Chute Montmorency

Top 20 most beautiful waterfalls in the world2026 ranking

Discover below the world ranking of the most beautiful waterfalls, hand-picked by our editors and praised by our member travellers. Find all the practical info you need to plan your visits.

Our members' favourite waterfalls, approved by the editors

#1 Montmorency Falls (Quebec, Canada) +17 recs 4.8/5

Montmorency Falls drops 272 feet, creating a dramatic landscape just minutes from downtown Quebec. Take in the views from a suspension bridge or nearby hiking trails year-round. In winter, the frozen cascade is a premier spot for ice climbing. Visit the historic Manoir Montmorency for a meal or cultural break at this site.

#2 Hierve el Agua (Mitla, Mexico) +14 recs 5/5

Located 45 miles from the city of Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua is famous for its unique limestone formations that look like petrified waterfalls. Its natural pools, fed by turquoise mineral springs, offer a swim with panoramic views. Explore nearby hiking trails and local indigenous culture. It is a prime destination for nature lovers.

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#3 Hirayu Waterfall (Takayama, Japan) +11 recs 5/5

The 64-meter Hirayu Waterfall ranks among the 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. A 30-minute walk from the thermal village of Hirayu Onsen brings you to this site, which freezes into a natural ice sculpture every winter. In February, the illumination festival features colorful spotlights and nightly fireworks displays.

#4 Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil) +8 recs 5/5

The Brazil side of Iguazu Falls offers a panoramic view across the entire site. A well-maintained path leads you toward the Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat) to witness the raw power of the cascades. Expect to spot local wildlife, take boat excursions, and explore the forest. You can easily cover the park in a half-day.

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#5 Akiu Otaki Falls (Sendai, Japan) +7 recs 5/5

Less than 40 minutes from Sendai, Akiu Otaki Falls plunges 55 meters into a volcanic gorge. Recognized as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, you can explore the site from the panoramic overlook or hike down to the misty basin. In autumn, the contrast between the foliage and white foam is striking.

#6 Ribeirão do Meio Falls (Lençóis, Brazil) +7 recs 5/5

Ribeirão do Meio Falls sits just a few miles from Lençóis, reachable via an easy 2.5-mile hike. This spot is famous for a natural rock slide that deposits you into a swimming hole. The sediment-tinted water is perfect for a dip. With warm rocks and pools, it is a prime place to unwind.

#7 Seljalandsfoss (Storidalur, Iceland) +6 recs 4.7/5

Seljalandsfoss is an iconic 65-meter waterfall in southern Iceland. Visitors can walk behind its massive curtain of water, a rare feature for a cascade this size. Located near Route 1, the site also offers access to Gljúfrabúi, a nearby hidden waterfall. The area includes paid parking and restrooms.

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#8 Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, Canada) +6 recs 4.7/5

Niagara Falls in Canada is an iconic site on the Niagara River, sitting right on the border of Canada and the United States. The area features three distinct waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest, standing 57 meters tall and 790 meters wide. A park surrounds these falls, offering plenty of vantage points to watch the water rush over the edge.

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#9 Iguazu Falls (Iguazu, Argentina) +3 recs 5/5

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, Iguazu Falls sits deep within the tropical rainforest. This massive system features 275 individual cascades stretching across 3 kilometers. You will see powerful columns of water plunging into the 80-meter deep Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) for a truly impressive display.

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Latest reviews

A stunning natural site

Seljalandsfoss is simply the most beautiful place I saw during my visit to Iceland. For those who love pretty photos, it is possible to go behind the curtain of water. The waterfall and the landscape…

27 0

Impressive

Montmorency Falls is very impressive because of its height. The trail for walking is easy and offers many viewpoints. You can also take the cable car to go up, and in the summer there is a zipline to…

33 0

A massive waterfall

You are guaranteed to be surprised! I recommend this immersion in the wild nature without hesitation. The path is not particularly difficult and offers an observation deck to view the falls. But that…

16 0

A beautiful waterfall

A magnificent waterfall in every season and truly dizzying. Up close, you can really feel all its power! You can get there by bus from the Takayama station. On the other hand, it is a tourist spot,…

18 0

A stunning mountain waterfall

A chance to discover the beautiful Japanese mountains. But watch out for bears... it is very stressful even though these places are magnificent. You can enjoy hot springs right nearby. The waterfall i…

15 0

An impressive sight

Montmorency Falls offers a truly impressive sight because of its exceptional height. The site is easily accessible from downtown Quebec City by car and even by bus. You can view the waterfall from pre…

25 0

A must-see

Of course these falls are magnificent! On the Brazilian side, you get a full view of the Argentine cascades as well as a walkway where you can get soaked by the spray from the Brazilian falls. But on…

13 0

Very accessible

Just 3.5 km from the center of Lençóis, accessible by a nice little trail. You can swim in the rock pools and go for a big slide down the waterfall!

13 0

The highlight of the visit

Minoh Falls is the final stop when visiting the park. You should count on walking about 2.6 kilometers to get there. The hike is pretty easy, though. The waterfall is very tall and very impressive. Yo…

10 0

A spectacular waterfall!

Montmorency Falls is one of those places you remember for a long time! The natural spectacle provided by this waterfall is breathtaking. Different viewpoints give us an exceptional panorama of this di…

19 0

Rankings by travellers, for travellers

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