Waterfall photo editor: Frames

A waterfall is a point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf.

Waterfalls can be formed in several ways but the most common method of formation is that a river courses over a top layer of resistant bedrock before falling onto the softer rock. This erodes faster leading to an increasingly high fall. Waterfalls have been studied for their impact on species living in and around them.

Humans have had a distinct relationship with waterfalls for years traveling to see them exploring and naming them. They can present formidable barriers to navigation along rivers.

Waterfalls are religious sites in many cultures. Since the 18th century, they have received increased attention as tourist destinations and sources of hydropower and particularly since the mid-20th century as subjects of research.

It's hard to explain exactly why waterfalls are so enchanting but there's no denying their effect. They top traveler’s lists and are so cherished. They’re often protected by parks or UNESCO designations. Each year people traverse the globe just to witness the magnetic power of water pouring over a cliff's edge and plummeting to the earth below.

And while these wonders exist all over the world from the lush hills of Hawaii to the rugged coast of Iceland there’s no denying that some waterfalls are a little extra special and perhaps slightly more beautiful than the rest.

Iguazu Falls which spans the border of Argentina and Brazil in South America is not only one of the world's largest waterfalls but also one of the most mesmerizing.

This magnificent spectacle formed by the Iguazu River is a cluster of roughly 275 different waterfalls organized in a horseshoe pattern. While the river that begins the falls is located on the Brazilian side of the border. The majority of the falls are located in Argentina.

That means you'll have to cross the border to see the 1.7-mile-long waterfall that flows into this World Heritage-listed national park. The border between Brazil and Argentina on the Iguazú River. The visual and acoustic effects of all this water falling about 82 meters really cannot be compared to anything else in the world.

The surrounding jungly jungle is similarly lovely providing a wonderful moment you'll never forget. The falls are in a national park and may be seen from either the Argentine or Brazilian sides.

According to mythology, a deity wished to marry a girl who escaped in a canoe with her boyfriend, and in wrath, he split the river producing waterfalls and an endless fall for both of them.

The most beautiful of the five Havasupai Waterfalls which cascade over orange-red cliffs into bright turquoise blue pools in a Grand Canyon side canyon is Havasu Falls.

The waterfalls are entirely on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and can only be reached by an overnight 10-mile trek that needs reservations and payment of fees no day hiking is permitted and you must stay at least one night in the canyon's campsite most visitors stay three nights.

The number of visitors allowed into the canyon is restricted and there is usually a waiting list to see this must-see waterfall. Because Havasu Falls is so far away plan on a long trek with plenty of shade. Sunscreen a hat a first aid kit food and lots of water should all be included. There is no water access on the route so each person should pack at least a gallon. Although many hikers find trekking poles useful for the steep switchbacks, they are not required.

Bring a swimming suit, water shoes, towel, and camera for your stay at the canyon's bottom. If you're going camping bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, inflatable pillow, and a portable backpacking stove. Even if you're staying at the Lodge bring food.