Gocta Waterfall
Amazingly, Gocta, a 771-meter (2,529-foot) waterfall believed to be the third-tallest in Peru, wasn't brought to the attention of the national government until 2006. The falls, about 50 km (31 miles) outside Chachapoyas, are strongest during the rainy season, from November to April, though during the dry season, the sun will likely be out and you'll be able to swim at their base. Occasionally, on the 2½-hour hike from the village of Cocachimba (you can hire guides there if you're not coming on a tour from Chachapoyas), you may be able to spot toucans or the endemic yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Trekking enthusiasts can also follow a 15-km (9-mile) circuit for up-close views of the upper and lower parts of the cataract.
The best way to appreciate the site is by staying at the charming, 16-room Gocta Lodge, especially if you aim to see the falls in morning or late-afternoon light.
