In the middle of the green blanket, the veil of water is even more impressive: the Gocta Falls forcefully, making itself heard from more than 700 meters above sea level.
To enjoy this magical place, you have to walk through the woods starting from the town of Cochachimba or from the town of San Pablo, which are the closest towns; a journey of 5 hours (round trip) in the company of 110 species of birds and mammals such as the woolly monkey and the spectacled bear.
Everything, with the orchids offering their shapes and colors in their maximum splendor.
Where is the Gocta Falls located?
The Gocta Falls is located in the department of Amazonas, specifically in the province of Bongará, in the middle of the Peruvian jungle and 50 kilometers from Chachapoyas, the closest city.
Its location is an authentic wonder, since it is surrounded only and exclusively by nature, with incredible fauna and flora, which makes it, if possible, an even more beautiful place.
Altitud
The Gocta Falls is 771 meters high, a number that places it at number 15 on the world list of highest waterfalls in the world.
Gocta’s fantastic discovery story
It was in 2006 that a German-born explorer dared to reach the heart of the waterfall. Until then, it was an unexplored place, since the inhabitants feared to venture into the site of the waterfall due to a legend that existed in the region.
Generation after generation, a story was consolidated among the locals that told of the existence of a mermaid with blond hair that inhabited the lagoon formed in the lower part of the waterfall. Using her beauty, she enchanted the men who approached the place, managing to drag them to the depths.
Stefan Ziemendorf stumbled upon the waterfall in 2002 when he was doing research at funeral temples in the region. After talking with other researchers, he concluded that the place had never been studied, so, in 2006, he decided to return and rely on the guidance of the locals to reach Gocta. His goal was to measure the length of this natural wonder.
As part of his exploration team, he also had the help of an engineer, a key piece to carry out his goal. As a result, Ziemendorf recorded that, all the way to the Gocta waterfall, there are a total of 22 waterfalls. Two of them, the most important, register the following marks: the first is 231 meters high and the second, 540 meters. Between the two, they form an impressive set of 771 meters.
Main Characteristics of the Gocta Falls
- La Chorrera, the name by which locals refer to the Gocta Waterfall, was discovered in 2002 by the German Stefan Ziemendorff.
- Its 771 meters of total height place it, depending on the sources that are consulted, among the 15 highest waterfalls on the planet.
- Its altitude is divided into two different sections: the first with 231 meters and the second, reaching 540 meters.
- In addition, the Gocta Waterfall is accompanied by a local legend about a blond-haired mermaid who lures men into the fall pool and then takes them to the bottom of the pool.
Weather in Gocta in Perú
Being in the Amazon, the waterfall is surrounded by cloud forests and the weather is somewhat unpredictable.
Temperatures can range between 2 ° and 40 °, depending on the times and dates of the year.
Best Time to Visit Gocta in Perú
Between December and March is the rainy season, making it a tempting season for tourists as the flow of water is greater, increasing the majesty of the falls, but also increasing the dangers they face.
During the rainy season, there are limitations on how close you can get to the Gocta pool, as it seeks to prevent any accident.
The decision of what time of year it is best to visit the Gocta Waterfall will depend on what you prefer: a less risky trip with a good view or something a little more extreme with a majestic waterfall.
Discover the Gocta Falls
Until recently, 700 kilometers from Lima, Peru hid a wonderful place full of mysticism and charm: the Gocta Waterfall, an impressive waterfall that the locals call locally «La Chorrera». This waterfall has a free fall of 771 meters.
This natural charm is located in the department of Amazonas, specifically in the Valera district, near Cocachimba and San Pablo. In recent years, it has emerged as a preferred route for extreme travelers.
The Gocta Falls in Perú is the most visited destination in the country, along with the classic inca trail 4 days 3 nights and the hike to rainbow mountain peru.
How to get to Gocta in Perú?
From Lima to Chachapoyas it is approximately 25 hours of travel by land. The cost of the cheapest ticket is S / 80. After arriving in this northern Peruvian city, there are two ways to access the Gocta waterfalls: through the towns of Cocachimba or San Pablo.
If you want to make the most of your visit to the waterfalls, avoid doing it in the rainy season. This includes the months of October to May. Both in Chachapoyas and in Cocachimba or San Pablo you can find various options of tourist services to get to Gocta. There you can choose the one that best suits your budget.
Similarly, in the city or in the aforementioned hamlets, you can find several accommodation establishments. It is important to mention that getting to the waterfall is not easy; the ascent path requires the traveler to have excellent physical conditions. However, there is the option of renting horses in Cocachimba or San Pablo; so you can make the route a little more accessible.
Chachapoyas – Cocachimba Route
The Gocta waterfall is located 44 kilometers north of Chachapoyas. The drive takes an hour. Upon reaching Cocachimba, you will start a walk of approximately 6 hours (round trip), in which you will cross the extensive forest surrounded by mist.
Chachapoyas – San Pablo directions
From Chachapoyas to the San Pablo village there is also an hour away. From there you will begin to discover a path of ascents and descents that will have as a reward the impressive view of Gocta. This is the longest route, since the town has a better tourist infrastructure compared to Cocachimba.
How to visit the Gocta Falls and other tips
The recommended time to go on an excursion to the waterfall is between 7 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon.
During the route you will see some endangered species such as the cock-of-the-rock, the spatula-tailed hummingbird, the spectacled bear, among others.
The Gocta Waterfall awaits you so you can visit it throughout the year. However, if you have a choice, it is best to avoid the rainy season that runs from October to May.
Although it is a fairly simple trek, it is always advisable to go with everything you need to enjoy the journey: comfortable shoes and clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a raincoat.
For those who want to walk the trail in a different way, you can rent horses in the towns of Cocachimba and San Pablo.
Where can you stay on your visit to Gocta in Perú?
The view from the Gocta Andes Lodge.
Although the most common thing for tourists visiting the Gocta Waterfall is to stay in Chachapoyas and start the excursion from here, there are other places closer to the waterfall that also have accommodation with prices for all budgets.
Therefore, we recommend that you do some research before deciding on your hotel or hostel. You can check the options in the towns Cocachimba and San Pablo and, if your budget allows it, an incredible option is to book a room at the Gocta Andes Lodge, with impressive views of the waterfall.
What to bring for the tour?
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Climbing boots
- Binoculars
- Photographic camera with long-range lenses
- Waterproof
- Jacket
- Drinking water
- Walking stick
