October 24 2017

Gocta Falls

Table of Contents

Take a quick look on google and you’ll see The Gocta Cataracts is either the 3rd, 4th or 5th tallest waterfall in the world (depending on which source you read). No matter which spot it rightfully claims one thing is clear. Gocta is a GIANT. And at only a short 22 hour ride from Lima it should be on your to-do list while in Peru. Lol. No, but seriously if you have the time you should definitely make the trip over.

Bit of History

The Gocta Cataracts were only discovered to the outside world in 2005 when a German explorer laid eyes on it. He urged officials of Peru to take an official measurement and it has been in the record books ever since. We were very surprised that this double drop fall of a combined 771m remained unknown for so long. The fall isn’t exactly hidden. I mean, you can see it towering from the cliff edge from pretty much any part of the town. Legend has it that there is a beautiful blonde mermaid living in the waters at the base of the falls. This mermaid would put a curse on you if you revealed the existence of Gocta Cataracts. Locals feared this curse and hence the long lived secrecy. Personally, I don’t buy it! I think this area just wasn’t visited by foreigners. I think locals just walked by the fall all their lives and it became normal for them. They never realized what a towering giant Gocta really is until an outsider brought the topic up.

How to Get To The Gocta Cataracts

Chachapoyas is the best town to base yourself out of to visit the area. It is the most developed and has the most amenities. It really reminded us a of a smaller scaled Cusco. Coming from Lima it’s about a 22 hour bus ride or you can fly to Chiclayo and bus from there (10 hours). We used the budget company Civa from Chiclayo for s/30 (<$10). It was decent enough but do not expect luxury. If you want something a bit better check out Movil Tour. Also keep in mind that if coming from the south you can come via Cajamarca but this is a really rough road. Once in Chachapoyas if you want to join a tour just head over to the main square and compare offers. Most are around s/60+s/10 entrance ($22). Or if you want to go independently head to the colectivo terminal at the edge of town. It is best to be in the van leaving around 730-8am to beat some of the heat. This will cost s/5 (<$2). The driver will let you out on the main road at the entrance to Cocachimba (45mins drive). From there you have a 5km (3mile) walk to Cocachimba. Or catch a ride with one of the waiting moto taxis for s/10 ($3).The more popular hike will take you to the base of the second drop. It is also possible to hike to the base of the first drop from the town of San Pablo.

The Hike

Pay your entrance fee s/10 ($3) and sign in. Walk 200 meters down the road past the shops and you’re off. There is a fair amount of incline, decline and flat. Nothing too strenuous. If you are in basic shape you will be fine. It is also possible to rent a horse for most of the walk. Don’t be offended if an elderly local zooms past you on the walk. If you haven’t notice yet the locals are ridiculously fit. The popular route returns on the same path and will probably take you 2.5-3 hours each way. Bring sunscreen, water, rain jacket and a good pair of shoes/boots.

Tips

Start early, the valley gets pretty warm during the day. Bring at least a liter of water. Try some pitahaya, a yellow fruit available in Peru. Very sweet! You’ll thank me later!

Return to Chachapoyas

To get back to town you have two options. Taxi or walk back to the main road and wait for the next passing colectivo. Or with a little luck buy a return seat in one of the many tour agency vans if not full for s/10 ($3). Which is the other reason you want to start early. The tours are finished and returning to town around 2-3pm.