Where Is the Tallest Waterfall in the World?

Waterfalls are beautiful, natural occurrences that attract onlookers all over the world. While there are many amazing waterfalls to be found all over the planet, the tallest waterfall in the world is the 2,313 foot Angel Falls in Venezuela. Below is a list of the ten tallest waterfalls in the world.

The Top 10 Tallest Waterfalls 

1. Angel Falls - 3,212 Feet

The highest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls. It is located in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela. This waterfall is 3,212 feet tall, which is over half a mile! The falls lead into the Carrao River and are located in the rainforest. Although not officially one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the falls are a truly remarkable sight in their own right. Interestingly, during the hottest and warmest months of the year, the water from the falls evaporates before it hits the ground!

2. Tugela Falls - 3,110 Feet

The world's second tallest waterfall is in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The Tugela Falls form a cascade of 3,110 feet. This waterfall runs through the Royal Natal National Park, a rocky mountainous and brush-covered area, and is formed by the Tugela River. The area is also part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, which is a World Heritage Site.

3. Tres Hermans Falls - 2,999 Feet 

The world's third tallest waterfall is the Tres Hermanas Falls in Peru. The "Tres Hermanas" translates from Spanish to mean the "Three Sisters". This impressive 2,999-foot waterfall is located in the Otishi National Park of Junin, Peru. It originates as the Cutivireni River, is surrounded by montane forest and falls in 3 different sections.

4. Olo’Upena Falls - 2,953 Feet

The Olo’Upena Falls are next on the list at number four. Molokai, Hawaii in the United States is home to this 2,953-foot waterfall. Molokai is a tropical, volcanic island. These falls are notable because they can only be seen from air or ocean. There are no access trails that lead to the falls. The falls are seasonal.

5. Yumbilla Falls - 2,940

The Yumbilla Falls is found in the Amazonas region of Peru. At 2,940 feet, they hold the fifth place on the list of the tallest falls in the world. Surrounded by the Amazon Rainforest yet still in the Andes mountains, this waterfall is tiered in four or five different parts that make up its 2,940 feet. Whether or not there are four or five drops is often a subject of debate. The Utubamba River creates the Yumbilla Falls.

6. Vinnufossen - 2,822 Feet

Vinnufossen is the world's sixth tallest waterfall and one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe. The waterfall is located in a remote area of Norway with only small villages nearby. However, it is easily accessible by car.

7. Balåifossen - 2,789 Feet

Balåifossen is the world's seventh tallest waterfall. It has a drop of 2,789 feet. The waterfall is located in Ulvik, Norway.

8. Pu'uka'oku Falls - 2,756 Feet

The same height as the aforementioned James Bruce Falls, the Pu’uka’oku Falls are located in Hawaii, USA. They are surrounded by lush, green mountains that make up some of the world's highest seaside cliffs, called the Haloku Cliffs.

9. James Bruce Falls - 2,756 Feet

The eighth tallest mountain in the world is found in Canada. The James Bruce Falls is 2,756 feet tall and located in British Columbia. This waterfall holds the distinction of being the tallest in North America and originates from a snowfield. It empties into the Princess Louisa Inlet and is surrounded by a breathtaking mountain landscape.

10. Browne Falls - 2,743 Feet

Browne Falls is the world's tenth tallest waterfall, with a total drop height of 2,743 feet. This waterfall is located on New Zealand’s South Island in Fiordland Park. Browne Falls is in the middle of a temperate rainforest. Its 2,743-foot drop originates from a glacial mountain lake and falls into the famous Doubtful Sound.