Gocta Falls hike in Chachapoyas: Second waterfall trail

Walk into the cloud forest to the base of Gocta's second fall

A full-day guided hike in Chachapoyas takes you into the Amazonian cloud forest to the base of Gocta Waterfall's second fall, a little-explored trail where exotic birds, orchids and bromeliads line the route. The tour includes entrance to the falls, a bilingual guide, lunch in the Cocachimba community, and air-conditioned transport from your hotel. The hike itself runs about three hours at a moderate pace, and the whole day lasts roughly ten hours from departure to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gocta Falls and Cocachimba

• Depart from Chachapoyas at 9:00 a.m.
• Arrive Cocachimba, buy lunch and tickets
• Hike to base of second Gocta Fall
• Return to Cocachimba at 2:00 p.m.
• Lunch in Cocachimba
• Return to Chachapoyas
• Arrive in Chachapoyas at 6:30 p.m.

The experience

The day starts with a 9 a.m. pickup in Chachapoyas and a drive to Cocachimba, the community that sits at the trailhead. You'll have time to buy lunch if you haven't already and pay the entrance fee before the hike begins. From there, the trail climbs into the cloud forest for approximately three hours, moving through lush vegetation where the Gallito de los rocas (Peru's national bird) lives alongside Emerald Tucanetas, Spatulatail Hummingbirds and tanagers. Orchids, bromeliads and mosses hang from the trees and rocks, and butterflies drift through the canopy. The route is built around what grows here, not what you pass through quickly.

You reach the base of Gocta's second fall, where the waterfall drops into a pool surrounded by the forest. After time at the falls, you return to Cocachimba by early afternoon, eat lunch there, and drive back to Chachapoyas, arriving around 6:30 p.m. A bilingual guide walks the trail with you and carries a first aid kit. The vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive. Lunch is included, though you can also buy food in Cocachimba if you prefer something specific.

What’s included

• Entrance to Gocta Falls.
• bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch in Cocachimba.
• first aid kit.
• air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel in Chachapoyas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 to 75 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ATV CUSCO ADVENTURES ON WHEELS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to hike to both falls on a shared group tour with set departure times, rather than arranging private transport or a solo guide.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How hard is the hike to Gocta's second fall?

The trail to the base of the second fall takes about three hours and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. It climbs through cloud forest terrain with uneven ground, but the pace is steady and the guide adjusts for the group.

What birds and wildlife will I see on the trail?

The cloud forest is home to the Gallito de los rocas (Peru's national bird), Emerald Tucanetas, Spatulatail Hummingbirds, tanagers and many other species. Butterflies, orchids, bromeliads and mosses are common throughout the hike, especially in the wetter sections.

What's included in the tour price?

Entrance to Gocta Falls, a bilingual guide, lunch, a first aid kit and air-conditioned transport from your hotel in Chachapoyas are all included. You can buy additional food or drinks in Cocachimba before the hike.

When does the tour depart and how long is the full day?

Departure is at 9 a.m. from Chachapoyas, and you return around 6:30 p.m. The full day is roughly ten hours, with the hike itself lasting about three hours and the rest split between transport and time at the falls and in Cocachimba.

Is this tour suitable for someone with limited hiking experience?

The trail requires moderate fitness and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. If you're unsure whether the hike suits your fitness level, discuss it with the operator before booking.