The Gocta cascades is one of Peru's most thrilling tourist attractions. Located in the Amazonas region, northern Peru. In the middle of the cloud forest, is the top natural draw in the Peruvian Amazon.
German adventurer Stefan Ziemendorff found it in 2002. In 2006, Ziemendorff measured the tall waterfall. It was said to be 771 meters from the upper part to the bottom of the river valley, making the impressive waterfall Peru's third-largest waterfall.
It is smaller than only Yumbilla at 895.4 meters in Amazonas and Las Tres Hermanas at 914 meters in Junin. According to the World Waterfall Database, Gocta is the 17th-highest waterfall in the world. Since then, thousands of local and foreign tourists visit each year. Tourism is a big part of local people's earnings.
As stated above, the waterfall became famous in 2002. A German citizen visited the area with locals and made it famous. But, in 2006 it became popular due to its measure. Before that, only locals were aware of the Gocta Waterfall. However, why didn't the locals tell others about this stunning location?
Legend has it that a nearby area was inhabited by a beautiful mermaid. She guarded a golden pot and cursed whoever approached her. At the waterfall's base, the water even forms a U shape, resembling the mermaid's hair. The legend said that a big snake was the mermaid’s bodyguard to make things creepier.
Another legend says that a beautiful mermaid lured careless men and killed them. She did this in the depths of the Cocahuayco River, where the waterfall finishes. The popularity of these legends grew when the local farmer Juan Mendoza disappeared, by the way, he's still missing. People who believed these urban legends may have caused Gocta to not be discovered until 2002.
There are two routes to get to Gocta from Chachapoyas:
One from Cocachimba, and San Pablo: This route begins in either Chachapoyas or Jaén, Cajamarca, and continues to Cocachimba, a small village approximately an hour from Chachapoyas. From there, you’ll start your hike to the bottom of the Gocta Falls.
This trek will take around 3 hours. Through the road, you’ll see the breathtaking tropical jungle where you’ll find flora, wildlife, and lots of peace. Cocachimba provides essential services such as food and accommodation, and we can say is a great place for eco-tourism.
You can also take a horse ride for a portion of the journey, but bear in mind that horses can only go until the trail becomes narrow, then, you'll have to continue on foot from there.
Route from San Pablo: The alternative route begins in the village of San Pablo. This trail is unique since it allows you to admire the richness of flora and animals along the journey. Believe us that the views of the waterfall are amazing from this route.
Some pre-inca attractions are nearby, such as Kuelap Fortress, a masterpiece of ancient Peruvian architecture. This castle, with 420 circular houses fashioned of fine stone blocks and mud cement, was undoubtedly one of the most important of the period.
It comprises administrative and religious structures, ceremonial places, and even dwellings, demonstrating its importance to this civilization. The fortified structure is evident in its walls, which reach up to 20 meters in height.
The "Karajia Sarcophagus" refers to anthropomorphic figures placed on top of a mountain. You'll find 14 figurines stranded on a hill, they serve as eternal watchmen over the valley. Each tomb contains a mummy, each mummy was embalmed in the fetal position. People believe that the mummies belong to eminent citizens from the Chachapoyas period.
Besides these attractions, Leimebamba, Quiocta Cavern, and Revash mausoleum are some other spots of interest you can find near the falls.
- Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat. It could get hotter, as is near the jungle.
- A good pair of trekking shoes. You’ll walk more than 3 hours, so be sure they are comfortable too.
- Bring raingear. There’s a chance of precipitation, or you’ll get soaked near the falls.
- In Coachimba, you can buy groceries, snacks, water, and whatever you may need.
In recent years, ecotourism has grown. Ecotourism is more than just visiting natural spots; it is about doing it responsibly and sustainably. The phrase itself refers to exploring natural areas with a focus on environmental conservation. Lately, it has become one of the most popular alternative activities.
People have gained a stronger respect for natural settings, they especially like ones away from city life. This shift in thinking has led to ideas, including conservation and recycling. People also include respect for forests and wildlife and love for the world.
These areas are beautiful, attracting more tourists each year. They are often only accessible by foot, along the route, you can see stunning scenery. You can also see many species, like toucans, cock-of-the-rocks, and butterflies. If lucky, you may even see monkeys.
