Let's go to Gocta, one of the highest waterfalls in the world!

Its more than 700 meters high make it one of the largest in the world. Its majesty and natural beauty, which is not found just like that, make all its visitors fall in love. In the Amazonas region, you can find a series of archaeological and natural attractions, such as the Karajía Sarcophagi, the City of Chachapoyas or the Kuelap Monumental Archaeological Zone. But its maximum natural jewel is the Gocta Waterfall, located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.

This waterfall is besieged by tourists seeking to connect with a totally natural environment. Public or private transport does not enter here, so you can breathe the harmony of flora and fauna in each space you cross. And for the same reason that there are no tracks or asphalt, accessing the Gocta Waterfall has a certain degree of complexity. However, the journey is completely worth it, because witnessing the permanent waterfall is indescribable, as it fills your soul and transports your mind to a state of calm never before intuited.

To better locate ourselves geographically, it should be noted that the Gocta Waterfall is located between the hamlets of San Pablo, Cocachimba and La Coca, which belong to the district of Valera, in the province of Bongará (Amazonas region). And to get to it, there are a number of alternatives that adjust to the adventurous spirit of its potential visitors: you will have to take different sections (or routes) where you will combine long walks and horseback riding to reach this natural charm, but you can get closer beforehand. to your destination with buses (from the city of Chachapoyas to Cocachimba or San Pablo) or hired cars.

The history and the legend

The Gocta Waterfall was discovered in 2002. The German explorer Stefan Ziemendorf was investigating a series of caves found in the department of Amazonas, but it was not until four years later that he made, together with a group of the most experienced local guides, the first records and research on the waterfall, since it had confirmed that this attraction had not been previously discovered.

His topographic notes showed that the Gocta Waterfall measured 771 meters -being the third largest waterfall in Peru, only behind Las Tres Hermanas (914) and Yumbilla (895.4), located in the regions of Junín and Amazonas, respectively- and that In the surroundings of this beautiful natural wonder that is divided into two falls, there are some 22 smaller waterfalls.

As a result of its discovery, the first legends that relate the waterfall to mythology were also born. One of the ones that gained more weight over the years was the story of a golden-haired mermaid who scared away visitors from Amazonas. This woman spent the night in the lagoon that lies at the end of the Gocta Waterfall, with the mission of protecting a brilliant treasure. And those who had the little fortune to get close, made them disappear.

10 curiosities of the Gocta Waterfall

The Gocta Waterfall amazes any tourist who comes to appreciate its enormous waterfall, which measures 771 meters. This spectacle of nature is located between the hamlets of San Pablo, Cocachimba and La Coca, which belong to the district of Valera, in the province of Bongará, Amazonas.

The waterfall was considered the third highest waterfall in the world, although it currently occupies position 17. In Peru it is located in third place, since in the first position is the Las Tres Hermanas waterfall (914 m) located in Junín and in second place is the Yumbilla waterfall (895.4 m) located in Amazonas.

This impressive waterfall was discovered by the German Stefan Ziemendorff in 2002. The explorer was the one who noticed its existence when he was looking for some sarcophagi located on the opposite side of the Utcubamba valley, in the province of Luya-Lamud, in Amazon. "We reached the base, it falls from very high, so the water is very cold, a lot of cold air falls. The wind that comes out of the waterfall is spectacular, strong and a sensational noise is heard several kilometers away," Ziemendorff told the BBC in the 2006.

The name Gocta means "jabot" in Quechua. However, for some locals, the name of the waterfall comes from the sound produced by the yellow-tailed woolly monkey that lives in the area and for others it is the onomatopoeia of the noise of the drops when they collide with the stone.

There are various legends that locals did not want to go near the falls. One of the many is that a blonde-haired mermaid guarded the place and was in the lower area of the waterfall. Even the people who live in Cocachimba say that a person would have disappeared in the waters of the waterfall.

In order to see the first waterfall up close, you have to take a long walk that lasts approximately 6 hours (round trip). The second fall lasts 8 hours (round trip). On the way you will find extensive vegetation and various animals that inhabit the place.

The town of Cocachimba is the starting point to go to the Gocta Waterfall. There are several restaurants there and they rent special canes to do the tour. If you do not want to do the long walk you can choose to go on a horse or donkey, which has a price equivalent to S/ 50.

What is the best season to visit this attraction?

The Gocta waterfall can be visited throughout the year, although in the rainy season that runs from December to March, you will be able to appreciate them in their maximum splendor.

It should be noted that the area is home to a great diversity of important animals such as Johnson's spoonbill, spectacled bear and the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Also, species of wildlife that are in danger of extinction and are on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

On April 26, 2019, the Ministry of the Environment recognized the Gocta waterfall as a Private Conservation Area (ACP) to protect the water resources, flora and fauna of the place.

Who discovered the Gocta Waterfall

This waterfall was discovered in 2002 thanks to the German expeditionist Stefan Ziemendorff and a group of Peruvian explorers who were working on a hydraulic project.

Ziemendorff saw this marvelous waterfall for the first time that year when he was on expeditions in the area. But it was only in 2006 that the news of the existence of this waterfall was given to the world.

It should be noted that Gocta is below El Salto del Ángel, in Venezuela, at 972 meters, Tugela Falls, in South Africa, at 948 meters, among others.

The find caught the attention of the government, which subsequently campaigned to turn it into a tourist attraction that currently boosts the local economy.

It is planned that the area will become a nature reserve because the place is still virgin and there are animals in danger of extinction.

How to get?

To enjoy this magical place, you must first travel to Chachapoyas, the capital of the region. From Lima, it is a 24-hour journey by land and the ticket costs 80 soles. You can also go by plane from Lima to Jaén, Tarapoto or Cajamarca, and then complete the tour by bus.

To get to the waterfalls, you must go to the town of Cocachimba. You can take a collective or a tourist bus service to this place, with a travel time of one hour. Here begins a walk of five or six hours, prior payment of an entrance fee and guide service. It is important that during the days prior to your trip you prepare yourself very well physically, since the first kilometers of the route are quite demanding due to the steep ascent.

As you get closer to your destination, the journey becomes more bearable. The sound of the water and the song of the birds, such as the cock of the rocks, will accompany you throughout the journey, making the route more comfortable. Finally, when crossing a group of trees, you will have before your eyes the imposing waterfall that will envelop you with all its energy. Rest assured that it will be an unbeatable feeling.

Do not forget to bring a waterproof jacket, suitable shoes, water, some fruit, a cap or hat, sunscreen and repellent. The Gocta waterfalls can be visited all year round, although in the rainy season (December to March) you will be able to appreciate them in their maximum splendor.

Chachapoyas – Cocachimba Route

The Gocta waterfall is located 44 kilometers north of Chachapoyas. The journey by car takes one hour. Upon arrival in Cocachimba, you will start a walk of approximately 6 hours (round trip), in which you will cross the extensive forest surrounded by mist.

Route Chachapoyas – San Pablo

From Chachapoyas to the village of San Pablo 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.

Tourist Circuit in the region

The Gocta waterfall is visited by many tourists, who leave from the city of Chachapoyas, being able to appreciate flora and fauna of the coast and mountains on their journey. There is accommodation in Cochachimba that allows rest in view of the waterfall.

This visit is part of the northern tourist circuit of Peru, which during its stage within the Amazon region also includes visits to natural reserves in the jungle, in still virgin areas and which are homes to many species of animals in danger of extinction. In addition, the circuit includes other places such as the pre-Hispanic fortress of Kuelap, ruins of a fortress built by the Chachapoyas Culture between the 10th and 14th centuries, the Sarcophagi of Carajía, the Revash mausoleums, the Lagoon of the Condors, among others.

The Gocta Waterfall can be visited throughout the year, however, greater caution should be taken during the rainy season that runs from October to May. It is recommended to have items for the walk (cap, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen and water), and in the rainy season consider boots, jacket or waterproof poncho. It is important to note that it is possible to rent horses in Cocachimba and San Pablo de Valera to travel part of the route.

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.