Gallery: Wonderful Waterfalls of the World

Victoria Falls From Above

Victoria Falls From Above

(Image credit: Danilo Mongiello | Dreamstime)

This amazing aerial view of Victoria Falls, taken from a helicopter, shows the waterfall's gigantic size and unique formation. Its indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, transaltes to "smoke that thunders" because of the mist that the roaring waterfall produces.

Alto Paraíso de Goiás Waterfall

Alto Paraíso de Goiás Waterfall

(Image credit: jpaulocv | sxc.hu)

Alto Paraíso de Goiás, a small town located in the northeastern state of Goiás in Brazil, is famous for its scenic mountains, canyons, crystal mines and waterfalls, such the the one above. Because latitude 14, which crosses Peru's legendary city of Machu Picchu, also crosses Alto Paraíso, the area attracts many followers of mysticism, new age theories and spiritualism. This reputation has earned the town the moniker of "The Brazilan Capital of the Third Millennium." Some locals even believe that its location has caused sightings of UFOs and extraterrestrials.

Plitvice National Park Waterfall

Plitvice National Park Waterfall

(Image credit: aap411vm | sxc.hu)

This small waterfall within a lake is located in Plitvice National Park, the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. The national park is world-famous for its 16 lakes, which are arranged in cascades and are all interconnected. Water coming down from the park's mountains causes the lakes to turn beautiful azure, green and aquamarine shades as a result of the mineral runoff.

Remy Melina was a staff writer for Live Science from 2010 to 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Hofstra University where she graduated with honors.