As if waterfalls aren’t magical enough there are some that bring an even more enchanted element to their attraction, rainbows. Whether you’re looking for a fun hike, photo ops, or a place to appreciate one of the countless natural wonders that inspire awe in all of us, this roundup of some of the best waterfalls that create rainbows will leave you scrambling for your bucket list (and your camera).
The Best Waterfalls in the World that Cast Rainbows
Magical waterfalls with their thundering rapids, majestic heights, and mystique draw and capture the imaginations of millions of visitors from all over the world. The desire to visit them never goes out of style as enthusiasts from all over the world flock to take in their beauty.
In this post I’ll take you on a whistle-stop tour of some of the best waterfalls that create rainbows that the world has to offer, starting with arguably the most magical of them all, Iguazu Falls in South America.
Iguazu Falls, South America Brazil/Argentina
Surely one of the best waterfalls, Iguazu Falls, is situated on a stretch of border between Brazil and Argentina and their native name translates into “Big Water.”
Described by some as “a masterpiece of nature,” Iguazu enthralls all who see the falls with its raw natural beauty and paradise-like surroundings.
Legend states that a god once planned on marrying a beautiful woman, but she escaped in a canoe with her mortal lover infuriating the god who wanted her for himself. So the furious god retaliated by condemning the lovers to an eternal fall when he created the falls by slicing the river.
Set in a landscape populated by swaying palm trees and wildlife, highlights here include platforms that are built on the water surface for the closest of encounters with the falls and the Garganta del Diablo, or “Devil’s Throat” section of the falls. These magical waterfalls will inspire you.
Niagara Falls—Canada
Niagara Falls is one of the best waterfalls and the most popular, and for good reason. Like Iguazu above, Niagara is a collection of three falls in the Niagara Gorge between the Canadian province of Ontario and the American State of New York.
Niagara Falls boasts a majestic vertical drop that spans more than 160 feet that creates a magical combination of fine water spray, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and a deafening roar. The falls are serviced well by leisure and accommodation options.
Highlights here include viewing the falls from the rear through caves and tunnels situated behind the falls as well as a nightly light show that illuminates the falls in a colorful display. Definitely beautiful and awe-inspiring, the best waterfalls for the brightest day or night.
And as a bonus, you not only get to see the natural rainbows it casts from the sun, but you can also get a magical rainbow light show at night.
Gullfoss—Iceland
Gullfoss is known as one of the most magical places on earth with a residence in the land of fire and ice, or if we’re being textbook about it, Iceland. This magical island is home to some of the most enchanting landscapes, folklore, and history, much of which inspired The Lord of the Rings famed late author, J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Middle Earth.”
Though Tolkien never traveled to Iceland, his au pairs did. Shared stories of their saga lands left much to his imagination resulting in an epic saga trilogy that inspired James Cameron’s live-action film, The Lord of the Rings. With places like Gullfoss, it’s hard not to be inspired right?
Gullfoss is by far one of the best waterfalls, if not THE best in the world. Called the “Golden Falls” due to the fact that on sunny days, the reflection of the sun’s rays on the water turns the flowing water a sparkling golden color even though the water is usually thick with sediments making it brown.
Prepare to get wet if you choose to get close to the exciting waterfalls and it is quite windy, so don’t get blown away.
Victoria Falls—Zimbabwe/Zambia
Spread across the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is known as Mosi-a Tunya in the Tonga dialect, which translates to “the smoke that thunders.” This impressive monster of a waterfall has a width span of over a mile, making it one of the longest single waterfalls in the world.
Victoria Falls drains the equally majestic Zambezi River and is set in a natural environment of irrepressible beauty. Given their size, noise, and awesome power, waterfalls will always inspire wonder and respect from those who view them from close quarters, and that is why some of the world’s most magical places feature waterfalls.
In Closing
Powerful and intense, yet somehow relaxing, the roaring of these waterfalls continues to hypnotize anyone who observes their majestic strength. So, why not include a trip to one of these magical waterfalls on your next adventure?
Let the waters soothe your mind. Feel the power of the cascading water, hear the roar it makes, and observe the glittering rainbows as the fine mist kisses your face. The memory will stay with you forever.
When you’re exploring the best waterfalls in the world, no matter where you are, don’t forget to look for those beautiful rainbows that appear keeping in mind that no one sees the same rainbow so when you find yours, enjoy it.
