• Español
  • English
  • Português

Gocta Waterfall How to get there?

Catarata de Gocta Como Llegar? |Guia Completa |Selva Peruana Chullos Travel Peru Blog

Gocta Waterfall How to get there?

At over 700 meters high, it is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Its natural beauty enchants visitors, who come here to connect with the natural environment and appreciate the flora and fauna.

Legend

Legend has it that Gregorio, who lived in the village of Cocachimba, reached the heart of the waterfall where a mermaid appeared and gave him gold and precious stones. Gregorio began to hide the treasures so that his wife would not suspect anything, but his wife became suspicious and secretly followed him. The next day, when she began to follow him, she saw him talking to the mermaid. His wife approached them, and when the mermaid saw this, she took Gregorio away, and he was never heard from again.

Interesting facts

It was considered the third highest waterfall in the world, although it currently ranks 17th. In Peru, it ranks third.
It was discovered by German explorer Stefan Ziemendorff in 2002. The explorer noticed its existence while searching for sarcophagi located on the opposite side of the Utcubamba Valley.
It is worth noting that the area is home to a wide variety of important animals such as Johnson’s spoonbill, spectacled bear, and yellow-tailed woolly monkey.
On April 26, 2019, the Ministry of the Environment recognized the Gocta waterfall as a Private Conservation Area (ACP) to protect the water resources, flora, and fauna of the area.

Climate

The climate in Gocta is incredible and surprising. During the trip to the waterfall, you may be surprised by clear skies or a rainstorm. The maximum temperature is 27°C and the minimum is 10°C. The months of December, January, February, and March see the most rainfall. Clear skies and intense sunshine occur in the months of July, August, and September. Finally, in the months of April, May, June, October, and November, the weather is a combination of rain and clear skies.

When is the best time to visit Gocta?

You can visit this attraction all year round, but it is recommended to visit during the dry season because the hike is usually more difficult during the rainy months. However, if you travel during this season, you will enjoy incredible views, green landscapes, and numerous waterfalls in the valley.

Hours

Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Entrance fee

Children: S/. 15.00

Adults: S/. 30.00

How to get from Cusco to the Gocta waterfall?

The cheapest way to get from Cusco to Chachapoyas is by bus, which costs $45–$65 and takes approximately 46 hours.
The other way is to fly from Cusco to Chachapoyas. These two cities are 1,035 kilometers apart, with an estimated flight time of 1 hour and 29 minutes (This may vary depending on weather conditions or flight routes.)

How to get from Lima to Gocta Waterfall?

If you are in Lima, you can also go to Gocta Waterfall by taking a bus to Chachapoyas, which is approximately a 25-hour trip by land. The cheapest ticket costs S/80 soles.

 

The other way to get there is by air, Lima – Chachapoyas. This trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes (may vary depending on weather conditions or flight routes).

After arriving in the city of Chachapoyas, we have two options for getting to this amazing waterfall. Here’s how:

The route to Gocta Waterfall via Cocachimba is 44 kilometers north of Chachapoyas. The drive takes one hour.
Upon arriving in Cocachimba, you will begin a hike of approximately 6 hours (round trip), during which you will cross an extensive forest surrounded by mist—a wonderful experience.

About the hike: It is a 6-hour hike in total, covering a distance of 5 kilometers.

It is possible to rent horses:

– 3-kilometer stretch:
– Costs: Round trip
– Price: Approximately 60 soles

Note: Even if you ride a horse, you will have to walk the last 2 km.

You will see different waterfalls throughout the route.

 

The other option is to go from Chachapoyas to the village of San Pablo, which takes about an hour.
When we arrive in San Pablo, we will begin a hike with ascents and descents that will be rewarded with the impressive view of Gocta. This is the longest route, as the village has better tourist infrastructure compared to Cocachimba. If you want to enjoy your visit to the waterfalls to the fullest, avoid going during the rainy season. This runs from October to May. In Chachapoyas, Cocachimba, and San Pablo, you can find various tourist services to take you to Gocta. There, you can choose the one that best suits your budget.

Recommendations:

Water

Snacks

Hat or cap

Sunscreen

Warm clothing

Waterproof clothing

Sunglasses

#IMPORTANT

The recommended time to go on an excursion to the waterfall is between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Along the route, you will be able to see some endangered species such as the cock-of-the-rock, the spatula-tailed hummingbird, and the spectacled bear, among others.

MENU