Latin America Waterfalls (Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Guyana)

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Latin America Waterfalls

Simply put, Latin America Waterfalls (particularly those in South America) are some of the largest and most strikingly beautiful in the world.

For it is in this region that you'll find the tallest waterfall in the world in Angel Falls, one of the biggest in the world in Iguazú Falls, and other monsters that don't have superlatives attached to them like Kaieteur Falls and Catarata Gocta. You'll also find others in tropical biodiverse rainforests in countries like Costa Rica.

For the purposes of this website, we're defining Latin America to include all of Central America and South America (we're excluding the Caribbean which has its own section). Although there are other widely varying interpretations of the term Latin America, we're sticking with the above interpretation. Generally, it's predominantly Spanish that's spoken in Latin America but there are exceptions such as Brazil (Portuguese) and Guyana (English) among others.

The region also harbors a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from the dense and bio-diverse equatorial tropical rainforests such as the Amazon to the sharp peaks and glaciers of Patagonia. There's also lots of Indigenous history perhaps best embodied by the dramatic Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes.

No doubt about it, there's lots to see here. And while much of the area is either undeveloped or have yet to be industrialized, that leaves many more mysteries and pleasant surprises that nature has in store for the adventurous (such as La Gran Sabana amongst the table-like tepuys of Venezuela's southeast).

We've only scratched the surface with our visit to Iguazú Falls (also spelled Iguassu, Iguaçu, Yguazú depending on which country you're in), Angel Falls, Patagonia, Peru, and Guyana. We hope to be fortunate enough to visit many more Latin American waterfalls and share our experiences with you...

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LATIN AMERICA WATERFALLS

Below are the Latin America Waterfalls that we have been to. Click on a region or a waterfall for more details about them.

Argentina: Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world encompassing much of the southern parts of South America with climates widely varying from the subtropical rainforests of the north to the temperate mountain ranges and deserts of the Southern Andes Mountains (including Patagonia - yes, that Patagonia from which the outdoor company got its name). A large portion of the mighty Iguazú Falls is in this country. While glaciers and majestic sharp peaks contrast the wild jungles further south in Patagonia. In addition to natural attractions, the relatively tourist-friendly republic also features the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires with its charming European architecture, tango, and history...

Click here to read more about the area and see its waterfalls.
Click here to jump directly to the area's waterfall list.

Venezuela: In a country known for its abundance of oil, beauty pageant winners, and a leader unafraid to speak his mind, it was surprising to find the diversity and quality of its nature. This is best embodied by the world's tallest waterfall - Angel Falls - dropping nearly a kilometer from a table-like mountain called tepuys that dominate the equatorial rainforests in the country's southeast. The same ecosystem also harbors lesser-known blockbuster waterfalls. Indeed, the country's beauty and the friendliness of its people create the backdrop for some of the most pleasantly unforgettable adventures in existence.

Click here to read more about the area and see its waterfalls.
Click here to jump directly to the area's waterfall list.

Chile: This narrow country lies sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains along much of South America. It is most famous for dramatic mountain scenery and glaciers, especially at Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia. In addition to mountains, the country is also home to Easter Island, one of the more mysterious South Pacific Islands with its ancient moa statues. The country's moist climate also supports a prosperous world agriculture trade, which Americans might notice when they buy fruits at the supermarket. And of course, a country that gets plenty of rain also harbors plenty of waterfalls.

Click here to read more about the area and see its waterfalls.
Click here to jump directly to the area's waterfall list.

Peru: This high-altitude country dominated by the skyscraping Andes Mountains is famous for archaeological ruins (the most famous of which is Machu Picchu). But beyond the culture and history lies a country of immense beauty, especially where the Andes meets the Amazon. And it's here that you'll find the country's underrated features in its waterfalls - some of which are the highest in the world!

Click here to read more about the area and see its waterfalls.
Click here to jump directly to the area's waterfall list.

Guyana: This South American country with a distinctly Caribbean identity has largely escaped commercialism and development. This has resulted in some of the most intact ecosystems left on the planet, and a trip to see the wildly flowing waterfalls in this small nation is sure to reward the nature lover with truly unique and unforgettable experiences.

Click here to read more about the area and see its waterfalls.
Click here to jump directly to the area's waterfall list.

Reader Submissions: We can't possibly visit every single waterfall in Latin America. Fortunately, there are readers kind enough to share their knowledge and experiences by writing up their own guides for those waterfalls that we haven't been to.

Click here to submit your own write-up.
Click here to jump directly to the reader submissions waterfall list.

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MORE INFO

If you'd like to know more about Latin America, check out the following links...

Cuernos del Paine and Lago Pehoe in Patagonia

Latin America's Other Attractions: There's more to the this continent than waterfalls. If you're curious about the other natural attractions or you're suffering from fatigue of Latin America Waterfalls, have a look! [read more]

Dramatic hiking in Patagonia before the Fitz Roy Peaks

Latin America Travel Stories: Read about the stories behind the World of Waterfalls. See Latin America through our eyes while becoming more informed about this beautiful continent. In this section, you will find travel journals that will leave you laughing, smiling, curious, or just about all the emotions you'd expect when you're traveling to an unknown place. [read more]

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FOLLOW US ON:

There's lots to say about Latin America and its waterfalls. Click on one of the following links to jump to the section you're interested in...

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Latin America Waterfalls

Iguazu Falls

Angel Falls

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Latin America
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