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Waterfall · Chachapoyas, Amazonas
Catarata de Gocta
A 771-meter waterfall in two drops, in a forested valley of the province of Bongará, reached by trail from the villages of Cocachimba or San Pablo, about an hour from Chachapoyas.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catarata de Gocta
The Gocta waterfall is in the district of Valera, in the province of Bongará, near the villages of Cocachimba, San Pablo and La Coca, north of Chachapoyas. Known locally as La Chorrera, it gained fame in 2006 when an expedition measured the drop: 771 meters in two cascades, one of the tallest waterfalls in Peru.
The most used trail starts from Cocachimba and descends and rises along forest slopes, plantations and streams to the base of the lower fall. It usually takes about two and a half hours one way, with muddy sections during the rainy season; part of the route can be done on horseback. Another trail starts from San Pablo and reaches near the base of the upper fall.
On the way you can see orchids, bromeliads, hummingbirds and, if lucky, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the red-plumed bird of the Andean forest. At the base, the wind and spray from the fall wet those who come close.
There are local legends about a mermaid guarding a treasure behind the water. Cocachimba and San Pablo have lodgings with views of the waterfall for those who want to sleep nearby.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
5 to 6 hours of hiking, round trip, from Cocachimba; by road, a full day from Chachapoyas.
Best time
In March and April the waterfall usually has more water; from May to September the trail is generally drier. Leave early to return while it's still light.
How to get there
From Chachapoyas, follow the road north to the Cocachimba turnoff, about a 1-hour drive by car or van. Agencies run the full tour, and there are shared vans (colectivos) to the turnoff.
Tip
Wear footwear with good grip and bring a raincoat: near the waterfall the mist wets you. On the return the uphill is more tiring than the way there; conserve energy.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catarata de Gocta
How tall is the Gocta waterfall?
771 meters, in two drops. It was measured in 2006.
How long does the trail take?
About two and a half hours to go from Cocachimba, and a bit longer on the return, which has more uphill.
Can you go on horseback?
Part of the route from Cocachimba can be done on horseback, rented in the village.
What is the best time to go?
In March and April the waterfall usually has more water; from May to September the trail is generally drier.