12 waterfalls in Latin America worth visiting

From thundering curtains of water hidden deep within the rainforest to turquoise cascades surrounded by volcanoes, Latin America is home to some of the world's most extraordinary waterfalls. Some are internationally famous, while others remain hidden gems known only to those willing to venture a little further off the beaten track, lets explore our teams favourite waterfalls in Latin America. 

Whether you're looking for a natural wonder to anchor your holiday or a lesser-known stop that adds something special to your journey, these spectacular waterfalls in Latin America showcase the incredible diversity of the region.

Iguazú Falls

Iguazú Falls, Argentina & Brazil 

Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Made up of around 275 individual cascades stretching across nearly three kilometres, the falls are surrounded by lush Atlantic Rainforest and deliver an unforgettable combination of power, beauty and scale.  Iguazú Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Latin America.

Why visit? 

• One of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• One of the largest waterfall systems on Earth
• Exceptional rainforest scenery and wildlife
• Accessible from both Argentina and Brazil

Unique experiences 

• Walk above the dramatic Devil's Throat
• Take a boat trip beneath the falls
• Explore rainforest trails filled with wildlife
• Experience the falls from two different countries

Combine with 

Argentina 

• Buenos Aires
• Mendoza
• Patagonia

Brazil 

• Rio de Janeiro
• The Pantanal
• Paraty

What our team had to say 

"You can hear them long before you can see them. Then suddenly they're just there." - Jenna Gordon, Senior Travel Specialist 

"It's one of the most powerful natural sights I've ever experienced, and you feel it before you even see it."  - Chelsea Halkou, Travel Specialist 

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana 

Deep within the rainforest of Guyana lies one of South America's most remarkable natural wonders. Kaieteur Falls plunges 226 metres into the Potaro River below, making it one of the world's tallest single-drop waterfalls and around four times higher than Niagara Falls. 

Unlike many famous waterfalls in Latin America, Kaieteur remains wonderfully remote, offering visitors a true sense of discovery. 

Why visit? 

• One of the world's most powerful single-drop waterfalls
• Located in pristine rainforest wilderness
• Far fewer visitors than other iconic waterfalls
• One of Guyana's most famous natural attractions

Unique experiences 

• Scenic flights over untouched rainforest
• Multiple viewpoints overlooking the falls
• Spot the rare golden rocket frog
• Experience one of South America's last great wilderness areas

Combine with 

• Georgetown
• Iwokrama Rainforest
• Atta Rainforest Lodge
• Rewa Eco-Lodge

Our recommendation 

Combine Kaieteur with Guyana's wildlife-rich rainforest lodges for one of Latin America's most rewarding nature-focused holidays. 

Monday Falls

Monday Falls, Paraguay 

Located near Ciudad del Este, Monday Falls is one of South America's most underrated waterfall experiences. Surrounded by Atlantic Forest, the falls tumble dramatically into a deep gorge and provide an excellent alternative for travellers seeking spectacular scenery without the crowds. Monday Falls in Paraguay waterfalls in Latin America is our teams top tip for those wanting the experience but less crowds.

Why visit? 

• One of Paraguay's most impressive natural attractions
• Significantly quieter than Iguazú Falls
• Easily added to a Three Borders itinerary
• Beautiful Atlantic Forest setting

Unique experiences 

• Enjoy panoramic viewpoints with few visitors
• Explore Paraguay's Atlantic Forest
• Discover one of South America's hidden gems

Combine with 

• Iguazú Falls
• Itaipu Dam
• Asunción
• Jesuit Missions

What our team had to say 

"I've been to Monday Falls in Paraguay and loved it. It's almost as awe-inspiring as Iguazú, but with hardly anyone there. Located just over the Brazilian-Paraguayan border near Iguazú, it's perfect for travellers looking for an amazing waterfall experience with a fraction of the crowds."  Alex Wessely, Travel Specialist 

La Fortuna

La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica 

Nestled within lush rainforest beneath Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall is one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural attractions. The waterfall plunges into a natural pool surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, creating a picture-perfect setting. 

Why visit? 

• One of Costa Rica's best-known waterfalls
• Fantastic swimming opportunities
• Easy access from Arenal
• Beautiful volcanic scenery

Unique experiences 

• Swim beneath the waterfall
• Explore rainforest trails
• Combine with hot springs and volcano adventures

Combine with 

• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Mistico Hanging Bridges
• Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
• Tortuguero National Park

What our team had to say 

"The best thing about La Fortuna Waterfall is the incredible greenery surrounding it and the ability to swim in the pools and streams at the base. My top tip is to go as soon as it opens. That way there are fewer crowds and you can enjoy the waterfall before it gets busy."   Rob Jacobs, Sales Team Manager 

"It really is a beautiful area with lots of hot springs to choose from, stunning scenery, hikes and lots of amazing activities to suit the whole family."   -  Gaynor Atherton, Head of Trade Relations

Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste Waterfall, Costa Rica 

Located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste Waterfall is famous for its vivid turquoise waters. Hidden within the rainforest, the waterfall appears almost surreal and is one of Costa Rica's most photographed natural attractions.   This is a must-see waterfall in Latin America.

Why visit? 

• Extraordinary blue water
• Rainforest hiking opportunities
• Excellent wildlife spotting
• One of Costa Rica's most unique landscapes

Unique experiences 

• Visit the point where the river changes colour
• Hike through pristine rainforest
• Spot monkeys, sloths and tropical birds

Combine with 

• Arenal
• Monteverde
• Rincon de la Vieja
• Guanacaste beaches

What our team had to say 

"Tubing down the Rio Celeste was the highlight of the trip."   Jess Dennison, Latin Routes Director

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica  

Hidden within Costa Rica's southern Pacific region, Nauyaca Waterfalls consists of two spectacular cascades surrounded by dense rainforest. Less visited than La Fortuna, it offers a more adventurous and rewarding experience. 

Why visit? 

• Stunning multi-tiered waterfall
• Natural swimming pools
• Excellent rainforest scenery
• Ideal for active travellers

Unique experiences 

• Swim beneath the falls
• Reach the waterfall by hiking or horseback
• Enjoy fewer crowds than some of Costa Rica's more famous sites

Combine with 

• Manuel Antonio
• Uvita
• Osa Peninsula
• Corcovado National Park

Our recommendation 

Nauyaca is a fantastic addition to a southern Costa Rica itinerary, particularly for travellers exploring the Pacific Coast and Osa Peninsula. 

Gocta Waterfalls

Gocta Waterfall, Peru 

Hidden within northern Peru's cloud forests, Gocta Waterfall remained largely unknown to the outside world until relatively recently. Today it is recognised as one of the tallest waterfalls on Earth, plunging more than 700 metres through a spectacular mountain landscape. 

Why visit? 

• One of the tallest waterfalls in the world
• Stunning cloud forest scenery
• Excellent hiking opportunities
• Far fewer visitors than Peru's better-known attractions

Unique experiences 

• Hike through cloud forest landscapes
• Spot colourful birdlife along the trail
• Experience a different side of Peru

Combine with 

• Chachapoyas
• Kuélap Fortress
• Lima
• Sacred Valley
• Machu Picchu

Our recommendation 

Gocta is perfect for travellers looking to venture beyond Peru's classic highlights and discover one of the country's best-kept secrets. 

Yumbilla Falls

Yumbilla Falls, Peru 

Towering nearly 900 metres high, Yumbilla Falls is thought to be among the tallest waterfalls in the world. Located in northern Peru, it remains one of the country's most underrated natural attractions. This is definitely one to add to see list for waterfalls in Latin America.

Why visit? 

• One of the world's tallest waterfalls
• Incredible cloud forest setting
• Off-the-beaten-path adventure
• Excellent wildlife opportunities

Unique experiences 

• Scenic hiking trails
• Spectacular photography opportunities
• Explore a rarely visited region of Peru

Combine with 

• Gocta Waterfall
• Chachapoyas
• Kuélap

Our recommendation 

Visit Gocta and Yumbilla together to experience two of South America's most impressive waterfalls in a single journey. 

Petrohué Falls

Petrohué Falls, Chile 

Set within Chile's Lake District, Petrohué Falls showcases powerful rapids rushing through black volcanic rock against the backdrop of snow-capped Osorno Volcano. 

Why visit? 

• One of Chile's most scenic natural attractions
• Unique volcanic landscape
• Easily accessible
• Fantastic photography opportunities

Unique experiences 

• Photograph the falls with Osorno Volcano behind them
• Explore the Chilean Lake District
• Take a boat trip on Lake Todoslos Santos

Combine with 

• Puerto Varas
• Chiloe Island
• Patagonia

Our recommendation 

Visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the spectacular volcanic scenery surrounding the falls. 

Pailon del Diablo 

Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador 

One of Ecuador's most famous waterfalls, Pailón del Diablo near Baños crashes through a dramatic canyon surrounded by lush vegetation. 

Why visit? 

• One of Ecuador's most iconic waterfalls
• Dramatic viewing platforms
• Easy access from Baños
• Adventure-filled surroundings

Unique experiences 

• Walk close to the waterfall on suspension bridges
• Explore scenic canyon trails
• Experience Baños' adventure activities

Combine with 

• Baños
• Avenue of the Volcanoes
• Ecuadorian Amazon

Our recommendation 

Pailón del Diablo works particularly well as part of a wider journey between Quito, the Andes and the Amazon. 

Agua Azul 

Agua Azul, Mexico 

Agua Azul is a series of turquoise cascades flowing through tropical forest in Chiapas. Rather than a single waterfall, it is a collection of beautiful stepped falls and pools.  These collection of waterfalls in Latin America are definitely a natural wonder to see.

Why visit? 

• Stunning turquoise waters
• One of Mexico's most beautiful natural attractions
• Excellent photography opportunities
• Easy to combine with Chiapas highlights

Unique experiences 

• Walk alongside multiple cascades
• Swim in designated pools
• Explore tropical rainforest surroundings

Combine with 

• Palenque
• San Cristóbal de las Casas
• Chiapas

Our recommendation 

Combine Agua Azul with Palenque to experience both the natural and cultural highlights of Chiapas. 

Cascada Misol-Ha

Misol-Ha, Mexico 

Surrounded by dense jungle, Misol-Ha is a dramatic single-drop waterfall that plunges into a circular pool below. 

Why visit? 

• Beautiful rainforest setting
• Less crowded than some Mexican waterfall attractions
• Easily accessible from Palenque
• Ideal for nature lovers

Unique experiences 

• Walk behind the waterfall
• Enjoy the tropical forest setting
• Combine archaeology and nature in one day

Combine with 

• Palenque
• Agua Azul
• San Cristóbal de las Casas

Our recommendation 

Visit Misol-Ha and Agua Azul together for a memorable day exploring some of Chiapas' most beautiful natural attractions. 

Even more waterfalls to discover

While these are some of our favourite waterfalls in Latin America, there are plenty more waiting to be discovered across the region. Costa Rica alone is home to countless cascades hidden within rainforest and cloud forest landscapes, while Ecuador's Avenue of the Waterfalls near Baños features dozens of spectacular falls. In Mexico, El Chiflón offers a series of impressive cascades in the heart of Chiapas, while Chile's Salto del Laja provides a scenic stop on journeys through the country's central and southern regions.

Many of Latin America's most memorable waterfalls are found away from the main tourist trail, often tucked within national parks, rainforest reserves and remote mountain landscapes. Whether you're planning a wildlife adventure in Guyana, a self-drive holiday through Chile, a rainforest escape in Costa Rica or a cultural journey through Peru and Mexico, there is almost always a spectacular waterfall waiting to be discovered along the way.

Discover the most spectacular waterfalls in Latin America with Latin Routes

Whether you're standing beside the immense power of Iguazú, flying over the remote wilderness surrounding Kaieteur, swimming beneath La Fortuna Waterfall or discovering hidden locations such as Monday Falls, these remarkable natural wonders reveal some of the most spectacular landscapes in Latin America. 

Each offers something different, making them unforgettable additions to any holiday across the region.   Which of these waterfalls in Latin America will you visit next?

Browse our Destinations