Seven Natural Wonders of Waterfalls
Iguassu Falls
The majority of people note that the Iguassu Falls system is comprised of 275 independent falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), however there are some locals who argue that there are approximately 75 separate falls. The difference is accounted for by where you count the breaks in water both vertically and horizontally. At one spot, visitors can be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Although the highest part of the falls measures 269 feet (82 m), the majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m).
Iguassu Falls Quick Facts:
- Internationally named Iguassu Falls
- Known as Iguazu Falls in Argentina
- Referred to as Iguacu Falls in Brazil
- Consists of 275 falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km)
- Iguassu Falls reaches a height of 269 feet (82 m)
- Third in the world with average flow of water
- Collection of Iguassu Falls Pictures
Iguassu Falls is the international name of the falls, however is is referred locally as Iguazu Falls (Spanish) and Iguaca Falls (Portuguese). The falls are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina and not far from Paraguay.
The majority of people note that the Iguassu Falls system is comprised of 275 independent falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), however there are some locals who argue that there are approximately 75 separate falls. The difference is accounted for by where you count the breaks in water both vertically and horizontally. At one spot, visitors can be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Although the highest part of the falls measures 269 feet (82 m), the majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m).
Devil’s Throat, Garganta del Diablo, which is the U-shaped start of the falls is often considered the most impressive part. Devil’s Throat is the highest point of the falls measuring 269 feet (82 m) high, 492.1 feet (150 m) wide and 2,296 feet (700 m) long.
Iguassu Falls is wider than Victoria Falls, however because it is split into numerous distinct individual falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), Victoria Falls has the claim to the largest single curtain of falling water.
Iguassu Falls Places to Stay
Iguassu Falls has a variety of places to stay whether you choose to stay on the Argentinian or Brazilian side of the falls. Here is a comprehensive listing of Iguassu Falls Hotels that you may review for a potential trip to this wonder of nature.
Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located within the national park on the Brazilian side of the falls. Iguassu Falls is literally just off your doorstep. Take a leisurely one minute stroll down the steps if the hotel and you will be greeted by one of the most spectacular panoramic views anywhere.
In addition to the proximity of the falls, another immediate benefit with a stay at this hotel is access to the falls outside the national park hours – NO crowds, it is just you and the falls. The hotel was refurbished in 2010 and it has successfully maintained the historic features of the hotel while enhancing the luxury of this Portuguese colonial property.
The Hotel das Cataratas leverages class, character and convenience to help deliver the best natural wonder experience possible. Learn more about Hotel das Cataratas from our site or go directly to the Hotel Website. But only check it out if you want to be further enticed to visit.
Iguazu Falls Places to Stay
Iguazu Falls is the Spanish and local name of the Argentinean side of the falls. The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa is the only hotel inside Iguazu National Park on the Argentinian side of the falls. When asked why visitors should stay at the Sheraton, the Hotel Manager replied, “When investors look at a property they always take three things into mind, Location, Location, Location. And, we have all three.”
The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Hotel provides visitors with exclusive backdoor access into the national park. Additionally, the hotel faces the falls allowing guests to view the falls directly from the balconies of their rooms. “Iguassu Falls is not a neighbor of the Sheraton; it is the backyard,” Phillip Imler
Best way to see Iguassu Falls
One of the things visitors will quickly discover is that the perspective or image of Iguassu Falls changes with every step. The best view depends on what aspect of the falls one enjoys the most. Visitors should plan at least a day and a half in order to explore the falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls and to capture all the various eclectic views offered of the falls.
The Argentina side of the falls allows visitors to see various panoramic views of the falls while also providing visitors with the opportunity to view the water flow and surrounding area from atop the falls. The Brazilian side provides the most inclusive and comprehensive panoramic views of the falls.
The Argentina side of the falls offers two different trails: 1) upper falls and 2) lower falls. The upper falls trail takes visitors across catwalks that cross over several of the falls and allow visitors to look over the edges and watch the water fall to the rocks below. The lower falls trail allows visitors to get up closer to the falls and delivers some of the best views of the falls. Some of these views are actually used in many of the postcards seen in gift stores and in the hotels.
The upper and lower trails should be taken in the morning. The sun is rising from the Brazilian side and provides the best lighting of the falls during the morning. The train and viewing of Devil’s Throat should be done in the afternoon when the sun has at least risen above the falls. Viewing Devil’s Throat in the morning will leave visitors starring into the sun.
The Brazilian side should also be explored in the morning with the sun lighting the falls from behind you. The Brazilian side is shorter and may easily be completed in the morning hours. This makes it possible to view the falls from all perspectives within a day and a half. However, visitors should be encouraged to allow for more time to enjoy the falls at a more leisurely pace as well as multiple times as the weather changes or wildlife is experienced.
Best way to experience Iguassu Falls
Iguassu Falls may be experienced a couple of different ways. Without question, visitors should hike through the upper and lower trails on the Argentina side. The Brazilian side is for viewing the falls, the Argentina side is for experiencing the falls.
After that visitors should plan on taking one of the exhilarating boat rides that take you directly into the falls. A common question is, “Will you get wet?” – The answer is no you will not just get wet – you will get drenched, soaked, flooded, and out right sopping wet. For many, this is a welcomed event following a hiking experience throughout the trails. No matter what it is an adventure that is just out right fun.
Best Times to Explore Iguassu Falls
The good news is that there is really not a bad time to visit the falls with the temperature and climate being fairly consistent throughout the year. The high season for Brazilians and Argentinians are the months of January and February. A visit during this time frame will also include higher waters and higher temperatures. Easter week is also unseasonably busy as many people travel to the falls for the holiday.
The months of May and July are the rainy seasons and also the highest water levels. Some prefer this because of the force and significance of the water flowing over the falls. Probably the best times to explore Iguazu Falls are during the months of September and October. The weather is nicer, the falls are beautiful and the area is less crowded.
Iguassu Falls Photography Tips
The best pictures of the majority of the falls will occur during the morning hours whether from the Argentina or Brazilian side, with two exceptions. The sun rises from the Brazilian side and lights up the falls during the morning. The park on the Argentina side opens at 8:00 a.m. and photographers should be up and ready to embark on their photography adventure.
The Brazilian side opens up at 9:00 a.m. and it is a good idea to be there before that. Here is a reason to stay inside the park if you can. The Brazilian hillside and rainforest shades photographers as they view the sun light falls across the way towards the Argentinian side.
Here is the first exception on the morning photography recommendation. The falls reach the border and make a u-turn. This part of the Brazilian falls is best photographed in the late afternoon. The park closes at 5:00 in the evening so that will be the latest you can shoot unless you are staying inside the park.
The second exception is Devil’s Throat. Devil’s throat is the U-shaped waterfall which is closer to the Brazilian side of the falls. It is best photographed in the afternoon once the sun moved across the sky. If you attempt to shoot Devil’s Throat in the morning you will find yourself and your camera facing directly into the sun.
The park opens at night four evenings a year during the full moon. This also makes for creative images out over Devil’s Throat. One key point is to make sure you take a tripod.
Many of the views of the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides are engulfed with spray or mist from the falls. Make sure you have protective gear for your equipment. If you do take the boat ride into the falls – the captain will drive the boat up to near the beginning of the mist and pause allowing you to take pictures. Then he will provide you with a water proof bag to store your equipment as he makes way into the falls – you will get drenched. This is not a place where the camera goes under your shirt – it is a downpour.
Iguassu Falls Travel Tips
Iguassu Falls can be accessed easily from either the Brazilian or Argentinian side. Both Foz de Iguacu, Brazil and Port Iguazu, Argentina have airports. Common connections will go through either Sao Pualo, Brazil or Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is easy to cross the borders either direction, however it is quite probably that you will need a Brazilian visa which is required in advance and not available at the border.
Iguazu Falls is also in an isolated area and rarely part of an individual destination. In most cases visitors are incorporating a stay at Iguazu Falls as part of a more extensive itinerary. If enjoying nature and relaxing in pristine beauty are desired – a longer stay at Iguazu Falls is ideal and encouraged.
Iguazu Falls Resources
Iguazu Jungle: a tour company that offers packages and personalized tours of the falls. Packages may include the adventure boats into the falls, the jungle tours through the rainforest, and an ecological guided raft trip atop the falls. Iguazu Jungle can also assist you with guided services through the park and with the open aired train ride out to Devil’s Throat. For more on Iguassu Falls resources and other ways to engage the falls and surrounding area.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Statistically speaking, it is the largest waterfall in the world. This recognition comes from combining the height and width together to create the largest single sheet of flowing water.
Victoria Falls Facts:
- Also called Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning “smoke that thunders.”
- Largest waterfall based on width and height
- One mile wide (1.7 km) and 360 feet high (108 meters)
- Two national parks protect the falls
- View Pictures of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Statistically speaking, it is the largest waterfall in the world. This recognition comes from combining the height and width together to create the largest single sheet of flowing water.
Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and travelers can access the falls through either Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The falls are also close to the border of Botswana. The Zambezi River, which originates in northern Zambia, serves as the fall’s water source.
The name Victoria Falls was given to the falls by the Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone. He named the falls after the reining queen at the time. The locals called the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning “smoke that thunders.” Many people still refer to this nickname, which accurately defines the falls.
When Zambia gained independence in 1964, officials went through the entire country and changed the streets, cities and buildings from British names to African names except for the city of Livingstone and Victoria Falls. This reflected the deep respect and appreciation the people of Zambia had for the Scottish missionary.
Zimbabwe established a sister city to Livingstone, Zambia. This city, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, mirrors the name of the falls. Officials of Zimbabwe also kept the name post their independence. View more pictures of Victoria Falls.
Best Ways to See and Experience Victoria Falls
There are numerous activities to add excitement and adventure to a trip to Victoria Falls. However, when it comes to viewing the falls, there are two unique and distinctive views of the falls that should both be explored to help you capture the true splendor and amazement of this wonder of nature.
The first, and potentially the most impressive, view of the falls comes from the air. You can accomplish this by leveraging a flight over the falls using either a helicopter or microlite. The microlite is the more adventurous route, but either will provide you with a breathtaking and spectacular aerial view of the falls and the surrounding area. You will have a fair chance of seeing elephants or other wildlife while taking in the awe inspiring view of the falls. Although there are no guarantees, witnessing wildlife along the way will enhance your natural wonders experience.
The second and almost equally impressive view of the falls comes from the various trails that follow alongside the falls. This unique trail places you face-to-face with the tops of the falls. The falls are head on and only about 200 feet (60 meters) away. As you enter the park and turn the corner you are instantly presented with the magnificence and glory of the falls. As you take the path and hear the water pounding and witness the vapor rising, you quickly understand the name, “smoke that thunders.”
The majority of trails occur on the Zambian side of the falls, however the Zimbabwean side of the falls provides visitors with the greater panoramic view of the falls. Sightseers and photographers can see approximately 80% of the falls as compared to about 25 to 30% from the Zambian side.
You may visit the Victoria Falls Activities page for a comprehensive list of activities of adventures that are available to help you engage, explore and experience this wonder of nature.
Best Times to Explore Victoria Falls
There are basically two seasons for the Victoria Falls area. The rainy season runs from late November to early April with the remaining months accounting for the dry season. One would imagine that the rainy season with more water would make the falls more spectacular, however the additional water and subsequent mist in the air makes it nearly impossible to see the base of the falls.
The months of June and July are probably the best time to view the falls. The water levels are still high enough to showcase the splendor of the falls, but the amount of water is less creating less spray and more visibility of the falls.
As you move into the later part of the dry season, August through October, it is quite possible you will see more rock face than falls. However, this also opens the door for walking across the top of the falls which can be a unique and exhilarating experience as well.
Victoria Falls Photography Tips
During the rainy season and high water, Victoria Falls can be a challenge to capture with a camera because of all of the mist in the air. It is also a challenge to navigate the trails along the gorge with the constant and heavy falling spray from the falls. It is important to have rain gear and something to protect your camera.
The high water levels creates a greater amount of mist in the air. This increases the probabilities that you will be able to capture rainbow images around the falls. More than likely you will want to use a polarizing filter which will help with the reflecting light from the sun and mist in the air.
The lower water levels can create more dramatic pictures with the various rocks cropping out between the falls. You should also be able to see the canyon and base of the falls. You will also be able to walk across the top of the falls and take images down the face of the falls. You can view a series of Victoria Falls Pictures on this page.
Victoria Falls Places to Stay
There are several hotels and lodges to choose from for a great stay at Victoria Falls. Lodges and hotels are available on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls. More information on recommended places to stay coming soon.
Victoria Falls Travel Tips
Daily flights are offered from Johannesburg, South Africa to the towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe which provides easy access to the falls. Easy access is also provided with flights from Windhoek, Namibia. Less inviting options include flights to Lusaka, Zambia or Harare, Zimbabwe with bus rides to Livingstone or Victoria Falls.
7 Natural Wonders of Africa
Victoria Falls, as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, serves as the Ambassador to the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa. The Seven Natural Wonders of Africa were declared February 11, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. The official wonders of nature for Africa include the following:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Red Sea Reef
- Nile River
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Sahara Desert
- Okavango Delta
- Serengeti Migration
The world and Africa is full of amazing wonders of nature. Add these to your bucket list and start your travels. You can track them easily on The Travel Tracker, which also has other bucket list ideas even if you are not tracking these natural wonders.
Endangered Species
There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.
African, Zambian and Zimbabwean Resources
African resources for conservation, tourism, safaris, wildlife and more are located on the African Resources page of the Seven Natural Wonders site. Zambia and Zimbabwean Resources will be located there too. You will find access to UNESCO and other professional resources along with leading tour guides, travel programs, and more.
Victoria Insights and Resources
Victoria Falls Travel Packages: Complete travel packages to both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides of the falls.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is an incredible waterfall system located on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. Niagara Falls is comprised of three distinctive falls including: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the American side.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Quick Facts:
- Six million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) of water flow over the crest every minute during high flow
- Average of four million cubic feet (110,00 cubic meters
- Located between twin cities of Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is an incredible waterfall system located on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. Niagara Falls is comprised of three distinctive falls including: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the American side.
The Horseshoe Falls are 2,600 feet ( 792 m) wide with the American Falls measuring 1,060 feet (323 m) wide. The highest drop occurs on Horseshoe Falls at 173 feet (53 m).
Niagara Falls has an average of approximately 4 million cubic feet (110,000 cubic meters) of water every minute with heavy flow reaching as much as 6 million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) every minute. Horseshoe Falls accounts for approximately 90% of the water volume. The water is supplied by the Niagara River.
Winner Announcement
Be one of the first to know who the winners are for the new 7 wonders of nature. Announced on the Travel Tracker first before any other place. Fun travel app with a whole variety of bucket list ideas even if you are not tracking the natural wonders.
Niagara Falls – Other Voting
Niagara Falls is also a candidate as one of the key wonders of nature in two additional campaigns. You are welcome to vote for Niagara Falls in the 7 Natural Wonders of the United States or the 7 Natural Wonders of Canada campaigns.
Best way to see and experience Niagara Falls
More will follow on Niagara Falls as it is declared an official or notable wonder of North America.
Angel Falls
Angel Falls is found in Venezuela in the Canaima National Park. It is the highest waterfall in the world at 3,212 feet (979 m). The falls has a clear drop of 2,647 feet (807 m) which is so far that the water vaporizes with the wind and becomes mist well before reaching the ground. Angel Falls is also called Kerepakupai meru which means “waterfall of the deepest place.”
Angel Falls
Angel Falls Quick Facts:
- Highest waterfall in the world with a height at 3,212 feet (979 m)
- Clear drop of 2,647 feet (807 m)
- Also known as “Kerepakupai meru” which means “waterfall of the deepest place
Angel Falls
Angel Falls is found in Venezuela in the Canaima National Park. It is the highest waterfall in the world at 3,212 feet (979 m). The falls has a clear drop of 2,647 feet (807 m) which is so far that the water vaporizes with the wind and becomes mist well before reaching the ground. Angel Falls is also called Kerepakupai meru which means “waterfall of the deepest place.”
Best way to see and experience Angel Falls
More will follow on the Angel Falls as it is declared an official or notable wonder of South America.
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