Skip to content

Gocta

Waterfall, cloud forest, hiking trails and Amazonian Andes: Gocta is one of Northern Peru's most impressive natural destinations and a classic for travelers who want to combine Chachapoyas, Kuélap and the green side of Amazonas.

Gocta Waterfall in the Amazonas region of Peru
Gocta Waterfall with two tiers in the cloud forest
Cocachimba as a starting point for Gocta
Hiking trail through cloud forest to Catarata de Gocta
Route from San Pablo to the upper Gocta tier
Cloud forest and flora around Gocta

Plan your trip directly

⌂AccommodationSearch Cocachimba, Chachapoyas or Utcubamba Valley ✈FlightsPlan your arrival to Chachapoyas or Northern Peru ◆Driver & Car RentalPlan your route to Cocachimba or San Pablo ★Tours & TicketsSearch Gocta, Kuélap and Amazonas

The waterfall in the cloud forest.

The Catarata de Gocta, also locally known as La Chorrera, is located in the district of Valera in the Bongará province of the Amazonas region. The waterfall plunges in two tiers through a green, steep landscape, reaching a total height of about 771 meters.

Gocta is closely associated with the towns of Cocachimba and San Pablo. From there, the main hikes begin, depending on whether you are heading to the lower tier, the upper tier, or viewpoints.

The experience isn't just about the waterfall itself. Trails, cloud forest, birdlife, humid air, mountain views, and small villages make Gocta a nature day that shouldn't be too tightly planned.

Close-up of Catarata de Gocta in the green canyon

Gocta is a day hike, not a quick viewpoint.

The waterfall is visible before you reach it. But the real charm unfolds along the way: on damp paths, with views into the canyon, changing weather, and the moment the waterfall grows louder and louder.

What makes Gocta special

Gocta combines a spectacular waterfall with a landscape that is distinctly different from dry Andean scenery. Here, it's about humidity, greenery, movement, and time.

Two Tiers

Gocta falls in two large sections and appears very different depending on your vantage point.

Cocachimba

The best-known starting point for the hike to the lower tier and for accommodations with waterfall views.

San Pablo

Important access to the upper route and a good option for travelers who want to experience Gocta differently.

Cloud Forest

Humid vegetation, birds, ferns, orchids, and clouds give the region its special atmosphere.

Gocta and surroundings

Gocta can be planned as a day trip from Chachapoyas or combined with an overnight stay in Cocachimba, San Pablo, or the Utcubamba Valley. Those with more time can combine the waterfall with Kuélap, Chachapoyas, or other destinations in Amazonas.

GoctaTwo-tiered waterfall in the Valera district, one of the most famous natural destinations in Amazonas.
CocachimbaPopular starting point for the hike and a good location for accommodations near the waterfall.
San PabloAlternative route, especially interesting for the upper tier and different perspectives.
ChachapoyasPractical base with accommodations, restaurants, drivers, and tour operators.
La CocaSmall town in the Gocta landscape and part of the local waterfall region.
Pedro RuizImportant transportation hub in northern Amazonas and part of many travel routes.
KuélapCultural destination that can be well combined with Gocta on a multi-day route.
YumbillaAnother waterfall destination in Amazonas, especially exciting for nature travelers with more time.
Accommodation and village atmosphere in Cocachimba near Gocta

Accommodation: Chachapoyas or Cocachimba?

Chachapoyas is the most flexible base if Gocta is just one of several excursions. There are more accommodations, restaurants, drivers, and connections to Kuélap, Karajía, or Leymebamba.

Cocachimba is the better choice if Gocta is the main focus. Many travelers appreciate the quieter location, short distances to the trail, and the view towards the waterfall.

Accommodation options for Gocta

The best location depends on whether Gocta is a day trip, a quiet nature retreat, or part of a Northern Peru itinerary.

CocachimbaBest choice for short distances to the lower route, waterfall views, and peaceful nature days.
ChachapoyasPractical for multiple excursions, more selection, and flexible driver or tour planning.
San PabloUseful if the upper route or a different Gocta perspective is the focus.
Utcubamba ValleyGood for travelers with a driver or rental car who want to combine Gocta with Kuélap and other stops.
Pedro RuizPractical transport hub, but less atmospheric than Cocachimba or Chachapoyas.
Driver recommendedHelpful for an early start, combinations with Kuélap, or accommodations outside the main towns.

The hike is part of the experience.

From Cocachimba, the hike to the lower tier usually takes several hours round trip, depending on pace, weather, and fitness. Along the way, there are viewpoints, forest passages, and repeated glimpses of the waterfall.

The path can be wet and slippery. Good shoes, water, rain protection, and an early start will make the day much more enjoyable.

Hiking trail to the lower tier of the Gocta waterfall

Practical travel tips for Gocta

Starting pointCocachimba is the best-known start for the lower tier, San Pablo offers an alternative perspective.
AccommodationCocachimba for nature and short distances; Chachapoyas for more choice and multiple excursions.
DurationPossible as a day trip, but much more relaxed with an overnight stay in Cocachimba.
WeatherRain and fog are common in the region. The path can be muddy and slippery.
For whomGood for nature travelers, hikers, photographers, and anyone who wants to experience a greener Northern Peru.
CombinationVery good with Chachapoyas, Kuélap, Yumbilla, and other destinations in Amazonas.

Plan your trip directly

⌂AccommodationSearch Cocachimba, Chachapoyas and surroundings ✈FlightsPlan your arrival to Amazonas or Northern Peru ◆Driver & Car RentalFlexibly plan your route to Gocta ★Tours & TicketsSearch Gocta, Kuélap and Amazonas
Nature route in the cloud forest around Gocta

Gocta fits perfectly into an Amazon route.

Gocta is strong as a standalone nature day, but becomes even better in conjunction with Chachapoyas and Kuélap. This creates a route that connects waterfall, cloud forest, and Chachapoya culture.

Those who stay for several days can experience the region more slowly and don't have to squeeze Gocta between arrival, hiking, and onward travel.

PeruMagazin on WhatsApp

New Peru content, travel ideas, and exciting topics directly in the channel.

Open WhatsApp

ForeverFig

Figures, stories, and special ideas from the world of PeruMagazin.

Visit ForeverFig

FAQ about Gocta

Where is Gocta located?

Gocta is located in the Amazonas region of northern Peru, in the Valera district of Bongará province, near Cocachimba and San Pablo.

How tall is the Gocta waterfall?

Gocta has a total height of about 771 meters and falls in two large tiers.

Where should one stay for Gocta?

Cocachimba is ideal for short distances to the waterfall. Chachapoyas is more practical if Gocta is just one excursion within a larger Amazonas route.

Can Gocta be combined with Kuélap?

Yes, but it's better on two separate days. Both destinations deserve enough time and together are ideal for a multi-day route around Chachapoyas.

Relevant PeruMagazin pages

Chachapoyas
City base for Gocta, Kuélap, Karajía, Revash and Leymebamba.
Kuélap
Chachapoya site, walls, circular buildings and cultural route in Amazonas.
Northern Peru
Routes, regions and highlights off the classic southern route.
Transport in Peru
Flights, buses, rental cars, drivers and ways through the country.

Sources

  • Wikipedia: Catarata Gocta - Location, height, routes and tourist information
  • Wikipedia: Gocta - Location in the Valera district, proximity to Chachapoyas and local context
  • Wikipedia: Cocachimba - Location, altitude and relation to Catarata Gocta
  • Regional travel information on Chachapoyas, Cocachimba, San Pablo, Valera and Amazonas