The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World

The magical sight of cascading water, smothering glassy rock faces and dampening luscious greenery on its way down an epic slope, is one of the most effortlessly inspiring encounters you can have on your travels. We’ve put together this list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, which you can visit with Culture Trip.

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Skógafoss, Iceland

There’s only one place we can realistically start, and that’s in the epic volcanic landscapes of Iceland, which has one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls on the planet, owing to its abundance of geothermal hot springs and glaciers. You’re likely to encounter multiple falls on your travels here, most of which will be most notable for their thundering power. Our personal favourite is Skógafoss, which you might recognise from the final season Game of Thrones, on the south side of the island. Water from two separate glaciers plummet down the 60m (200 ft) drop, and on a sunny day you can see rainbows in the waterfall, such is the sheer quantity of misty spray created. It’s an awe-inspiring sight from the ground, while the hike to the top of the falls is worth it for stunning views along the south coast. You can visit Skógafoss on our five-day Volcanic Iceland trip, as well as Seljalandfoss, which you can actually walk behind, and Gulfoss, the country’s most famous waterfall.

From US$2369

Next available from 21st Oct 2023

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STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Kuang Si Falls, Laos

Maybe it’s the way rays of sunshine sneak through tropical boundaries to shimmer across the water, or maybe it’s the way the falls reveal themselves like an oasis, seemingly out of nowhere, but a jungle waterfall has a truly mystical quality to it. Kuang Si is arguably the finest example of jungle falls on the planet. It’s certainly the most beautiful thing to see in Laos. The almost milky turquoise water, which flows down through the jungle and into gorgeous tiered limestone pools, sets this unique natural phenomenon apart from most waterfalls. The main drop is of a similar height to Skógafoss, but the joys of Kuang Si come from the unique-looking pools themselves, and the little mini cascades linking them all together. You’ll go on an amazing tropical rainforest hike on our Thailand and Laos Rail Trip, eventually reaching the falls, where you’ll have a few hours to spend finding the perfect selfie spot and splashing around with your fellow travellers.

From US$1957

Next available from 2nd Dec 2023

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STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

DURATION

14

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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A cyclist takes a break, sitting overlooking a pair of waterfalls in a green and rocky canyon

Baños Waterfall Route, Ecuador

The route from Baños to Puyo in Ecuador is one of the most scenic on Earth, locally known as the Ruta de Las Cascadas (Waterfall Highway) due to the seven waterfalls (some say as many as 12) you pass along the way. Highlights include Agoyán, the largest waterfall in the Ecuadorian Andes, and Manto de la Novia – or the the Bride’s Veil, thanks to its pure white colour of its twin cascades. The most impressive of the lot is without doubt Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), which you’re likely to hear before you see thanks to its dramatic position within a fairly narrow gorge. The 80m (262ft) drop is quite the sight to behold and it’s perhaps best viewed from the wobbly suspension bridge that crosses the gorge. You’ll get to cycle the magnificent Baños route on our eight-day Adventurous Ecuador tour – our tip, don’t go too fast or you might miss some of the smaller falls!

From US$1459

Next available from 9th Dec 2023

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STARTS AT

Quito, Ecuador

ENDS AT

Quito, Ecuador

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Shifen Waterfall, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan

This majestic waterfall in northern Taiwan is more notable for its width than its height, crossing 40m (130ft) of the Keelung River and earning it a nickname, the Little Niagara of Taiwan. It’s beautiful to observe this unique geological phenomenon – formed by rock formations that go against the flow of the river – from pretty much every angle. There’s the misleadingly serene emerald waters at the top of the waterfall and the sudden layered downfall, causing a rushing stream that often produces mini rainbows in the sun. The best viewing point is on a platform that offers brilliant panoramic views of the full width of the falls, as well as the luscious surrounding greenery. You’ll get to visit Shifen Waterfall, as well as the charming nearby old town, on day seven of our Taste of Taiwan itinerary.

From US$1522

Next available from 30th Dec 2023

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STARTS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

ENDS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Nyahururu Waterfalls, Kenya

The Great Rift Valley of Kenya is not short on natural wonders, from Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara, but this spectacular 74m (243ft) waterfall is an underrated gem along this massive African fault line. The falls seemingly come out of nowhere, spitting violently from a relatively narrow stream hidden amid the verdant vegetation that covers the entire cliff-face. It’s well worth a visit to Nyahururu, or Thomson’s Falls, on your way through Kenya, not just because of the sheer scale of the thing, but also because of the diverse array of colourful birdlife flittering around the area. We’ll visit the falls on our Immersive Kenya trip, while en route from Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru.

From US$2811

Next available from 11th Feb 2024

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STARTS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

ENDS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Banyumala waterfall in North Bali island, Indonesia

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Bali

Gitgit is probably the most famous waterfall in Bali but, trust us, your best bet is to head to the gorgeous split waterfalls of Banyumala. This picturesque spot, set amid a backdrop of tropical rainforest, sees a steady flow of water slide down multiple routes into a refreshing rock pool. It’s one of the most idyllic swimming spots in all of Bali – which is really saying something – and you’ll get to go for a dip here on the morning of day three on our Blissful Bali trip. We’ll chill at the falls for a little while, allowing plenty of splash time before tucking into a traditional Balinese picnic of nasi bungkus (rice wrapped in a banana leaf, typically served with meat and vegetables). You might not have ever had such a scenic lunch in your lifetime.

From US$1350

Next available from 7th Oct 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bali, Indonesia

ENDS AT

Bali, Indonesia

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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