7 Breathtaking Waterfalls Around The World

From the tropical jungles of the Philippines to the glacial mountains of Iceland, these seven waterfalls are some of the most beautiful out there.

The Cascadas de Agua Azul, located in southern Mexico, are a series of waterfalls on the Xanil River. Claudia Tavani. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Every year, countless travelers visit the world’s tallest waterfalls, with Niagara Falls receiving over 13 million visitors alone. However, it is only one of hundreds of waterfalls in North America, and one of thousands worldwide. Hidden away in corners of South America, Europe, Africa and Asia are a multitude of other falls that display nature’s power and beauty. Waterfalls are divided into ten categories depending on their geographic surroundings and how they descend through them.  These include punchbowl waterfalls like the Kawasan Falls at number three on our list, horsetail waterfalls, chutes, cataracts, cascades like the one found at Akchour at number seven on our list and block waterfalls formed by wide rivers falling in uninterrupted sheets, to name a few. Here are seven incredible highlights that may not be the tallest or widest in the world, but are absolutely unmissable simply for their sheer beauty.

1. Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia

Croatia’s Plitvicka Jezera National Park is home to a beautiful network of lakes and waterfalls. Jack Brauer. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Located in central Croatia between the country’s capital of Zagreb and the coastal city of Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Its protected area spans 300 square kilometers (roughly 115 square miles) and comprises a network of lakes and caves, which are connected by a series of breathtaking waterfalls. These can be viewed from the various footpaths and wooden bridges that traverse the park, or visitors can also enjoy a boat ride included in the price of the entrance ticket. Because of its protected status, the park is also home to bears, wolves and eagles among a whole host of wild animals.

2. Iguazu Falls, Argentinian-Brazilian Border

A birds eye view of one of the many waterfalls in Iguazu National Park, Argentina. Tomfriedel. CC BY 2.0.

The Iguazu Falls stretch for 2.7 kilometers (around 1.7 miles) along the border between the Misiones province in Western Argentina and the state of Paraná in Eastern Brazil. Altogether, the network makes up the largest system of waterfalls in the world, and was accordingly named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Thanks to a longstanding preservation effort in the two national parks on either side of the border that share custody of the falls, a network of walkways and viewing platforms can bring visitors very close to the falls, including near the bottom in an area called “Devil’s Throat”. You can travel to the falls by car from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, as well as from the Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. 

3. Kawasan Falls, Cebu Island, Philippines

Kawasan Falls is hidden away in the jungles of Cebu Island, Philippines. Vicky Flip Flop. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The Instagram famous turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls are reachable by a three-hour bus ride southwest of Cebu City in the Philippines. The tropical waterfall is accompanied by limestone canyons and a dense jungle, all of which surround the pools often referred to as the “Gatorade Factory” due to their incredible color. Located in the coastal municipality of Badian, visitors can hike the kilometer and a half (just under a mile) long route uphill to reach the first and largest of many waterfalls that make up the series. Those interested in spending more time in the area can even book cottages available for overnight stays, though most opt to simply rent bamboo rafts to explore the pools.

 4. Gullfoss, Iceland

Iceland is home to numerous waterfalls with the Gullfoss Waterfall being a favorite among locals. O Palsson. CC BY 2.0.

The Icelandic name Gullfoss translates into “golden falls” in English, a reference to the sediment in the Hvita River from the nearby glacier that causes this spectacular waterfall to glow gold in the Nordic sunlight. Located a 90-minute drive west of the capital of Reykjavik, the two cascades that form Gullfoss are not actually that tall, falling for a total of only 31 meters (roughly 102 feet). However, seeing the waterfall up close can still be a deafening experience with floods of water going over the edge at a rate of around 109 cubic meters (just under 50,000 cubic feet) per second. There aren’t any railings or barriers either, so it is up to visitors to keep a safe distance from the cliff’s edge.

5. Weeping Wall, Hawai’i, USA

Travelers can visit Hawai’i’s Weeping Wall located in the heart of Kauai Island. Ahonui Bowman. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Hawai’i is well-known for its incredible natural beauty, and the Weeping Wall is one of many spectacular sites on the island of Kauai. The network consists of a series of extremely narrow waterfalls winding across the centrally located Mount Waialeale, which stands 1,569 meters (about 5,066 feet) tall. The mountain’s name translates from Hawaiian to “overflowing water”, given that this location is in fact the second wettest area on the planet, and receives just under 11.5 meters (just under 37.5 feet) of rain every year. Given the mountain’s height, visitors rarely get a view of the upper part of the falls as it is often hidden in the clouds, but watching the water tumble down through the tropical greenery is still an incredible sight to see.

6. Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam

A view of the Ban Gioc Waterfalls from Cao Bang, Vietnam. Applejuice. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Located on the border between the Cao Bang province in Northern Vietnam and the Guang Xi province in Western China, the Ban Gioc falls are the largest waterfall network in Asia. The waterfall stretches over 30 (about 98 feet) across on the Chinese side where it is known to locals as the De Tian Waterfall instead. Ban Gioc cascades down over three tiers of lush greenery, feeding directly into the Quay Son River, which in fact runs along the China-Vietnam border. Traveling to the falls from the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi normally takes visitors about two days to complete, with an overnight stop in Cao Bang City to split up the six and a half hour drive. 

7. Cascades D’akchour, Morocco

The higher of the two waterfalls that make up Cascades D’akchour near Chefchaouen, Morocco. Culture Trekking. CC BY-ND 2.0.

The Cascades D’akchour are tucked in amongst the Rif Mountains, the northernmost chain in Morocco. Reachable via a 45-minute drive from the famed “blue city” of Chefchaouen, visitors can enjoy a mountainous trek connecting several smaller waterfalls before arriving at the final cascade whose upper section tumbles down 100 meters of rock face (roughly 328 feet) into a collecting pool. The lower cascade, on the other hand, stands at a much smaller 20 meters tall (just under 66 feet) but also features a natural swimming pool just upstream of its descent over the cliff. For those interested in exploring even further, another hour and a half of hiking can bring you to the Pont de Dieu or Bridge of God, a naturally formed rock bridge carved out of the mountain by the Farda River.

Tanaya Vohra

Tanaya is an undergraduate student pursuing a major in Public Health at the University of Chicago. She's lived in Asia, Europe and North America and wants to share her love of travel and exploring new cultures through her writing.

5 Tips for Haggling at a Souk in Morocco

At Moroccan souks and bazaars, haggling is a must-have skill for any shopper. 

A merchant haggling with customer. Mait Juriado. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

In Morocco, the marketplace environment can be overwhelming, especially for travelers new to the area. Outdoor marketplaces in Morocco are called souks and commonly hold different shops that sell a variety of goods and products. Commonly combining thousands of stalls, Moroccan marketplaces  are expansive loud  and are home to some of the most intense merchants in the world, making it necessary for travelers to prepare before going to shop. Merchants tend to upsell and overprice all their products, doing their best to convince customers to give them their money. However, a practice called haggling allows customers to challenge merchants, allowing them to negotiate for lower prices. Haggling is a common practice in Morocco In learning the proper techniques, customers can navigate the tricky environment of souks and get a desired product for a reasonable price. Included below are five  tips for effectively haggling with merchants in Morocco.

1. Understand the Currency Change and Start Low

Moroccan dirhams. Emily Nadira. CC BY 2.0.

It is fundamental to the success of the customer if they first know the currency exchange between Morocco’s currency and that of their home country. At souks in Morocco, stall keepers typically accept dirhams, which is the central currency in Morocco. By knowing the currency exchange rate between your country’s currency and the dirham, the prices offered by merchants  will be relative to the currency you use daily rather than an unfamiliar one. , in hand allowing you to better negotiate with sellers. Occasionally, stall keepers and merchants will accept euros, but the importance of the exchange rate still remains for travelers shopping with a currency different from their home counytries’ .

Finally, it is essential to a customer's success that they start the bargaining off low. Original offers from merchants should never be accepted: merchants are trying to upsell you. By counter-offering a shopkeeper’s original price with one that is much lower, customers will open up the option to bargain with the seller, who will continue to haggle with the customer until both parties agree on a price .

2. Do not  Let Emotions Sway You

A customer haggling with merchant. Wanderer_by_trade. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

There are two ways in which emotions tend to affect a customer’s ability to haggle. One way is if the merchant seems to be too excited  or emotional about selling for higher prices. This is a tactic used by merchants to sway their buyers. The Matador Network says, “You’re dealing with actors of the highest order here,” and that “sellers may feign offense, rage, or sorrow.” Do not  be deterred by emotional merchants, stick to your counter-offers and hold your ground.

The second way emotions affect proper haggling is when the customer themselves becomes overwhelmed or upset with how a sale is going. Don’t allow yourself to get angry with merchants or look overly upset when a merchant isn’t willing to haggle over an item you really like. The more merchants see you are getting upset over negotiations that aren’t going your way, the more they know you would be willing to pay for an item. By keeping your emotions in check, you can better control how the haggling goes, making you more likely to purchase an item at your desired price.

3. Never Pay For The First Price Offered

Merchant selling goods. Jepoirrier. CC BY-SA 2.0. 

As a customer, you should never accept the initial  price offered on any item at a souk. Merchants know to overprice their first offer because travelers who are unaware of the haggling culture in Morocco accept the item's price as fixed. In countries like America and others where haggling at commercial marketplaces is uncommon, it may be uncomfortable to try and negotiate for price. However, as the Matador Network writes, “You’ll learn pretty quickly after arriving in Morocco that everything is negotiable.” Do not be afraid to haggle with your merchants..

4. Buy in Bulk

Spices from Marrakech. Ustung. CC BY 2.0.

Commonly, shopkeepers and merchants will be more likely to negotiate with you if you are buying more than one item. Luxe Adventure Traveler recommends that, “If you’re in a shop that has more than one item you want, group them together and bargain for a total price.” In buying multiple items from the same merchant, they will be more likely to negotiate with you, allowing you to get more for your money. Further, if you only want to purchase one item, try bundling with your travel companions or other friends and negotiate a total price for both, that way you may be able to purchase them for cheaper than if you were to buy them individually.

5. Know When to Walk Away

Shoppers walking through the marketplace. Jo.schz. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Arguably, the most important tip that can be given to ensure a successful negotiation is to know when to walk away. Merchants in Morocco do not always enjoy haggling; you will not always be able to get the price you want for a specific item. Being able to recognize when a merchant is unwilling to sell for a lower price will help save you both time, energy and money. 

You do not have  to buy an item if you cannot negotiate the price you want to pay for it. Moreover, because souks and marketplaces in Morocco are so large, you can easily spend your time finding a similar item from a different stall for a much lower price. Know when enough is enough so you  don’t waste your money on unsuccessful negotiations.

Ava Mamary

Ava is an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois, double majoring in English and Communications. At school, she Web Writes about music for a student-run radio station. She is also an avid backpacker, which is where her passion for travel and the outdoors comes from. She is very passionate about social justice issues, specifically those involving women’s rights, and is excited to write content about social action across the globe.

7 Famous Trees of The World

Today, trees face threats such as deforestation, habitat reduction and fires fueled by climate change. Despite it all, these seven tree species continue to symbolize the lands they call home.

Forest in Italy. Giuseppe Costanza. CC0 1.0

As urbanization and overpopulation fuel clearcutting around the globe, these trees stand in their own glory. Granted protection status, having festivals in their honor and attracting admirers from around the world, this is a list of trees that have made a name for themselves and their roots. 

1. Baobabs, Madagascar 

The Avenue of Baobabs. Zigomar. CC BY-SA 2.0

For many, the Avenue of Baobabs is the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the word "Madagascar." Approximately 50 baobab trees line the dusty road and surrounding groves between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina. Endemic to the island, the trees are referred to as "renala," or "mother of the forest," by locals. The avenue has gained international fame, attracting crowds during sunset and became the first protected natural monument in Madagascar in 2007 when it was granted temporary protection status. 

2. Yucca Trees of Joshua Tree State Park, California, USA

YuccaTree in Joshua Tree State Park.Esther Lee. CC BY 2.0

The yucca trees, for which California's Joshua Tree State Park was named, got the nickname “Joshua” from a band of Mormons traveling from Nebraska. The lunar desert climate is ideal for yuccas, which have grown adapted to storing water inside their trunks and twisted branches. They are said to be able to survive on very little rainfall a year, but if the weather happens to bring rain in the spring, the yuccas will give thanks with a sprout of flowers. 

3. Cherry Blossoms, Japan

Cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji. Tanaka Juuyo. CC BY 2.0

The cherry blossom, or sakura, is considered the national flower of Japan. Hanami, the Japanese custom of enjoying the flowers, attracts locals and visitors to popular viewing spots across the country during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Peak bloom time depends on the weather, and the cherry trees have been flowering earlier and earlier each year due to climate change. On average, the cherry trees reach peak bloom in mid to late March and last around two weeks.

4. Jacaranda Trees, Mexico City, Mexico

Jacaranda trees. Tatters. CC BY-NC 2.0

Every spring, the already vibrant streets of Mexico City are lined with the jacaranda's violet bloom. President Álvaron Obregón commissioned Tatsumi Matsumoto, an imperial landscape architect from Japan, to plant the trees along the city's main avenues in 1920. Matsumoto was the first Japanese immigrant to come to Mexico, arriving a year before the first mass emigration in 1897 and staying until his death in 1955. Today the jacarandas are considered native flowers and symbolize international friendship. 

5. Rubber Fig Trees, Meghalaya, India

Double-decker living roots bridge. Ashwin Kumar. CC BY-SA 2.0

Widely considered the wettest region in the world, villagers of the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya are separated by deep valleys and running rivers every monsoon season. The living roots bridges are handmade by the Khasi and Jaintia people with the aerial roots of rubber fig trees. The bridges grow strong as the tree's roots thicken with age, holding more than 50 people and lasting centuries if maintained. The double root bridge, pictured above, is almost 180 years old, stands at 2,400 feet high and suspends 30 meters in length. 

6. Argan Trees, Morocco

Goats in an Argania tree. remilozach. CC0 1.0

Built to survive the Saharan climate, Argan trees are endemic to southwestern Morocco. Their scientific name, Argania, is derived from the native Berber language of Shilha (also known as Tashelhit). The trees grow fruits used to make argan oil, an ingredient found in many beauty products. Rights to collect the fruit are controlled by law and village traditions, while several women's co-operatives produce the oil. Goats are frequently photographed climbing argan trees and help in the production process by eating the nuts, leaving the vitamin-rich seeds for the locals to collect. 

7. Trees of the Hoh Valley, Washington, USA

Trees in Hoh Valley. James Gaither. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

On the Pacific side of the Olympic Mountains in the Hoh Rainforest, lush yellow and green moss covers some of North America's giants, including the Sitka Spruce, Red Cedar, Big Leaf Maple and Douglas Fir. As a result of the area's average 140 inches of rainfall per year, the moss is not only enchanting but beneficial. Moss plays an essential role in supporting the forest's biodiversity; like a sponge, it decays, absorbs and finally releases nutrients for the trees’ roots to feed off. 

Claire Redden

Claire is a freelance journalist from Chicago, where she received her Bachelor’s of Communications from the University of Illinois. While living and studying in Paris, Claire wrote for the magazine, Toute La Culture. As a freelancer she contributes to travel guides for the up and coming brand, Thalby. She plans to take her skills to London, where she’ll pursue her Master’s of Arts and Lifestyle Journalism at the University of Arts, London College of Communication.