Catarata de Gocta
Catarata de Gocta
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financecounselor
Aspen, CO153 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
I guess it was #3 in the world of "highest waterfall" at one time, but has fallen (no pun intended) in rankings. That being said, it's awesome and worth the effort to see.
You will have two choices to view it: one is from the near-by village of Cocachimba and the other is to go from the village to the base of the falls themselves. It appears, and all the books and reviews seem to agree to be a "serious" hike, not for rookies. I guess you can also ride horses.
My wife and I were more than happy to view it from the village.
You can take a van from Chachapoyas to the cut off, which is named Cocahuayco in about 40 minutes. Warning! It's over 3 miles from the main road cut off (Cocahuayco) to the village of Cocachimba and it's ALL uphill. The travel agencies will tell you "1 hour"...forget it. Try 2-3 hours and you best be an Olympic athlete. There will probably be a tuk tuk at the Cocahuayco. 10-15 soles, PAY IT.
We walked "back down" the road in 1:15 minutes. The little store/restaurant across the street from the cutoff will call a van which comes out of Pedro Ruiz to stop at the store and pick you up for the ride back to Chachapoyas.
The falls themselves are an awesome sight but the surrounding mountains make it all really incredible and well worth the effort!
You will have two choices to view it: one is from the near-by village of Cocachimba and the other is to go from the village to the base of the falls themselves. It appears, and all the books and reviews seem to agree to be a "serious" hike, not for rookies. I guess you can also ride horses.
My wife and I were more than happy to view it from the village.
You can take a van from Chachapoyas to the cut off, which is named Cocahuayco in about 40 minutes. Warning! It's over 3 miles from the main road cut off (Cocahuayco) to the village of Cocachimba and it's ALL uphill. The travel agencies will tell you "1 hour"...forget it. Try 2-3 hours and you best be an Olympic athlete. There will probably be a tuk tuk at the Cocahuayco. 10-15 soles, PAY IT.
We walked "back down" the road in 1:15 minutes. The little store/restaurant across the street from the cutoff will call a van which comes out of Pedro Ruiz to stop at the store and pick you up for the ride back to Chachapoyas.
The falls themselves are an awesome sight but the surrounding mountains make it all really incredible and well worth the effort!
Written 6 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bas-Sophie
49 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
First of all the views of the waterfalls are amazing. The walk is nice, not too hard, only a few steep parts. If you are in normal shape you can do this hike easily. It took us 2,5 hours to get there (including taking pictures) and it took us 2 hours on the way back.
To do it cheap:
Take a mototaxi from Pedro Ruiz to Cocachimba ( 15-20 soles) and sleep in the hostel there (30 soles for the room). Pay only entrance. They try to sell/rent you boots, horses and guides but it is definitely not necessary. Start your hike early (at around 7/8 am) for the best views and pictures of the waterfall in the sun and pictures without a crowd. Also the road is better in the morning. The way out of the village can be hard because there is not much traffic up here. Try to wait at the footballfield and ask around for a cheap transport back to Pedro Ruiz or to the highway (3 soles). We were lucky with a free ride. In weekends it gets more crowdy so more possibilities of transportation. Cheapest food will cost you 12 soles for a meal. So if possible have your lunch in Pedro Ruiz for only 5 soles (before or after your visit). After all the cheapness spoil yourself with a nice cold beer or a cup of coffee in the gocta lodge with a beautiful view.
To do it cheap:
Take a mototaxi from Pedro Ruiz to Cocachimba ( 15-20 soles) and sleep in the hostel there (30 soles for the room). Pay only entrance. They try to sell/rent you boots, horses and guides but it is definitely not necessary. Start your hike early (at around 7/8 am) for the best views and pictures of the waterfall in the sun and pictures without a crowd. Also the road is better in the morning. The way out of the village can be hard because there is not much traffic up here. Try to wait at the footballfield and ask around for a cheap transport back to Pedro Ruiz or to the highway (3 soles). We were lucky with a free ride. In weekends it gets more crowdy so more possibilities of transportation. Cheapest food will cost you 12 soles for a meal. So if possible have your lunch in Pedro Ruiz for only 5 soles (before or after your visit). After all the cheapness spoil yourself with a nice cold beer or a cup of coffee in the gocta lodge with a beautiful view.
Written 27 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oriolekam
Macau, China140 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
The cataraca de gocta has 2 falls, the upper which is a shorter one and the second which is a longer one. I visited the place without joining a tour.
How to go?
Took a combi at the terminal Terrestre which go to Pedro Ruiz, told the driver to drop you off at cocahuayco (which is before Pedro Ruiz), the combi is around 5-7 Sol. Then took a combi to go to San Pablo (5 sol), there you can buy the entry ticket which is around 15 sol.
The path (please refer to the map)
The path is very well paved and not steep until you reach a junction (1hr 15 min) , where you go to the right path and walk up for 30 minutes to reach the 1st fall. After that, return to the junction and this time head for the right path. It is a path all the way down to the bottom of the mountain, and I took 1 hour to walk down (it is really all the way down and was slippery due to the rain). There is a Mirador on the way where you can see the whole cataraca, continue walked down until you crossed a bridge. Walked up a bit and you will arrive a junction, go to the left and this brings you to the second fall. After that, return to the junction and go to the right path, about 2 hours you will reach Cocachimba.
Note:
* I arrived San Pablo around 9am (Wednesday) and I was the first one to enter, so there was no one at the 1st fall except I saw two reporters who rode a horse to get up there from Cocachimba.
*Personally , I like the 1st fall more because I can have the whole fall for myself! Expect to find quite a lot of people at the second fall.
*I took 6 hours for the whole walk because I stopped for awhile until a shower ended.
*bring water, snack and raincoat, the weather changes rapidly at the mountain.
* there is no stall selling food along the way to the 1 st fall and the 1 hr way getting down, but there are shops on the way return to Cocachimba.
*you could ride a horse to the fall at Cocachimba, I heard it is around 40 sol.
How to go?
Took a combi at the terminal Terrestre which go to Pedro Ruiz, told the driver to drop you off at cocahuayco (which is before Pedro Ruiz), the combi is around 5-7 Sol. Then took a combi to go to San Pablo (5 sol), there you can buy the entry ticket which is around 15 sol.
The path (please refer to the map)
The path is very well paved and not steep until you reach a junction (1hr 15 min) , where you go to the right path and walk up for 30 minutes to reach the 1st fall. After that, return to the junction and this time head for the right path. It is a path all the way down to the bottom of the mountain, and I took 1 hour to walk down (it is really all the way down and was slippery due to the rain). There is a Mirador on the way where you can see the whole cataraca, continue walked down until you crossed a bridge. Walked up a bit and you will arrive a junction, go to the left and this brings you to the second fall. After that, return to the junction and go to the right path, about 2 hours you will reach Cocachimba.
Note:
* I arrived San Pablo around 9am (Wednesday) and I was the first one to enter, so there was no one at the 1st fall except I saw two reporters who rode a horse to get up there from Cocachimba.
*Personally , I like the 1st fall more because I can have the whole fall for myself! Expect to find quite a lot of people at the second fall.
*I took 6 hours for the whole walk because I stopped for awhile until a shower ended.
*bring water, snack and raincoat, the weather changes rapidly at the mountain.
* there is no stall selling food along the way to the 1 st fall and the 1 hr way getting down, but there are shops on the way return to Cocachimba.
*you could ride a horse to the fall at Cocachimba, I heard it is around 40 sol.
Written 13 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bezi
London, UK668 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
There are 2 routes to the falls. One is from San Pablo which takes you to the middle part of the falls. This route is slightly longer but flatter. The other route is from Cocachimba which is a bit shorter but harder. If you are planning to do both it's best to start at San Pablo but it is a long hike of 15km.
We did the route from Cocachimba. I wouldn't advise walking from the main road to Cocachimba as it is all uphill and not that interesting.
The walk there isn't too bad and has one long downhill stretch (which means uphill on the return!). There is a restaurant once you get within about 2 kms of the fall. You can get a horse from the start to this point and also a horse back from this point. The restaurant is pretty small but you can get drinks here and it is a good place to stop.
Once you are at the falls you can take a dip but the water is pretty cold. I would take flip flops or something to put on your feet as it is very rocky and not that great in bare feet!
It is very windy at the base, even more so when the falls are in full flow so it is never going to feel that warm!
The hike back isn't a walk in the park. There is about 1-2 kms of pure switchback uphill walking. It can be muddy and hot and good shoes help.
They say it takes about about 2.5 hours in and the same out and the tourist office describes it as easy. We took less time both ways but I wouldn't call it easy!
Quite a few people get the horse back up the really steep bit.
We did the route from Cocachimba. I wouldn't advise walking from the main road to Cocachimba as it is all uphill and not that interesting.
The walk there isn't too bad and has one long downhill stretch (which means uphill on the return!). There is a restaurant once you get within about 2 kms of the fall. You can get a horse from the start to this point and also a horse back from this point. The restaurant is pretty small but you can get drinks here and it is a good place to stop.
Once you are at the falls you can take a dip but the water is pretty cold. I would take flip flops or something to put on your feet as it is very rocky and not that great in bare feet!
It is very windy at the base, even more so when the falls are in full flow so it is never going to feel that warm!
The hike back isn't a walk in the park. There is about 1-2 kms of pure switchback uphill walking. It can be muddy and hot and good shoes help.
They say it takes about about 2.5 hours in and the same out and the tourist office describes it as easy. We took less time both ways but I wouldn't call it easy!
Quite a few people get the horse back up the really steep bit.
Written 18 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raul C
San Antonio8 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
You don't need a tour company for this amazing hike. This hike is a must for avid hikers, trailrunners, and outdoor adventurers that are fit and healthy! My wife and I did this 6-hour tour of the Catarata de Gocta and saw the most beautiful, up-close, and awesome waterfalls we've ever seen! We took the advice of the few other hikers that did this and took a driver (10 sols per person) at 06:30am from the Chachapoyas terminal terestre (bus station) that dropped us off (40mins) at the Cacahuayco bridge to take a mototaxi (15 sols) to the village of San Pablo to start our hike and would end in the village of Cocachimba. We walked to a nearby village store 100 meters away (a mototaxi was parked in front) where the owner told us that her son would take us to San Pablo. We arrived at the San Pablo Tourist Office and paid the 20 sols each for the hike. We had a quick breakfast in San Pablo and started our hike at 0845 hrs. The trail was well marked and well maintained...not difficult and hiked to the upper waterfall to discover an amazing view up close. We left there and hiked to the second, bigger waterfall, where we stood at the base of it...another spectacular beauty that mother nature created! We arrived at Cocachimba village at 3PM and opted to take a taxi back to the Cacahuayco bridge for 20sols instead of waiting for a mototaxi, which cost 15 soles. We arrived back at the store where the store owner told us that a bus would take us back to Chachapoyas for 5 sols each but within 2 minutes a couple and their sister stopped and asked if we wanted a ride to Chachapoyas for 6 sols each which we took and were back in Chachapoyas for 4:30pm. This is our second time visiting Peru and have never felt insecure. My wife is British and I look latin/native american so I blend in with the locals. In the end, this was one of the best hikes we'ver ever had. This region of Peru (Kuelap/Gocta) was on our bucket list and are glad we accomplished it. Sad to leave it...thank you Chachapoyans for your hospitality!!!
Written 15 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BahiaDave
Bedford, UK90 contributions
July 2013 • Solo
The description of the hike to the falls led me not to pick the horseback option, but I wish I had! I struggled a lot all the way in, though the guide stayed with me to offer support, and eventually had to give up at the final viewpoint with about 30 minutes still to go. A horse was brought in for my return, and as that was also a first for me was immensely enjoyable to, though the poor horse was blowing under me on all the climbs! In spite of what they say it is a tough walk! The path is very steep in places, muddy underfoot, and has a lot of loose stones.
Despite not reaching the plunge pool my view of the falls was still spectacular, and it is an amazing location. In fact the whole area is wonderful. Cocachimba is nestled in a valley surrounded by impressive mountains, and they say in the rainy season there are 14 separate waterfalls visible!
An incredible, spirit-lifting excursion!
Despite not reaching the plunge pool my view of the falls was still spectacular, and it is an amazing location. In fact the whole area is wonderful. Cocachimba is nestled in a valley surrounded by impressive mountains, and they say in the rainy season there are 14 separate waterfalls visible!
An incredible, spirit-lifting excursion!
Written 9 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpsrcyhcrcwr1
Olmito, TX171 contributions
July 2011 • Solo
Depending on your pace this hike will take about 2-2.5 hours of walking in humid tropical muddy terrain. I went on this tour to Gocta Waterfalls with a group of 4 organized by Revash Hotel in Chachapoyas.
We were picked up at the main Plaza in Chachapoyas and drove about 20 minutes to the Entrance of the trail. At the beginning the trail is a mostly going up for the first 30 minutes. after that the trail descends down. The trail is not a straight path and winds up an down and around some small mountains. After about 2.5 hours of walking you reach the base of the Waterfall. This is a beautiful waterfall and the sights and sounds from the surroundings. It ir recomended that you take a day pack with lots of water and some snacks. Also you should take rain proof cloths or at the very least take some type of poncho or rain jacket. Even if it doesn't rain when you reach the base of the water fall you can get easily soaked by the mist produced by the waterfall.
I went in July which is the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere, but the location of Gocta is in a very tropical and humid climate. i cant imagine how it is in the summer months.
We were picked up at the main Plaza in Chachapoyas and drove about 20 minutes to the Entrance of the trail. At the beginning the trail is a mostly going up for the first 30 minutes. after that the trail descends down. The trail is not a straight path and winds up an down and around some small mountains. After about 2.5 hours of walking you reach the base of the Waterfall. This is a beautiful waterfall and the sights and sounds from the surroundings. It ir recomended that you take a day pack with lots of water and some snacks. Also you should take rain proof cloths or at the very least take some type of poncho or rain jacket. Even if it doesn't rain when you reach the base of the water fall you can get easily soaked by the mist produced by the waterfall.
I went in July which is the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere, but the location of Gocta is in a very tropical and humid climate. i cant imagine how it is in the summer months.
Written 25 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wioleta S
26 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
2 hours walk in one way and next 2 h back but all is worth to see this powerfull waterfall.
I was there in raining season and was all wet. But view of the waterfall recompense all :-)
I was there in raining season and was all wet. But view of the waterfall recompense all :-)
Written 23 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shilpi R
Los Angeles, CA36 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
This was the last sightseeing we did in Chachapoyas, and probably my favorite (but that's because I love hiking and natural wonders).
The hike to Gocta was quite strenous, especially on the way back. You can rent horses at the top and just ride them, but my husband and I wanted to hike, so we did. There were definitely times I wished I was on a horse though!
the hike itself was beautiful, especially the closer you get to the actual waterfall, it becomes extremely green and jungl-y. We are fast hikers, so ended up getting to the falls way earlier than anyone else. We hiked to the bottom, and just as we got there, it started pouring down rain. That, combined with the powerful windgusts from the fall itself made it impossible for us to get into the pool at the bottom of the fall (which apparently most people do) so that was sad, but it was so cold, it wouldn't have been pleasant anyway.
The waterfall, from far away, is kind of cut into two levels, but when you get close, you can really only see the bottom half of it, so it's difficult to experience it as the 3rd-tallest waterfall in the world from up-close. However, that doesn't really matter, it's a water fall, it's fun. We spent some time near the bottom (as soon as the rain let up), and then went back up the trail. Somehow we made it back in the same amount of time it took us to get there (2 hours each way) but the way back definitely has a grueling up-hill section.
Anyway, if you're in the area, this is a fun attraction not to be missed!
The hike to Gocta was quite strenous, especially on the way back. You can rent horses at the top and just ride them, but my husband and I wanted to hike, so we did. There were definitely times I wished I was on a horse though!
the hike itself was beautiful, especially the closer you get to the actual waterfall, it becomes extremely green and jungl-y. We are fast hikers, so ended up getting to the falls way earlier than anyone else. We hiked to the bottom, and just as we got there, it started pouring down rain. That, combined with the powerful windgusts from the fall itself made it impossible for us to get into the pool at the bottom of the fall (which apparently most people do) so that was sad, but it was so cold, it wouldn't have been pleasant anyway.
The waterfall, from far away, is kind of cut into two levels, but when you get close, you can really only see the bottom half of it, so it's difficult to experience it as the 3rd-tallest waterfall in the world from up-close. However, that doesn't really matter, it's a water fall, it's fun. We spent some time near the bottom (as soon as the rain let up), and then went back up the trail. Somehow we made it back in the same amount of time it took us to get there (2 hours each way) but the way back definitely has a grueling up-hill section.
Anyway, if you're in the area, this is a fun attraction not to be missed!
Written 25 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn B
Wolvert14 contributions
June 2013 • Solo
I had never heard of these waterfalls (3rd highest in world allegedly and 'discovered' in 2006 or so). The walk up took about 1-2 hours and it was steepish in places (and humid), but worth doing. There was a chance to go by horse part of the way (before the scary sheer drop bit) but you would probably see less from horseback. Take water (though there is a wee roadside cafe type place near the village end) a hat if it's sunny and wear stout shoes/trainers. I didn't try swimming in the pool at the foot of the falls though some other visitors did - water was about 2 degrees C, the guide said. For most of the way it was just me and a guide; there were maybe 15-20 other people who turned up. So very peaceful though wilderness effect slighly spoiled by the guide getting a call on his cellphone! But the scenery was very beuatiful and the falls themselves impressive - they are apparently even better after rains as more little falls appear.
The village has a cafe/restaurant which was very welcome at the end!
I would recommend doing this trek if you have the chance - I've visited Victoria Falls and thought these ones in Peru just as good (and less crowdced, no small planes overhead etc)
The village has a cafe/restaurant which was very welcome at the end!
I would recommend doing this trek if you have the chance - I've visited Victoria Falls and thought these ones in Peru just as good (and less crowdced, no small planes overhead etc)
Written 15 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alguien sabe hasta desde qué hora estan esperando los colectivos de cocahuayco a Cocachimba/San Pablo de Valera y en la tarde/noche hasta qué hora pasan los colectivos de Cocachimba/San Pablo a Cocahuayco y si en la noche en Cocahuayco paran los buses o coelctivos para Jaen o Chachapoyas??
Written 29 March 2019
Cual es la mejor epoca para visitar Gocta?
Written 1 October 2018
Han viajado con niños??? Yo viajaría con mis niños de 8 y 4años y mi papá de 65 sugieren que pueden hacer el recorrido??
Grcss por sus comentarios
Jessie
Written 27 June 2017
Hola, no fue mi caso pero si vi familias enteras con uni o dos niños entre 4 a 8 años hacer el recorrido. No podria decirte como terminaron los niños pero si vi que que se notaba mas esfuerzo en los padres que avanzaban lento pero seguro con descansos en varios puntos, que los hay con bancas con techo. También vi señoras acompañadas de sus hijos treintones sin problema. Creo que en estos casos no se puede generalizar y la respuesta a tu pregunta parte de saber que tan buena condición fisica tienen en su grupo. Por seguridad recomendaría que al menos un adulto en su grupo tenga buena condición física para que este pendiente de los niños y un guia que este pendiente de tu padre, o visceversa, más la ayuda de caballos puedan hacerlo sin problemas, de lo contrario pueden tener inconvenientes pero no lo veo imposible. Debo anotar que los casos que vi se movian por su cuenta, sin ayuda de bastones, sin guia y sin caballos. Eso si, lleven agua que se suda.
Written 27 November 2017
Without a guide are the signs easy to follow (are there any signs) I will be staying at Gocta Andes resort which is much closer than Chachapollas)?
Thanks for your help
Written 7 October 2016
It's impossible to loss. There is only one way to arrive, you only have to follow straight and don't turn right or left. From the gocta lodge there are 5 km to gocta. It's a beautiful place
Written 11 April 2017
Did the tour company rush you once you were at the waterfall? How much time did you stay at the waterfall?
Written 18 September 2016
it depends on how early does your tour starts, the time it takes to your group to arrive to the waterfall and the time that you have to go back at a decent time to have lunch (1-3pm). Considering those factors you can estimate the time you will have to stay at the waterfall. Start early, walk fast but safe (good fisical condition needed) and you will have plenty of time to enjoy this place.
Written 27 November 2017
I was there in June of 2007 and it looks like the area has been built up and moved away from the remote life of the locals that I was drawn to during our visit.
How many hostels are there now?
Written 12 July 2016
apart from the lodge there are about 5-6 hospedajes (private, local accommodation, not really hostels in the backpacker sense) in the village and several nicer bungalow-type (expensive) lodgings. yes, its becoming more crowded.
Written 2 November 2016
Hi Tessa
How do you go about arranging the horse-ride? We are going next week.
Written 14 June 2016
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