5 things you should know before visiting Gocta Waterfall

Do not forget to include the Gocta Waterfall on your next trip plans and explore one of the most stunning waterfalls in Peru, you won’t regret it.

Hidden in the Chachapoyas region, there is one of the most beautiful and unique waterfalls in Peru. Gocta Falls is one of a kind attraction thanks to its massive size and beauty surrounded by the forest. Making it perfect for visitors to get an unforgettable experience along with nature.

This impressive waterfall measures more than 771 meters. Thus, it is the third highest waterfall in Peru and the third highest in the world. Gocta also descends in two falls, the first one of 231 meters high and the second one of 540 meters. For this and many other reasons, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the country.

Thinking of you, we have made up a list of 5 things you should know before visiting Gocta. Do not miss the chance to get to know this waterfall and join us to discover what’s waiting for you.

Trek towards Gocta Waterfall

This journey takes around 5 and a half to 6 hours (round trip). The starting point is the Cocachimba Farmhouse where you will see a total of 22 waterfalls that become one whole body in the rainy season. Bear in mind that, for doing this trek you will have to hire a professional guide or go with a tour operator as the road to the falls is not easy to cross.

On the way, you will come across spectacular scenarios of flora and fauna. There are more than 110 species of birds, 20 species of mammals, and 41 species of orchids registered. Without question, the trek is one of the best parts of the trip so do not miss the chance to take advantage of every single minute of this route.

Now, the best time to hike to the waterfall is between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is recommended that you carry accessories such as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, climbing boots, waterproof jacket, water, and walking stick. This journey is quite demanding so remember to go well prepared.

Entrance to Gocta fall

Regarding the opening hours, Gocta’s entrance is opened from Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 to 17:30. The entrance ticket costs 10 soles for adults and 5 soles for students. If you want a guide, the cost is 50 soles. This location does not accept cards, so bring everything in cash.

Be aware of the weather

The weather in the Amazon jungle can be very dynamic. Between December and March is the rainy season, making it a tempting time for tourists since the water flow is bigger, increasing the majesty of the falls, but also increasing the dangers when trekking. Besides, there are limitations to how close you can get to the Gocta pool since the aim is to prevent any accidents.

On the other hand, between Abril and November, the climate is more peaceful and people can see clear skies. Making perfect days for long treks and enjoying the natural views of the forest.

The decision of what time of year is best to visit 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.

Other attractions nearby

Even though Gocta falls are very impressive, there are other attractions in Chachapoyas that are definitely worth visiting.

Kuelap:

Named as the second Machu Picchu, Kuelap is an archeological site very famous for its history and value. The fortress has only three entrances, all of them in the form of narrow alleys and large walls, which made it a very mysterious place. Behind its large walls we find the remains of 500 homes, circular in shape, which makes us think that, in addition to being a fortress, Kuelap became an enclosure for ceremonial and residential use.

Note: Today there is a cable car that takes us from the town of Nuevo Tingo to the citadel. Considerably shorten the time it takes us to reach Kuelap.

The Karajía Sarcophagus:

These unique sculptures, are very well-known for their size and their careful elaboration. Being located at the top of a ravine of difficult access has allowed them to be kept safe from the hands of predators for hundreds of years.

Mausoleums of Revash:

They were collective graves built in the middle of a ravine. The ancient Chachapoyas designed some of these “funeral houses” on natural caves and others of them excavated in the rocky walls of the hill.

Amazon Gastronomy

If you’re visiting the Peruvian jungle you will find lots of peculiar and unique flavors. Amazon gastronomy has lots of history and traditions; being one of the most representative in Peru. It’s qualified among the best recipes in the world due to its great variety of ingredients, flavors, and textures, which are the result of the influence of all the cultures that have come to the country.

Among the most important dishes of the region are Juanes, Tamales, Humitas, Tacacho con cecina, Patarasca, Inchicapi, and Chonta salad. Also, you can not miss the Inchik Uchu, a delicious boiled peanut sauce, cilantro, and yucca. Apart from that, there are different juices of local fruits, and classic liquors like Guarapo, Chuchuhuasi, and Pur Pur.