Cocachimba: Trails to Catarata Gocta

From Cocachimba, the trail to Catarata Gocta passes through a landscape where the waterfall, hiking, and birdlife come together. Catarata Gocta is the main attraction of the community tourism offering. When planning your stay, Cocachimba is especially appealing if you want to set aside time for the trail to the second tier of the waterfall and for nature watching.

Hiking trails to Catarata Gocta

The hiking trail from Cocachimba’s main square to the second tier of the waterfall is 5.5 kilometres long; it takes approximately two and a half hours on foot. The route has a stated total ascent of 396 metres and a total descent of 372 metres. These figures give you a concrete basis for fitting the hike into your stay.

Part of the route can be covered on horseback. The section from the main square to the horse station is 3.2 kilometres long; this part takes approximately one hour and 50 minutes on horseback. The route from Cocachimba to Catarata Gocta can be covered on foot or on horseback and includes the “La Golondrina” suspension bridge. This lets you distinguish between the described walking route and a route covered partly on horseback.

The waterfall and the surrounding nature

During the rainy season, from December to April, the water flow along the route is especially impressive. Catarata Gocta is 771 metres high. Approximately 110 bird species have been recorded in the immediate area, including the endemic Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird of the Amazon region. Other species mentioned include the Speckled Woodpecker, Emerald Toucanet, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Andean Toucan, Marañón Thrush, and Masked Trogon.

Protecting the natural surroundings is also part of the area's character: the water sources and biodiversity of Catarata Gocta are protected by the private conservation area Área de Conservación Privada “Comunal San Pablo – Catarata Gocta”. It was recognized by Ministerial Resolution No. 115-2019-MINAM.

Birdwatching and community experiences

A birdwatching program based in Cocachimba begins with a hike to the base of Catarata Gocta. It includes explanations of the natural surroundings and the watersheds of the northeastern Andes. The program also includes a visit to the Refugio del Colibrí Cola de Espátula for close-up observation and photography, as well as the observation of five to six other species.

The community tourism offering includes visits to the Golondrina, Lejía, and Cajuache waterfalls, as well as Catarata Gocta. It also includes a visit to the Refugio del Colibrí Espátula and the opportunity to observe several hummingbird species at the feeding stations. Those mentioned include the Marvelous Spatuletail, Purple-collared Woodstar, White-bellied Woodstar, Speckled Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Little Woodstar, and Grey-chinned Hermit.

Local traditions and your stay

Community activities also include grinding sugar cane at a trapiche sugar mill. Huarapo, a traditional sugarcane drink, is highlighted as a refreshment while exploring the area. These offerings complement the nature experiences with insights into local traditions.

A stay of two days and one night is recommended for Cocachimba. The Asociación Comunal de Turismo de Cocachimba is named as the responsible community tourism organization. The overland journey from Chachapoyas to Cocachimba is approximately 42 kilometres and takes about one hour. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Cocachimba, you can plan your stay around the hiking trail, birdwatching, and the other community activities.

You can also explore San Carlos District as another destination.

For the broader travel overview: Bongará Province.