Catarata Gocta

Catarata Gocta is perhaps the most impressive waterfall in all of Peru. "Discovered" by westerners in 2006, this attraction that wasn't a big deal to the locals here is now looked upon as perhaps one of the major attractions in the country outside of Machu Picchu. Strangely (and humorously) enough, we learned that the name is derived from the sound resident monkeys make :)

Plunging in a 230m upper leap and a 541m lower leap, National Geographic once called this the third highest waterfall in the world. Of course, that claim is disputable as waterfall height is a surprisingly complicated topic and neighboring waterfalls like Yumbilla is said to be even taller!

Regardless of waterfall height semantics, this is indeed an impressive waterfall and the trails to get closer (there are two of them) are worth the effort. The relentless uphill trail to the base of the upper falls starts from the village of San Pablo and passes through gorgeous mountain scenery, a tiny farm, and some rock art. The up-and-down trail to the base of the lower falls starts from the village of Cocachimba and passes through more mountain scenery, some Chachas ruins, a variety of indigenous flora and fauna, and even ancient fossils. Both trails will require around 2.5-3 hours each way so get an early start!

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The upper waterfall

The view from Cocachimba

The lower waterfall