🌳 General Overview of Gocta Waterfall
Gocta Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, with a total height of 771 meters divided into two impressive drops. Located in the Amazonas region of northern Peru, it was relatively unknown to the international community until 2006.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush cloud forest, part of the unique Andean jungle ecosystem, creating an exceptional natural environment with incredible biodiversity.
📸 What to See at Gocta?
The Gocta experience offers multiple attractions:
💧 The Main Waterfall
A breathtaking panoramic view of one of the world's tallest waterfalls, with its powerful 771-meter cascade.🌳 Cloud Forest Ecosystem
Unique vegetation including orchids, bromeliads, and ancient trees in a mystical misty environment.🐦 Wildlife Watching
Opportunity to observe endemic species like the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, spectacled bear, and over 300 species of birds including toucans and trogons.🌈 Natural Phenomena
Frequent rainbows forming in the waterfall's mist, especially in the morning hours.
🥾 Hike Characteristics
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (some steep sections)
- Total Duration: 5-6 hours round trip from Cocachimba
- Distance: Approximately 10 km round trip
- Altitude Variation: From 1,600m to 2,100m above sea level
- Trail Condition: Well-marked paths with some rocky sections
🚌 How to Get to Gocta?
Gocta Waterfall is accessible from the village of Cocachimba (main access) or San Pablo (alternative route).
- 🚐 From Chachapoyas
- Collective Taxi: 1.5-2 hours to Cocachimba (approx. 15-20 soles per person)
- Organized Tour: Includes transport, guide and sometimes lunch (approx. 40-60 soles)
- Private Taxi: More flexibility for 80-100 soles round trip
- 🚶 Hike from Cocachimba
- 2.5-3 hours to the waterfall base
- 1.5-2 hours return
- Well-signposted trail with several viewpoints
🎟️ Tickets & Opening Hours
- 🕗 Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM)
- 🎫 Entrance Fees
- Foreign Adult: 20 soles
- Peruvian Adult: 10 soles
- Student (with ID): 10 soles
- Children (under 12): 5 soles
- 📝 Registration: Mandatory registration at the entrance with passport/ID
🏞️ Services & Facilities
- 🅿️ Parking: Available in Cocachimba (5 soles per day)
- 🍴 Restaurants: Several options in Cocachimba serving local cuisine
- 💧 Water Points: Small shops selling drinks along the trail
- 🚻 Toilets: Available at the entrance and halfway point
- 🐎 Horse Rental: Possible for difficult sections (approx. 50-70 soles)
🧭 Essential Practical Tips
- 📅 Best Time to Visit:
- Dry Season (May-October): Better visibility, less mud
- Green Season (November-April): More impressive waterfall flow but rainier
- 🧑🏫 Local Guide:
- Highly recommended (50-80 soles for the group)
- Better understanding of flora/fauna and local legends
- Enhanced safety and support
- 🎒 Essential Equipment
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
- Light waterproof jacket (weather changes quickly)
- 2 liters of water per person minimum
- Energy snacks (nuts, dried fruits, chocolate)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Camera and waterproof case for electronics
- Small backpack (hands free for balance)
- ⚠️ Safety Recommendations
- Start early (before 9 AM) to avoid afternoon heat
- Walk at your own pace and take regular breaks
- Stay on marked trails at all times
- Don't swim at the waterfall base (strong currents)
- Carry cash (no ATMs in Cocachimba)
♿ Accessibility Information
- Not wheelchair accessible due to rocky and steep terrain
- Moderately challenging for children under 8 - assess based on their hiking experience
- Possible for seniors in good physical condition - horses available for difficult sections
