Catarata Gocta

Tourist attraction · Bongará ·

Catarata Gocta

Tourist attraction · Bongará ·

Towering jungle waterfall, one of world's largest, lush trails

Information

01120, Peru Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

Learning Peru's Hidden History, From the Cloud Forests of Amazonas to the Volcanic City of Arequipa | Condé Nast Traveler

"My guide, Jhon Alva, is leading me on a three-hour walk from the town of Cocachimba to Gocta Waterfalls, one of the tallest free-falling cascades in the world. On the dark trail I have no choice but to trust Alva completely, cautiously taking each step on the steamy ground where I think I heard his last one. Day breaks as we reach a lush valley where sunlight soon pours over the plunging torrents flanked by endless tiers of cliffs. There isn't another soul in sight."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/learning-perus-hidden-history-from-the-cloud-forests-of-amazonas-to-the-volcanic-city-of-arequipa

Catarata Gocta

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

15 Most Beautiful Waterfall Hikes in the World

"Recognized as one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, Gocta is found in the Amazonas region of northern Peru." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-waterfall-hikes-in-the-world

Catarata Gocta

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Gocta Falls Gocta Falls, with the longest drop at 1772 feet, have been ranked everywhere from the third to the fifteenth highest waterfalls in the world. This hidden gem lies in the Chachapoyas region, between the Andes Mountains and lush Amazon rainforest. These mighty falls are located 2,000 meters above sea level, but the climate remains tropical and the jungle remains dense."

Peru's Stunning Unspoiled Landscapes

Gocta Waterfall

Adrian H.

Google

Absolutely incredible experience!! The Gocta waterfalls are among the most breathtaking we’ve seen in Peru. You have several trekking options to reach them: • From Cocachimba to the first fall (about 4 hours). • From San Pablo to the first fall (about 5 hours). • Or, if you’re up for the challenge, you can do the full hike to see both falls (around 8h hike). We did the full hike from Cocachimba route to the first fall and then the second, and it was stunning from start to finish. The waterfall itself is absolutely imponente, and the whole trek is surrounded by lush jungle and amazing views. If you have the physique, I 100% recommend doing the full trek to both falls — it’s truly one of the most impressive natural wonders we’ve experienced in Peru so far!

Chin Zhi H.

Google

The waterfall is a long walk (about 1hr45min with some stops to take a breather from the town), but it is a spectacular sight. Today the water is a bit dry, but it allows you to walk slightly closer to the base. Lots of ups and down, Strava told me I gained more than 1000m in altitude in total.

Андрей Д.

Google

Good waterfall and trail to there. There are 2 levels. Trail to the 1st level (down) begins from Cocachimba, to 2nd - in San Pablo. Trails have connection trail, which is hard to hike. Better visit in December - March. In September Gocta doesn't have much water

Esther D.

Google

Waterfall was spectacular! It did not disappoint. It was a beautiful and shaded trail. Moderate difficulty due to lots of steps, but most definitely doable and a must do! Standing near the pool of the waterfall and feeling the power of the waterfall is a feeling I will never forget!!!

peter J.

Google

Waterfall is stunning after a 10.5km tough hike surely the return is a steep long climb. Walking towards it you will have a view of the complete waterfall. We had no idea that it was 900 meters high. At its base you do not see the higher waterfall. Please leave no rubbish behind because we picked up trash that was hidden between stones and trunks. Price 15 soles a person. If you can carry your snacks when they are full, then its no effort to take them back when they are empty!!

Kyle H.

Google

Great experience. The trail to get there starts in Cocachimba, winds through some farms, then becomes forested with several off-shooting trails, and ends about 4-5 kilometres away by the falls. All along the trail are fossils, beautiful plant and animal life, and the imposing mountainside just a skip away. It wasn’t overly touristy like Machu Picchu or some of the other sites, but I saw many people in passing from all over the world which is neat because it all contributes to the local economy and the preservation of the area. Would highly recommend the visit if you’re in the area.

Deyner Briceño P.

Google

A must visit if you come to Peru. The hike can be extrenuous but definitely rewarding. First, I took a van from Chachapoyas Bus Terminal to Cocahuayco for 10 PEN then I took a Tuk Tuk to San Pablo de Valera for 15 PEN. From there I started my hike to the first fall. After that I came all the way down to the second fall. From there I went to Cocachimba town, I took a Tuk Tuk for 10 PEN to Cocahuayco and return to Chachapoyas by van for 10 PEN. The trails are just fine and it's is impossible to get lost. The whole trek took me 8 hours. I woke up at 5 that day to find the waterfall free of tourists.

wouter simon T.

Google

Gocta falls delivers! On a sunny day it is a beautifull hike. About 2 hours to get there and 2 hours back. The trail is well maintained but can be slippery due to the wet clay. Near the waterfall itself you really feel the force of the water coming down. It is possible to swim in the little pool and stand underneath the fall. Bring dry extra clothing or bathing gear. If you walk slowly and silently the birds will start singing! You can book a tour from chachapoyas but just as easily you can take a combi to Cocachimba and pay the 10 soles entree. Truly a great show of northern Peruvian beauty. Do not miss this.