Top 5: Waterfalls in South America

If you are looking to visit waterfalls in South America, it pays to skip the obvious candidates and explore some lesser-known cascades. Instead of battling off hosts of other tourists, visit these waterfalls for a chance to truly enjoy them.

Cachoeira do Tobogã, Brazil © Aaron Epstein | Flickr

Cachoeira do Tobogã, Brazil
A short drive outside of the colonial town of Paraty, you will find this natural rock slide, situated in the middle of the forest. Climb the steep valley sides before sliding down the rock face into the pools below.

Catarata Gocta, Peru © Jorge Gobbi | Flickr

Gocta, Peru

For such a tall waterfall, Gocta receives relatively few visitors. Perhaps it is the fact that the gateway town, Chachapoyas, is not on the traditional tourist route through Peru, or maybe it has something to do with the legend of the evil mermaid that lives at the foot of the falls.

Pozo Azul, Colombia © Eli Duke | Flickr

Pozo Azul, Colombia

Visitors to the port city of Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast of Colombia would be wise to escape the sweltering heat and head up into the hills to Minca. A short hike from town is the Pozo Azul, a series of waterfalls and pools perfect for swimming.

Los Saltos del Mocona, Brazil © Rachel Hugh | Flickr

Saltos de Mocona, Argentina

Although these falls are relatively low, measuring just 10 meters, their length makes them so incredible. For a three-kilometer stretch of the Rio Uruguay, water cascades over a transversal crack in the riverbed, providing a unique experience for visitors.

Banos, Ecuador © Kseniya Ragozina | Dreamstime

Banos, Ecuador

If you want to take in a number of waterfalls in a short amount of time, embark on a cycle tour from Banos down to the Amazon basin below. There are more than 10 waterfalls on each side of the valley, with the more remote falls reached by cable car.