Visiting waterfalls abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where should you go?

What is a waterfall?

• A waterfall is a point in a river or meltwater stream where water flows down a vertical slope or series of steep slopes.
• Most waterfalls are formed where a hard rock transitions to a softer rock. The faster wear of the soft rock creates a difference in elevation, and that difference in elevation causes the water to come over those soft rocks even harder and faster, accelerating the process itself

Which waterfalls are among the most beautiful waterfalls in the world?

• Angel Falls: Venezuela: the water falls down so long that it often doesn't even touch the bottom
• Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, Vietnam and China: great difference in experience between dry season and rainy season
• Gullfoss: Iceland
• Iguazu, Argentina and Brazil: can be visited by hiking or by boat trip
• Niagara Falls, USA and Canada
• Plitvice, Croatia: a system of small waterfalls that ends in a turquoise lake
• Tukad Cepung, Bali: in a cave with beautiful light
• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia: in summer you can swim here in devils pool but the falls are a lot smaller
• Patagonia, Argentina: on various locations there are opportunities to see and even climb ice waterfalls

What should you think about when visiting a waterfall?

• the season: not every waterfall is active all year round. In the rainy season some waterfalls are extra impressive, while others lose charm due to the muddy water flow
• swimming gear: check with tours in advance if swimming is possible, with water shoes you will gain some comfort and have less chance of broken soles

Is a waterfall dangerous to visit?

• At the largest waterfalls, the area is usually pretty strictly set up for visitors. As long as you do not climb over the fences for special selfies, it is safe
• At smaller and remote waterfalls and seasonal waterfalls, there is usually no supervision and you will have to judge for yourself how close you can get
• At the top, just before the waterfall, the current is extra strong and sucks you towards the abyss. That's also where people often get sucked underwater against rocks and tree trunks.
• Especially in the rainy season or even after a short upstream rainstorm, waterfalls can carry quite a lot of branches, pebbles and rocks in addition to extra water. An idyllic shower under the waterfall then suddenly turns out differently
• When you swim under a waterfall it can push you down by the weight of the water and the white water under the waterfall gives much less buoyancy. Do not be alarmed and swim to the side to get out of the current
• Jumping off a waterfall gives a special feeling, but in unfamiliar territory it is wise to check whether, for example, the water level at that moment allows you to jump safely.