One of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, Iguazu Falls sits on the border between Argentina and Brazil. The falls form a vast cataract system, pouring enormous volumes of water over cliffs and creating an unforgettable display of mist, rainbows and thunderous sound.
South America offers many other remarkable waterfalls beyond Iguazu, and nature lovers should plan to visit several of them when exploring the continent.
Laja Falls
For travelers who want a dramatic waterfall experience without venturing too far from towns and services, Laja Falls in Chile is an excellent choice. Located near the cities of Los Ángeles and Chillán, Laja Falls is easily accessible and makes for a convenient day trip. The falls are set in a scenic river canyon and provide good viewpoints, picnic spots and photographic opportunities while remaining close to developed areas.
Kaieteur Falls
Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is one of the planet’s most powerful single-drop waterfalls. With an immense flow rate and a single drop of around 741 feet (226 meters), it produces a dramatic, thunderous curtain of water. The falls are surrounded by pristine rainforest, and the remote setting adds to their wild, untouched character. Visitors come for both the scale of the fall and the surrounding biodiversity.
Garganta del Diablo
Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat, is the most concentrated and dramatic section of the Iguazu system. This horseshoe-shaped chasm channels a vast amount of water into a confined space, creating spectacular spray and roar. Boardwalks and viewing platforms around the Devil’s Throat provide up-close perspectives of the falls’ power and scale.
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is a sprawling waterfall complex that includes Devil’s Throat and many other cascades spread along the river’s edge. The water plunging from Devil’s Throat comes from the highest sections of the Iguazu system, and the entire park offers numerous vantage points for different views—some panoramic, others intimate. Iguazu National Park features trails, walkways and boat excursions that let visitors experience the falls on foot and from the water while enjoying the surrounding subtropical forest.
Yumbilla Falls
In northern Peru, Yumbilla Falls is known as one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, with a drop of approximately 2,940 feet (896 meters). Located in a cloud forest setting, Yumbilla and nearby cascades create a network of falls that can be explored on short hikes. The area is popular with hikers and birdwatchers who visit to combine waterfall viewing with the region’s rich flora and fauna.
These five waterfalls showcase just a portion of South America’s impressive variety of falls—from accessible, park-adjacent sites to remote plunges in wild rainforest. Waterfall enthusiasts find countless other streams and cascades across the continent to discover, each offering its own blend of scale, setting and natural beauty.