Cachoeira is the brazilian word for one of the most beautiful spectacles nature has to offer. Brazil is also the country where I learned about 10 years ago to love waterfalls and to spend whole days or even weekends swimming, camping or even barbecuing at those magical places. Waterfalls represent for me never ending blessings and live in abundance on the one hand and the immense power of nature on the other hand. Every waterfall seems to be unique and magical in its own way. Furthermore it is no wonder, that the Iguaçu waterfalls in Brazil and Argentina are at the top of this list.

1. Iguazu Falls, Brazil – Up to 7,000 cubic metres of water – depending on the season and the water level – crash over the rocks every second. Over a width of 2,700 metres, 275 large and small waterfalls provide a breathtaking spectacle. The Iguazu Falls are wider than the more famous Victoria Falls in Africa and higher than Niagara Falls in North America.

2. La Leona Falls, Costa Rica – This spot is absolutly insane. To get to the falls you do not only hike through the jungle, but have to swim through a canyon and into a cave, were you finally hear and feel the roar and the power of the falls, wich are located in the middle of the cave. But be careful some days the stream is so strong that it is impossible and even dangerous to enter the cave.

3. Cascata El Limón Falls, Dominican Republic – This waterfall is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. It is located on the Samaná Peninsula on the north coast. There are good roads leading from the surrounding towns of Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and the town of Samaña to the peaceful mountain village of El Limon. From there, there are tours with donkeys to the waterfalls. Since the animals look very exhausted and are obviously treated very badly I recommend to take one of the hiking trails, wich pass coffee-, cacao- and pineapple plants – you should take water shoes, because you also have to cross a small river.

4. El Chiflón Wasserfälle Falls, Mexico – is more than just a waterfall. Located completely off the beaten track in southern Mexico (Chiapas), this gorgeous piece of earth offers narrow paths through tropical forests, a long, deep turquoise and crystal clear mountain stream and numerous waterfalls that you discover hiking up a mountain. The further you walk the less people are on site. The highest of these waterfalls (Velo De Novia) is 120m and it takes your breath away. In several places there are also ziplines to go back to the entrance at the end. Please drive forward!

5.  Kawasan Falls, Philippines – are located on the middle of the Philippine Visayas archipelago, Cebu. An island paradise with white sandy beaches and a flourishing nature. The waterfall in the middle of the jungle just invites you to swim. The contrast between the turquoise water and the green of the trees is beautiful. The first fall may be crowded but if you walk a little more along the paths you will enjoy many different waterfalls.