the impassable jungle. This is where Jimmy noticed the giant waterfall. His plane lay at the site of the unsuccessful landing for 33 years, remaining a mute witness to the discovery of its owner, until it was lifted by a helicopter.

In 2009, the late President of Venezuela, guided by anti-imperialist aspirations, renamed his country's main attraction Kerepakupai-meru (one of the names of the local population). But for the whole world it is still better known by its original name.

Oddly enough, the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel (full name Salto Angel) - is not the most famous and popular in the world. Niagara Falls in North America and Victoria Falls in Africa are much more popular. This is largely due to the not very favorable location of the giant. It is surrounded on all sides by impenetrable tropical forest. The only way to get there is by plane or helicopter, or along the Kerep River, Angel’s final destination.

Tours to the Salto Angel Falls are organized by air from the capital of the country, Caracas, and from the city of Ciudad Bolivar, and they are sold in packages. The package also includes landing in the village of Canaima, where the entrance to the National Park is located, subsequent water crossing directly to the waterfall, food, and all the necessary accessories.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that Venezuela is rich in waterfalls. In particular, not far from Angel there is the Acha Falls, a little further - the Arrasine Falls, on the border with Guyana.

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Which waterfall is the tallest?

Many people are interested in the question: which waterfall is the highest ? Without a doubt, the record holder for the highest waterfall in the world is Salto Angel, which is located in the thick of the tropical forests of Venezuela. This stream of water falls freely from a height of more than one kilometer, and when it reaches the ground, it turns into a cloud of water particles, more reminiscent of fog than a stream of water.

Angel is the main decoration of the Venezuelan Canaima National Reserve, but getting to him is not so easy. It is located in a dense tropical forest, where there are neither roads nor even passable paths. To see what a beautiful and highest waterfall , this miracle created by nature itself, there are only two ways - by air or, for the bravest, by river. Although today, travel companies have tried hard enough to make the path to the attraction easier for travelers, and the route to the waterfall has become more accessible than even ten years ago.

Falls from the Tepuy rock or Devil's Mountain, as the local aborigines call it. These massifs were formed several billion years ago, but today their steep slopes are increasingly susceptible to destruction under the influence of large-scale rainfalls, which are characteristic of the Guiana Highlands. Now you know which waterfall is the highest and majestic on earth.

There are many waterfalls on planet Earth, huge and miniature, famous and not so well known, but tallest waterfall in the world , as mentioned above, this is the Venezuelan giant Angel, water streams that fall to the ground from a height of more than one thousand meters.

The world's highest waterfall is located on the South American continent, and is part of the Venezuelan Canaima National Reserve. Devil's Mountain, from which the water falls, is located in the thick of the tropical forest, which makes this natural attraction almost inaccessible for viewing. Since the height of the fall of water is very large, very tiny drops of liquid, more reminiscent of fog, can reach the surface of the earth at a great distance from the source. But due to the fact that the mass of the water stream is huge, you can feel this fog several kilometers before the waterfall itself. Water reaching the ground from falls into the Kerep River.

Despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of tourists want to get to the waterfall every year, the route through the tropical forest to the attraction has never been built, which is due to the impassability and severe swampiness of this area. There are only two options for how you can see the landmark: from the air or by sailing here by river. For example, local travel companies offer the following visiting route the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel : flight from Caracas to Canaima, followed by a trip by water. At the same time, during the trip, tourists are provided with all the maximum possible benefits for comfort while staying outside of civilization.

Local population

Local aborigines call the flat-topped hill from which it falls Angel , Auyan Tepuy. This mountain is just one of hundreds like it located in the Guiana Highlands. Such rocks are very reminiscent of sleeping giants with flat tops and steep slopes. They were formed several billion years ago, but throughout the entire period of their existence they gradually collapse and change under the influence of tropical rainfall, characteristic of the climate in this area.

The existence of Salto Angel has been known to the aborigines for a long time, but in Europe they learned about the waterfall only at the beginning of the 20th century. It was first discovered during the expedition of the Spanish explorer Ernest Cruz, but the waterfall became world famous thanks to the American gold miner and pilot James Angel, after whom the waterfall was later named.

Angel landed his Flamingo plane on one of the peaks of the plateau, but was never able to take off again. And during his return on foot, he just discovered highest waterfall . The aircraft, which got stuck in the swampy jungle area, remained on the top of the mountain, being a unique monument to the discovery of the world record holder. Only thirty years later the plane was evacuated from the plateau, and is currently a valuable exhibit of the Aviation Museum in Maracay.

With title highest waterfall One rather interesting historical fact is connected: several years ago, speaking on television, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a statement about renaming the water stream in accordance with the name that is typical for local residents. This was argued by the fact that the waterfall has always been a national treasure of Venezuela, even before its discovery by James Angel, and therefore its name should be appropriate. But such a loud statement was never followed by any changes in world geography, the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel and today continues to remain Angel on all maps of the world.

Ancient, very beautiful and tallest waterfall in the whole world exists for hundreds of thousands of years, but humanity became aware of it relatively recently, only in the 30s of the last century. So ? Since this masterpiece of nature is located in the densest thickets of tropical forests, it is practically impossible to get there by land due to the severe swampiness of the area. Therefore, it turned out that the waterfall was discovered only during the air travel of the famous American pilot and gold miner, after whom it was later named. At the same time, the tribes of South American aborigines always knew about the existence of the waterfall and gave it the name Apemey, which means Maiden's Eyebrow.

Angel falls from the top of Mount Devil, a mountain range that has a height of 2600 meters. Dropping steeply from a steep cliff, the water travels more than one thousand meters before reaching the ground, resulting in an unforgettable spectacle. The height of the fall is so high that at the foot of the mountain, only millions of small particles of water remain from the water jet, which is more reminiscent of fog. And this water cloud covers an area within a radius of several kilometers from the waterfall.

Geographical location

Unfortunately, see it live where is the tallest waterfall in the world not everyone finds it possible. Angel is located in one of the most remote and inaccessible places on the planet, and is hidden from prying eyes in the tropical jungle. Today there are two options on how you can travel to the waterfall with minimal risk to human health and life. Local travel companies offer package tours that include flights in a small light plane and river rafting in a motorized canoe. Such an adventure attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, because it provides the opportunity not only to see the world’s highest waterfall, but also to get acquainted with the natural world of Venezuela, which is no less attractive.

Rainforests, , occupy more than half of the territory of Venezuela. But, unfortunately, their area is rapidly decreasing every year. The slopes of the Guiana Highlands are covered with endemic shrubs that do not grow anywhere else on the planet. The river banks are covered with thickets of Mauritius palms. Most of the territory is evergreen forests, which are periodically flooded or constantly grow in wetlands.

The rich flora is home to many animals, birds and insects. The inhabitants of the jungle are broad-nosed monkeys, anteaters, capybaras, peccaries, opossums, snakes, etc. Crocodiles, turtles, and electric eels live in the river waters. But such natural wealth also brings a negative effect: every year it attracts the attention of more and more tourists from all over the world. Cities are growing, even in the smallest villages hotel complexes, restaurants and other entertainment venues are being built. Man wants to know all the secrets of nature, but it is precisely with this desire that he destroys these mysteries.

Today the tallest and most unforgettable waterfall in the world , can be called one of the main attractions of Venezuela. The entire tropical forest area, including the plateau and waterfall, received the status of a national reserve. And since the 90s of the 20th century, Angel has been declared one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Now knowing where is the tallest and most beautiful waterfall in the world , you might want to see it in person.

What is the tallest waterfall in South America?

Researchers and simply curious tourists are interested in the question: ? The main decoration of not only Venezuela, but the entire South American continent is Angel Falls, which is located in the tropical forests. The waterfall received its geographical name in honor of an American pilot who was looking for the lost “golden city” and its golden treasures in these parts, and found unique natural wealth.

The highest and most majestic waterfall falls from one of the highest mountains of the Guiana Highlands, Atsian Tepui, and flows into the Kerep River. Due to its uniqueness, today this waterfall is not only protected by the state of Venezuela, but is also included in the list of heritage sites of all mankind.

The Canaima Nature Reserve is located in the southwestern part of Venezuela, and is divided into two sections: Angel Falls is located in the western part of the national park. To get here, it is most convenient to use flights from Caracas, Santa Elena and Margarita. The starting point for the journey to the waterfall is the village of Canaima. Just a few years ago there was a very tiny village here, but today, due to the growing tourist flow, several hotels, cafes, restaurants and retail outlets have begun to operate in Canaima.

For a comfortable stay, travelers are given the opportunity to stay in cozy campsites with all amenities on the shore of the lagoon overlooking Angel Falls and Anatoly Island. Knowing what is the tallest waterfall in south america and if you have the financial opportunity, you should definitely visit this beautiful place.

Infrastructure

The main mode of transport by which you can get to this region is airplanes. Scheduled and charter flights are operated daily by several airlines. The cost of such a trip depends on the class of the aircraft, as well as the number of people in the group. It is also possible to travel to the waterfall along the river in traditional canoes or motor boats. Hiking routes are excluded due to the severe swampiness of the area and the impassability of the tropical jungle.

In the eastern part of the reserve there is the Gran Sabana Natural Park and the two villages of Santa Elena and Puerto Ordaz. Getting here is much easier, in addition to aviation and river rafting, there are also walking routes, during which you can get to know in detail the amazing and extraordinary riches of the tropical world.

The only condition that all tourists must meet when visiting the national park is to pay a tourist tax and provide certificates of vaccination against yellow fever.

What is the tallest waterfall in North America?

Like South America, North America has its own record holder. So ? It is rightfully considered one of the most important attractions of the North American continent. It is located on the river of the same name, which connects Lakes Erie and Ontario, and at the same time is the border between two countries, the USA and Canada. When Niagara Falls began to become popular, infrastructure gradually began to develop around it, so on both banks of the river, on the Canadian and American sides, two cities with the same name were formed - Niagara Falls.

It got its name from the Iroquois Indians who lived in this region hundreds of years ago, and translated from their language it literally means “thundering water.” But the natural phenomenon itself appeared long before this moment. The approximate age of formation of the waterfall is the post-glacial period, when, as a result of active melting, water flows created a channel in soft sandstone. Thus, the Niagara River was able to cut a deep gorge, which over time exposed the rocks: a large-scale breakthrough was created, and thousands of tons of water rushed down from it.

According to the calculations of the researchers, over ten thousand years of the waterfall's existence, there was a displacement of approximately ten kilometers upward to the base, and such movement continues to occur today, at approximately a speed of about three hundred millimeters per year. But, unfortunately, this fact has negative consequences: according to preliminary data from scientists, another couple of tens of thousands of years will pass, the waterfall will rise to the level of Lake Erie and this will be the end of its existence.

Features of the waterfall

It is somewhat different from its relatives on other continents. The fact is that it is more correct to call it a complex or group of waterfalls that occupy an area of ​​about one kilometer. Thanks to the existence of Goat Lake, the river splits into two branches, forming the Canadian and American waterfalls. The first of them resembles a horseshoe in shape, and it is the main one in this water system, since it passes about 90 percent of all water.

The Canadian waterfall has a depth of 3 meters, a width of about 700 meters, a water speed of 32 kilometers per hour and a fall height of about 60 meters. The American waterfall is not so wide, only about 250 meters, and smaller (50-60 centimeters), and as a result of the formation of a stone embankment, the height of the flow does not exceed 35 meters. In the middle between the American and Canadian waterfalls (on the American side) there is another small waterfall called Veil.

In the 60s of the last century, the American government commissioned a study of the waterfall to eliminate the causes of the rapid destruction of the natural landmark. For this purpose, a temporary dam was built and the waterfall had to be completely drained. It is noteworthy that the dry waterfall attracted the attention of even more tourists, so during that period the number of visitors to the waterfall increased sharply.

Every second the water flow carries up to 5.7 million liters of water. It is not surprising that this colossal energy Niagara Falls , humanity decided to use it for its own purposes. Thus, a hydroelectric power plant was built in Niagara, which generates electricity for the state of New York.

Infrastructure

Knowing what is the tallest waterfall in north america and where it is located, we can move on to the issue of infrastructure. The first water power plant was built here at the end of the 19th century; over time, its design was improved, the station was rebuilt several times, and today the working option is a power facility built in 1961. In addition to electricity, Niagara Falls provides economic benefits in the form of tourism revenue. Every year, several million people come to see the attraction, not only from Canada and the USA, but also from other countries of the world.

There is a convenient infrastructure for tourists here, including an air bridge, several observation platforms have been built, there are walking terraces, and excursion tours by helicopters and hot air balloons are organized. But the most popular are trips along the river on special vessels with the traditional name “Maiden of the Mist”. You can ride on a pleasure boat from both the Canadian and American sides, and only in this way will you be able to find yourself in the very center of events, to get as close as possible to a real miracle created by nature.

The territory of Niagara Falls has been under state protection for many years; the area around the landmark has been given the status of a national reserve. In addition, this place is traditionally included in all ratings of beautiful places in the USA and is a must-visit.

What is the tallest waterfall in Africa?

If you were interested , then this is Victoria, which is rightly called one of the wonders of the world. The sight of a huge mass of water falling into the abyss against the backdrop of picturesque nature is truly a breathtaking and incredibly beautiful sight. Its height and width are not the largest in the world, but the ratio of their values ​​allows it to be considered the largest on the planet.

Geography

Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River, which flows through a wide, beautiful valley. The width of the cliff is more than 1700 m, and the height of the water fall into the basalt gorge is about 110 m.

When falling Victoria Falls makes a loud noise that resembles a roar and can be heard 40 km away. The full-flowing river dumps almost 550 million liters of water into the gorge every minute, resulting in the formation of thick fog. Thanks to these features, local aborigines nicknamed the waterfall “Mosi oa Tunya”, which means thundering smoke.

During the rainy season on the Zambezi, which lasts from November to April, the falling water forms such a dense fog that it is almost impossible to see the waterfall. During this period, the spray not only envelops the nearby area, but also rises hundreds of meters upward. That's why visible at a distance of 40 - 50 kilometers. During the rest of the year, the water level drops, numerous islands appear on the ridge, and in some places you can see the bottom of the river. Some tourists dare to take a risky walk along the shallows along the cliff.

Gorges

The bulk of the river flow Victoria Falls falls into the first crevice and passes along it between rocks more than 150 m high. After this section, the water passes through a whole cascade of gorges, moving along them for about 80 km. Then there is a sharp turn to the right with the formation of a deep pool. The second gorge is more than 2.5 km long, with a wall height of over 100 m. The third section stretches a little south of the waterfall for 2 km. A modern hydroelectric power station was built there. After it there are four more sections, the largest of which are the Songvi and Batoka gorges. During the dry season, a huge number of birds and animals gather in these places.

Story

About, what is the tallest waterfall in Africa few people know, but his real name is more common . The famous missionary and traveler Livingston was the first European to visit and describe this amazing place. He arrived here in 1855. The majestic picture of a mighty river flow falling from a great height impressed him so much that he named Victoria Falls in honor of the Queen of England. These regions first began to gain popularity during the founding of the British colony here. The development of tourism in the region began after the start of construction of the railway. Thanks to this project, two settlements appeared here: Victoria Falls and Livingston. In 1980, the people of Zimbabwe gained independence and properties with English names were returned to their historical names. For example, a famous city

Salisbury became Horrery. Under the new rules, the waterfall was now called Mosi-oa-Tunia, but outside the country it was known only as Victoria Falls . The world organization UNESCO has authorized the use of both names.

Tourism

Pre-1905 surroundings highest waterfall in Africa were completely deserted. After the railway began operating, these places gained popularity and attracted people from all over the world. Guerrilla warfare in Rhodesia in the 1960s worsened conditions for the development of tourism in the country, and the subsequent rule of a dictator almost destroyed this industry.

Only in the 80s did peace reign in these lands, and the unique natural attraction was again available to travelers. Until 2000, these regions were visited by more than 300 thousand people annually, but after another dictator came to power, the region became restless again. During the reign of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, the number of visitors to the country decreased, but to Zambia it increased. Today, tourism is booming in both countries.

Tourists in these parts are attracted not only by picturesque landscapes Victoria Falls . Several sections of the river have numerous rapids that are considered ideal for rafting and kayaking. Most of them are suitable for beginners, as there are no large and sharp stones.

Five bridges were built on the Zambezi River and one of them is located in close proximity to the waterfall. During the fighting in Southern Rhodesia, it became a venue for negotiations between the warring parties. They lasted almost 10 hours.

Thanks to Fox News highest waterfall in Africa became one of the seven most beautiful places on the planet, recommended for visiting.

David Livingston devoted 30 years of his life to travel across the African continent and missionary work in these lands. Two African cities, several waterfalls and a mountain on the shores of Lake Nyasa are named in his honor.

4. TOP 10 largest waterfalls in the world

1. Angel

You may have previously wondered: What is the tallest waterfall in South America? In the east of Venezuela, among the impenetrable jungle, is the Guiana Plateau. Here is the highest waterfall on the planet, which goes into . Because of its size, it was named "Kerepakupai Meru" by the local Indians, meaning "waterfall of great depth". Its height is about 1055 m.

History of discovery

Due to the fact that the waterfall is located in sparsely populated areas, among impenetrable tropical jungles, for many centuries only Indians from the Pimon tribe knew about it. They believed that evil spirits were throwing water from the mountain, so they tried to avoid these areas.

This miracle of nature was discovered by the Venezuelan pilot Juan Angel, who in the 1930s explored this region in search of diamonds. One day he had to land on a small area located on the top of a mountain. It was not possible to take off from it, so the pilot and his fellow travelers went down, climbing over the rocks. Despite the difficult descent and almost two-week journey through the wild jungle, all participants in the adventure were able to reach civilization. They told the authorities about the beautiful, huge waterfall. A few brave souls decided to check the authenticity of the story. The travelers spent 20 days using machetes to fight their way through impenetrable thickets of tropical plants and were able to find a unique waterfall. Angel, which was later named after its discoverer.

Geography

Waterfall Angel is surrounded by impenetrable jungle and a convenient road to it has not yet been paved. To get to these places you need to walk through the jungle for many days. But thanks to this circumstance, these regions were able to preserve their virgin beauty. Here you can find anteaters, porcupines, sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and deer. The discovery of this region led to the creation of the Canaimi National Park. It has been awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Get to the waterfall Angel possible by plane or motorized canoe. Most tourists prefer air travel, which gives them the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of nature from a bird's eye view. But due to the fact that during the rainy season the rocks are shrouded in thick clouds and there is no opportunity to see these edges up close, many travelers choose the river route. It will take no more than five hours to get to the place, and you can spend the whole day sightseeing. If the trip takes place during the dry season, tourists will have the opportunity to swim at the foot of the waterfall.

2. Tugela

Second place in the rating TOP 10 largest waterfalls in the world takes Tugela, located in the east of South Africa in the Natal National Park. It consists of five separate streams descending from the eastern slope of the Dragon Mountain (Drakensberg). A narrow ribbon of water falls from a height of about 950 m.

Geography of the region

Tugela It is fed by the river of the same name, which is considered the largest in the southeast of the country. It originates on the mountain Mont-aux-Sources. The water in the river is perfectly clean and transparent. In winter, the edges are covered with snow, and the landscape resembles a scene from a fairy tale. These lands were first explored by French missionaries in 1836. Struck by the majesty of the waterfall, they named the mountain they found “Mont-au-serce”, which means “Mountain Springs”. Its outlines resemble an ancient amphitheater. The nearest town is Bergwil, where tourists from all over the world come all year round.

The southern part of the Drakensberg is a deserted area with majestic landscapes. The mountainous landscape includes steep cliffs and river valleys covered with thick grass and numerous trees. In some places there are small forest areas. The nature of the region has retained its pristine beauty, and only a few kilometers away you can see rare agricultural lands.

Tourism

In addition to the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the waterfall, tourists are offered various types of outdoor activities. In addition to hiking and cycling, they can enjoy mountaineering, canoeing and fishing. They can observe unique wild animals and birds.

The main goal of people coming to these parts is to travel to the waterfall Tugela. You can get to it along a mountain path passing through beautiful places. The route starts in the village of Uitsishoek, which is easiest to reach by car. The entire journey takes about five hours one way, so a visit to a local attraction takes the whole day. You can reach the top using two suspension bridges.

There is another route leading to the waterfall, which is considered easier and more convenient. The starting point will be Natal National Park. In this case, you need to walk about 7 km along the gorge and climb the mountain, passing part of the way through the forest. The only serious obstacle is crossing a cluster of boulders. After them, across a small suspension bridge you can reach the top, where you will see a stunning view of a large river dumping its mighty waters from a high cliff.

3. Three sisters

In the southwest of Peru, in the Ayacucho region, there is one of the most unique waterfalls on the planet. Name " Three sisters "It received because of its unusual stream, which descends in cascades and is divided into three parts. Its height is almost 914 m, thanks to which it is also included in TOP 10 largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world . Since it is located far from civilization, among the impenetrable jungle, it can only be reached by making your way through dense thickets of tropical plants. But this does not stop visiting tourists who want not only to admire the natural attraction, but also to test their strength and endurance on the way to the waterfall Three sisters .

This amazing and picturesque wonder of nature attracts people from all over the world. Rare animals and birds live here, and there are unusual flowers and trees. At the foot of the mountain, springs with healing mineral water gush out like small fountains. The waterfall and its surroundings have recently attracted the attention of scientists and representatives of the Peruvian authorities, who saw in it a promising object for research and development of tourism in the country. Thousands of people from all over the planet come there every year to find themselves alone with untouched nature, admire the beautiful landscapes and breathe in the unique aroma of the tropical rainforest.

4. Olopena

Olopena is a waterfall on a small island called Molokai, located in the center of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is surrounded by mountains and tropical forests. The water in it does not fall in a massive stream, but literally slides in a thin line, cascading into several long sections. Height Olopena more than 900 m, which gives it the right to be considered one of the largest on the planet. Due to the fact that the waterfall is hidden deep in the rock and surrounded by dense forests and mountains, it remained unknown to the world for a long time.

Now, most travel companies in Hawaii include a visit to this natural wonder in their tours. An excellent view of the natural landmark opens from the ocean. Some ships come close enough to the shore so that those interested can board the boats and see the waterfall up close. But the best view of these places is only available from a helicopter. From a bird's eye view you can observe an unusual phenomenon: during strong gusts of wind, the air flow picks up the spray and scatters it in a huge fireworks display in all directions.

Unfortunately, flights in these areas are prohibited in such weather. Sunny days are the most suitable time to observe these beauties, then travelers can admire the picturesque landscapes and an unusual waterfall Olopena , its gigantic size and fully appreciate its beauty and uniqueness.

5. Umbilla

In Peru, on the southeastern side of the Andes, there is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet. With a height of 896 m, it ranks fifth in TOP 10 largest waterfalls in the world . This natural landmark was discovered to the world in 2007 after a report by several scientists from the Peruvian National Geographical Society, and a little later, thanks to the media, the whole world learned about it.

Before opening Umbillas Scientists knew these regions well among the local aborigines. They considered this place sacred and treated it with special respect. Its name from the Quechua Indian language can be translated as “love of the heart.” One of the sections of the waterfall, indeed, with its outlines resembles a huge heart. There is a belief according to which lovers who plunge into the waters of this sacred spring will never part, their love will be stormy and endless.

Information about the reliability of the height of the waterfall and the number of its sections is constantly being questioned and is a topic for scientific debate. Some argue that the number of cascades does not exceed four, others think that there are at least five, and still others believe that there are seven or eight. Height is also not an absolute value. Some sources suggest that the true value is 870 m, according to others it is 898.5 m. The National Geographic Institute, with the assistance of several well-known scientific organizations, has conducted a number of studies according to which the most accurate height of this object is 895.5 m.

Despite the considerable height Umbillas , he does not seem powerful and huge.

The reason for this is a small amount of water, which disappears completely during dry seasons. Another reason is that most of the waterfall is difficult to see from the ground. The source of the stream is located a couple of kilometers from the cliff, in a cave that has the same name. The water in it is crystal clear. This unique place is located in a wild tropical forest, in which you can observe rare examples of flora and fauna. Some representatives of flora and fauna are found nowhere else on the planet.

The best time to visit this region is the rainy season, when the volume of falling water becomes maximum and nature blooms with special beauty. Despite the inaccessibility of this natural wonder, the flow of tourists is only increasing from year to year.

6. Vinnufossen

The height of the Norwegian waterfall Vinnufossen about 860 m, which is considered the largest value among similar natural objects in Europe. According to various sources, he ranks sixth or seventh in the world. The longest section is 420 m.

The nearest settlement is the village of Sunndalser, which belongs to the Sundal district in the county of Mere og Romsdal. The waterfall originates from the Winnufonna glacier, which melts and turns into the wide, deep river Winnu. A mighty stream falls into the gorge from the huge Vinnufailet mountain, after which the water flows to the Drina River, flowing into it near the village of Holsand.

The natural attractions of the region can cause a storm of emotions in a traveler. Beauty and size Vinnufossen can charm anyone, which is why some tourists who have visited here once return here again and again. After falling from the cliff, the stream of the waterfall splits into several separate sections, flowing along the rocks and between the trees. The combination of green forests and sky blue water is an incredibly beautiful sight. There are many interesting objects in the vicinity of this unique natural attraction. The nature of the region creates a magical atmosphere, and some places seem fabulous. Tourists will be interested in excursions to the Rondane National Park, visiting the Troll Road and Staircase and the ancient church in Lomé.

The Drina originates from a glacier, and its powerful current is strong and constant. But she strangely slows down her run at the last moment, after which she abruptly drops a huge mass of water from the top. Width Vinnufossen after the fall, it constantly increases, and the observer gets the impression that the seething stream of water, falling like a solid wall, will, in a few seconds, sweep away all the trees in the huge valley from its path. Many tourists subsequently admit that they could not imagine such a breathtaking picture before they visited here.

Although there are many beautiful places in Norway now, all people who come here definitely want to see Vinnufossen . There are quite a lot of places from which you can admire this miracle of nature, and they are located at different distances from the object itself. It is possible to look at the waterfall even while driving along several highways in this region, although this is only accessible in clear weather.

7. Balaifossen

Waterfall Balaifossen is located in the mountains of Norway and is considered the seventh highest on the planet. It is located in the Hordaland region near the town of Osa. With a width of only 6 m, its total height exceeds 850 m. This unique natural site is divided into three sections. The largest of them is 452.5 m in length. Source Balaifossen is the large Bala stream, which is fed by a small mountain lake. The waterfall becomes fullest in the spring, when due to the melting of snow, the amount of water increases many times. It is surrounded by beautiful mountain valleys and huge rocks. Natural attractions attract a large number of tourists from all over the world to these regions.

Powerful water flow Balaifossen falls with great speed from the cliff onto the stones. This incredible fall creates a huge amount of splashes and white foam, which shimmer in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow, which looks very impressive and beautiful. In the spring months, the nature around the waterfall transforms; against the backdrop of green valleys and forest-covered rocks, it looks very picturesque. At this time, a unique natural site presents an amazing and breathtaking sight.

8. Puukaoku

As you know, Canada and the USA are located nearby, but the nature is significantly different. Waterfall Puukaoku , interestingly, has the same height as James Bruce (840 meters). The best time to visit this place is between November and March during the monsoon season. At this time, there is much more water and the power of the reservoir increases sharply. Hawaii has always been very popular among tourists, and the availability Puukaoku makes this place even more popular. You can watch the waterfall directly from the ocean.

9. James Bruce

James Burrows is the largest waterfall in North America and ranks ninth in the world ranking. It is located in Canada, in British Columbia, on the territory of the Marine Provincial Park, which is named after Princess Louise. Its maximum height is more than 840 meters. Waterfall James Burrows surrounded by inaccessible cliffs and pine forests, it consists of two sections. One of them dries up in the summer, while the other remains full of water all year round. After falling, the stream carries its waters to Lockwilt's Creek, and there, after confluence, it turns into a new waterfall called Chetterbox.

10. Brown

Waterfall Brown The Falls is located in New Zealand, on the lands of the Fiordland National Park. It occupies one of the leading places in the world ranking with an indicator of 836 m. This natural site is very popular among tourists. Its enormous size and picturesque surroundings attract visitors from all over the world. It consists of several uneven segments. The longest of them is 245 m. Width Brown The fall is only 12 m, the fall area stretches horizontally for 1300 m. The waterfall is surrounded by thickets of tropical plants and numerous rocks.

It originates from the lake Brown , which is located high in the mountains. These places have a tropical climate, so the vegetation is very dense and the forests are difficult to navigate. This factor helped these places preserve their pristine beauty. These areas contain rare species of animals and plants that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The waterfall is a delightful natural attraction that captivates with its beautiful view and grandeur, and is capable of winning the hearts of even seasoned travelers.

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Did you know that the height of the tallest waterfall in the world is comparable to the height of 33 nine-story buildings? Read below for interesting facts about the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

No. 10. Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

Sutherland Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Oceania. Its height is 580 meters. The waterfall is located in one of the most picturesque corners of New Zealand - in the Fiordland National Park, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The source of the waterfall is a mountain lake that flows into the Arthur River and falls in a powerful stream from the top of the Southern Alps.

No. 9. Dettifoss waterfall, Iceland

Iceland is known for its beautiful waterfalls, lakes, geysers and glaciers. One of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland is Dettifoss Falls, which is considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

The waterfall is located in the Jökulsargljuvur National Park, and is a continuation of the Jökulsargljuvur River.

Among the sparse, arid landscape, the waterfall looks like a real miracle. The width of Dettifoss is about 100 m, the height is 44 m (9 m less than Niagara Falls), the average water flow is 193 m³/sec, during floods - up to 600 m³/sec.

No. 8. Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland

Gullfoss waterfall is located in the southwest of Iceland in the canyon of the Hvita River. Gullfoss means “Golden Waterfall”.

Gullfoss is a huge waterfall located on the cliff of a mountain range. The waterfall has a unique shape and structure. It is formed by three separate levels and two cascades. The height of the upper level is 11 meters, and the lower level is 21 m. The depth of the gorge is 70 m.

The volume of water passing through Gullfoss averages 109 m3/sec and rises in summer to 130 m3/sec. During major floods, this figure increases many times over.

No. 7. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls is one of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in the world. Kaieteur is located on the Potaro River in Guyana. The height of the waterfall is 226 meters - this is 5 times higher than Niagara Falls and 2 times higher than Victoria Falls.

No. 6. Yosemite Falls, California

Yosemite Falls is located in California in the national park of the same name. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America and the 20th tallest in the world. The height of Yosemite is 739 meters. The height of the upper, reaching the first terrace of the Upper Yosemite Falls, is 435 meters, and the middle and lower waterfalls have heights of 206 and 98 meters, respectively.

No. 5. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel is the tallest waterfall in the world! Angel's height is 979 meters, width is 107 m, flow rate is 300 m3/sec. The waterfall was named after pilot James Angel, who flew over the waterfall in 1933.

The waterfall is located in the Canaima National Park in the tropical forests of Venezuela. The waterfall falls from the top of Mount Auyantepui. The height of the water fall is so great that only fog reaches the ground.

No. 4. Sastavci Waterfall, Croatia

Sastavci Waterfall is the largest and most beautiful waterfall in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Perfectly clear turquoise water falls from a height of 72 meters.

No. 3. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River, which carries the waters of 4 of the 5 Great Lakes of America. Niagara Falls is considered the most powerful in North America due to the volume of water passing through it.

Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls: the American Falls (on the American side), the small 20-meter Veil Falls and the Horseshoe or Canadian Falls (on the Canadian side).

The height of the waterfall is 51 meters. The total length of the waterfall is 1150 meters, of which 323 meters are the American Falls and 792 meters are the Horseshoe Falls.

No. 2. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world! This wonder of the world was discovered by Scottish traveler and African explorer David Livingstone in 1855.

Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River. The width of the waterfall is 1800 meters, height is 107 meters. Hundreds of millions of liters of water per minute crash down to the bottom of the gorge. The noise from the waterfall can be heard at a distance of 20-30 km.

Victoria is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

No. 1. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

Iguazu consists of 275 waterfalls, with a total width of more than 3 km, and a height of 82 m. The noise from the waterfall can be heard 20-25 km away. Iguazu is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina; two rivers form the waterfall - Iguazu and Parana.

This is a unique sight. The Indians gave the waterfall the name “iguazu” - “big water”. Among Europeans, it was first discovered by the Spanish conquistador Don Alvaro Nunez Casezo in 1541.
Igusau Falls is considered the eighth wonder of the world; tens of thousands of tourists come here every year.

Iguazu Falls is a fairly wide and rugged area of ​​falling water. The waterfall is located on the Iguazu River of the same name near the border of Brazil and Argentina.
It is believed that the formation of the waterfall occurred as a result of a strong earthquake caused by a volcanic eruption, as a result of which large cracks formed in the earth's crust.
During the rainy season in November - March, water flow can reach 12,750 cubic meters per second.
Iguazu Falls consists of many individual waterfalls, which are separated by islands, the total area of ​​the single complex is more than 2,700 square meters.
There are a total of 275 waterfalls in this area, the largest is called “Devil's Throat” - the water in this area falls from a height of 80 meters.
In the Guarani language, the term "Iguazu" means "big water". The waterfall was discovered in 1541 by Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca and has been part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1984.

The waterfall is located in Africa, on the border of Zambia and Zambezi.
The waterfall was discovered in 1855, after David Livingston first saw this amazing natural phenomenon.
During the Jurassic period (150 - 200 million years ago), volcanic activity resulted in thick basalt covering much of South Africa. As the lava cooled and crystallized, cracks appeared in the hard basalt crust, which were filled with clay and lime. The Zambezi River gradually washed away soft rocks, thus forming the waterfall.

The width of the water fall is 1700 meters, the height is 108 meters, in terms of the volume of falling water (during the rainy season) per unit time, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on the planet.
The volume of water ranges from 300 to 9000 cubic meters per second. On average for the year - about 1000 cubic meters per second.

The waterfall is located in the northeast of Iceland, on the Jökulsau au Fjödlum river, and is the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of the volume of falling water - on average, approximately 200 cubic meters per second.
The width of the waterfall is 100 meters, the height of the water fall is 44 meters.

5. Shoshone Falls

The waterfall is located in the west of Guyana, on the border with Venezuela, on the Potaro River. The height of the water fall is 226 meters, the width of the waterfall is about 100 meters. The maximum water flow is more than 1200 cubic meters per second (average annual flow is about 650 cubic meters). The waterfall is the largest in the world in many ways. But since it is located in a remote area, little is known about it. It is not visited by tourists.

The waterfall is located in the south of Iceland on the Hvitau River. The height of the waterfall is 32 meters, the average water flow is 125 cubic meters per second. But it should be noted that the waterfall consists of two steps, the first 11 meters high, the second 21 meters.

The highest waterfall on planet Earth. The height of the water fall is 979 meters, the height of the continuous water fall is 807 meters.
The waterfall is located in Venezuela on the Churun ​​River.

Yosemite Falls is located in eastern California in the USA on the Merced River. The total height of the waterfall is 739 meters. The waterfall consists of 3 cascades, the height of the upper waterfall is 435 meters, the middle one is 206 meters and the lowest one is 98 meters.

10. Huang Guoshu Waterfall

You can look at the flowing water endlessly. And if the water falls from a great height, then even more so. Fortunately, nature spoils us with such gorgeous views, scattering waterfalls here and there around the world. Any ledge in a river where water falls from a height of more than a meter can be called a waterfall or threshold. Both of them have always attracted many travelers. One of the most famous waterfalls in the world is Niagara Falls, although it is not that high at all, and there are many rapids wider than it. But even water falling from just 50 meters simply fascinates tourists. But less known are the more inaccessible high waterfalls, some of which were discovered relatively recently.

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1. Angel, Venezuela (979 m)

It is, undoubtedly, the highest waterfall on Earth, located in the distant Venezuelan tropics, where it falls from a fantastic height of 979 meters. When water falls from a dizzying height, it breaks into millions of small splashes, so clouds of dense fog always hang below. This waterfall was discovered by pilot James Angel, who was flying over the local jungle while doing geological exploration and accidentally noticed this waterfall. This was in 1933, and 4 years later Angel, his wife and several other people decided to go to the waterfall to explore its source in more detail. But the plane they were flying on had an accident, and he miraculously landed on this very top. As a result, the travelers had to wade through the jungle for 11 days to get home. Returning, Angel revealed to the world the secret of the existence of the waterfall.
In 1994, the waterfall, along with the surrounding area of ​​Canaima, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although the Venezuelan president decided to rename this waterfall in 2009, returning to it the name Kerepakupai-meru, used by local residents, such a complex name did not take root for the rest of the world, and it remained Angel Falls.

2. Tugela, South Africa (948 m)

Another waterfall, Tugela, is only slightly inferior in height to Angel Falls. It is located in South Africa and consists of five cascades that fall down. The highest cascade has a height of 411 meters, but in total all its steps add up to almost a kilometer. But this waterfall cannot be called very powerful - it is nowhere wider than 15 meters, and the per second flow of water in it does not exceed 400 cubic meters. It is fed by the Tugela River in Natal National Park, where it tumbles down from the Drakensberg Mountains.
This waterfall looks especially impressive during sunset or after a heavy rainfall. The rays of the setting sun make the streams of falling water sparkle. The river itself is very short - it begins just a few kilometers from the cliff. The water in it is so pure that it is quite suitable for drinking.
In winter, the waterfall often freezes, turning into pillars of ice and making the surrounding area look fabulous. Many tourists traveling around South Africa strive to get to the waterfall. Two paths about seven kilometers long lead to it. It will take about 8 hours to climb them to the waterfall and about the same time on the way back.

3. Three sisters, Peru (914 m)

In the Peruvian Andes there is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, called the Three Sisters. It consists of three cascades of powerful water flows. The waterfall is very narrow - only 14 meters. It is surrounded by lush green tropical jungle, some of which grow up to 30 meters tall. The surrounding area is so beautiful that it resembles paradise. This is the region of Ayacuccio, remote from civilization.
The world discovered the Three Sisters Waterfall relatively recently and, in general, by accident. A group of photographers went to shoot another waterfall - Katarata, which has a falling height of 267 meters, however, making their way through the jungle, they came across a much more spectacular miracle of nature.

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4. Olopena, USA (900m)

Even in the United States, the above-mentioned Niagara Falls is far from holding the record for height. There is a waterfall in this country that is much higher, but you shouldn’t look for it on the mainland of the country - you’ll have to fly to the Hawaiian Islands. Among them is the island of Molokai, where the Olopena waterfall is located. But not everyone expects to see such a grandiose waterfall on these remote islands, because it is very difficult to get to. Therefore, most of his photographs were taken using aerial photography.
The waterfall is surrounded on both sides by mountains of volcanic origin. The stream of the waterfall is quite weak, and as it falls it falls from ledge to ledge many times. It’s more likely that she doesn’t fall, but rather slides along an almost vertical rock, rushing into the waters of the ocean. The waterfall cut deep into the rock, which is why it could not be discovered or photographed for so long. The best view of it is from the ocean, so many local travel companies organize tours to it. True, you can only fly there in stable good weather.

5. Umbilla, Peru (895 m)

This is another high waterfall, relatively recently discovered in Peru. It is located in the Amazon basin, and regarding its height, there is still debate among scientists regarding its exact characteristics. Some data give 870 meters, while others give 895.4 meters. The waterfall consists of many cascades along four steep slopes. The Ministry of Tourism of Peru was very happy about the discovery of another beautiful waterfall in its country, after which it decided to organize a two-day tour of the most significant waterfalls in the country.
This waterfall boasts height, but not the power of the stream. Of the entire trajectory of its fall, only about 600 meters remain visible. It is impossible to get to the waterfall without a local guide, since there are no signs installed here. And its inaccessibility became the reason for the small number of available photographs.

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6. Vinnufossen, Norway (860 m)

Norway is home to the highest waterfall in Europe, Vinufossen, which is formed by the fall of the Vinnu River from the top of Vinnufjellet, which then flows into another river, Driva. Winnu is fed by meltwater from the Winnufon glacier, which melts from the sun's rays. It is curious that the root “vinnu”, which is present in the name of a mountain, glacier, river and waterfall, is no longer present in the current language of the Norwegians.
This is a cascading waterfall, its largest step is 420 meters. There are other attractions near Vinnufossen that are interesting for tourists. Also nearby (only 39 kilometers) is the Dovrefjell National Park.

7. Balaifossen, Norway (850 m)

There is another tall waterfall in Norway - Balaifossen. It becomes especially full-flowing towards the end of spring. The waterfall is 6 meters wide and is fed by the Bala stream, flowing from a mountain lake. This waterfall has three steps, after the last of which the water falls into the sea. The highest cascade reaches 452 meters. But it is not very interesting for tourists, since the volume of its spillway is quite small, and at some moments it even dries up. As soon as the warm summer begins, Balaifossen turns into a barely noticeable trickle, and all thanks to its low-water source.
Since the waterfall is completely dependent on melting snow, its power depends on the weather, time of year and characteristics of the season, and therefore is an extremely fickle thing. If you travel around Norway in July and plan to look at the Balaifossen waterfall, then when you get here you can see a stone and completely dry riverbed. The general warming of the world's climate has the most negative impact on this waterfall. The glacier above it is gradually decreasing in size, and is less and less able to provide water for the autumn replenishment of this waterfall, so after some time it may completely disappear.

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8. Puukaoku, USA (840 m)

On the small Hawaiian island of Molokai, there are two waterfalls that are among the ten highest in the world. It is at its fullest during the rainy season, which lasts here from November to March. And in this case, the water from the waterfall flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. By the way, it is best seen from the water. In many ways, this waterfall repeats its taller brother Olopen, since it also does not give the picture of a free fall of water, which slides along almost vertical rocks. Since the surrounding slopes are inaccessible to the average person, few people were able to photograph this waterfall.
There are many dense thickets growing along the slopes, which, on the one hand, hide the waterfall from view, and on the other, holding weakly in the loose volcanic soil, they are a very unreliable support, at least for a person loaded with additional equipment. But it’s quite easy to look at it from the sea - you just need to buy a ticket for a boat, which is provided specifically for this by various travel companies. By sea you can get so close to the place where the water falls that you will find yourself immersed in a cloud of fog that always surrounds this place.
An even more impressive picture opens up when you look at the waterfall from a helicopter. Sometimes, when a strong wind blows from the ocean, the gusts of water do not fall into the ocean, but are picked up by the wind. But tourists, as a rule, cannot see such a unique spectacle either from helicopters or boats, since such a trip becomes too dangerous in bad weather.

9. James Bruce, Canada (840 m)

This tallest waterfall in North America was named after the famous traveler, Scotsman James Bruce, who distinguished himself by reaching the source of the Blue Nile. Bruce Falls itself is located in British Columbia, in the Princess Louise Marine Park. It is not too wide - only 5 meters, and it is fed by two streams generated by mountain glaciers, one stream is constant, and the other dries up in the summer. Therefore, the largest spillway is observed at this waterfall in autumn or rainy winter.

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10. Brown, New Zealand (836 m)

Brown Falls is located on the South Island of New Zealand, within Fiordland National Park. With a width of 12 meters, it discharges 3 cubic meters of water every second, but when the water level in the lake that feeds it is at its maximum, the flow increases to 14 cubic meters. This is a very long waterfall, the water flows in it at an angle of 42 degrees, so it reaches its lowest point after covering 1130 meters horizontally from the start. We can say that this is one large cascade, where the maximum drop is 244 meters high.
Brown Falls is surrounded by typical New Zealand rainforest. It feeds on water from the alpine lake of the same name. At the end of its journey, the water enters the fjord, which is part of Arm Bay. The waterfall and lake were named after the aerial photographer Victor Brown, who first discovered them when he flew over local lands in 1940.