GOCTA WATERFALL, THE TALLEST IN AMERICA

  

This impressive waterfall, known as the GOCTA WATERFALL, is located in the Valera district, Bongará province, in the Amazon region, 44 kilometers from the city of Chachapoyas and 1,300 kilometers from Lima, in the northeastern part of Peru.

  

Although this waterfall was already known by native explorers for many centuries, they did not dare to get too close to the tangled jungle because legends said that a huge snake lived there, so it was not until 2002 when a German tourist named STEFAN ZIEMENDORFF who was exploring the deep caves of the area saw something special in this waterfall and went on a trek to reach the same place where that mysterious waterfall fell.

  

After arriving and exploring the area, measurements were taken, revealing that the waterfall had 22 cascades, with the main waterfall reaching 771 meters, making it the third highest waterfall in the world, after Angel Falls in Venezuela and Tugela Falls in South Africa. Today, it is one of the most fascinating trekking routes in Peru, as the waterfall can be seen from miles away, and as we approach, we can hear the roar of its waters, which gives this trek a special touch.

  

Located in the northeastern jungle of Peru, the GOCTA waterfall has a humid, tropical climate. This means that during the hike to the waterfall, we can enjoy an incredible biodiversity of local flora and fauna, such as cock-of-the-rocks, hummingbirds, various types of orchids, etc., all in an environment of lush vegetation.

  

The easiest way to get to the waterfall is to take public transportation from the city of Chachapoyas to the town of Cocachimba (approximately 1 hour drive). Then, in the town of Cocachimba, you can hire a local guide to the waterfall. The trek is 5.5 kilometers one way and the same distance back. The average time to get there is approximately 2 hours. The best time to visit the waterfall is from April to November, since the rest of the year it rains a lot and there is fog that prevents you from seeing the beauty of the landscape.