They say that Peru is the country of wonders. We have a selection of five of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.
The most impressive: Yumbilla
Until recently, we thought Gocta was the tallest waterfall in Peru and many still say that it ranks third in the world, but the third is actually located in Junin and is called Tres Hermanas or Three Sisters. It is located in the jungle of Ayacucho, where you have to take caution and it’s essential to have a guide. Gocta, with height of 2,300 feet, is the fifteenth tallest in the world. And the fifth is the beautiful Yumbilla, Gocta’s neighbor, which is now called the Valle de las Cataratas or the Valley of the Waterfalls.
Yumbilla reaches 2,900 feet but has one more fall than Gocta. The specialists call them tiers: Yumbilla consists of three. The most accessible path that passes through a forest full of moss and fantastic, winding trees goes from the village of Cuispes to the foot of the first tier. There are two viewpoints where you can see this stunning waterfall and the second tier in the woods. It will take a half a day round trip. A different, full-day hike reaches the top of the hill where Yumbilla starts, where its water comes out of a cave and draws its line in the middle of the sandy soil. A day trip allows you to get to the bottom of the last fall: a silky veil in the middle of a huge cave, in the heart of the forest. The way back to Cuispes is also beautiful, but it requires even more physical effort. And if you still want to explore, the neighboring falls await; Pabellon, a 1,300 foot fall scattered along the hill, which continues for a two hour walk and Chinata, a 1,830 foot fall. There is plenty to do in the Valle de las Cataratas, the Valley of the Falls! And you’ll end up with the inevitable panoramic photo of Gocta taken from the village of Cocachimba.
How do I get there?
Yumbilla is near the village of Cuispes, located 40 minutes from Pedro Ruiz by mototaxi, the city that marks the junction of the Tarapoto-Chiclayo highway and that goes to Chachapoyas. Fly to Tarapoto with StarPeru, then take a bus, all the buses make a stop in Pedro Ruiz. From there, you can find transportation. To Chachapoyas, you can also take a taxi. It takes about an hour and half to get there or you can go down to Pedro Ruiz and many find other transportation options.
How much does it cost?
The local guides are in charge of maintaining the road, so the entrance to the waterfall is 5 soles. You will find packages from 30 soles for groups of 4 people. You can rent motorcycles or horses for the 3 miles above Cuispes.
Where can I stay?
In addition to its natural charms, Yumbilla has a beautiful hostel in the village: La Posada de Cuispes with rustic, but artistic rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, a fireplace and a garden full of orchids and hummingbirds. The food is homemade and inexpensive. Jarvik, a local, also coordinates with the group of local guides. The double rooms cost around 40 USD a night. You can contact Jarvik Galoc at 945 398 271 or go to www.laposadadecuispes.com.
The boldest: El Breo
The magic of nature makes Breo an exceptional place. A waterfall with a height of 450 feet and three tiers. Over the rocks, they form natural pools. One of the falls passes through a hole created by the force of the water. Breo escapes, bounces and multiplies, swim below it and you will to feel the pure force of nature. It´s located in the middle of the woods, about a 20 minute walk through ancient trees and hundreds of butterflies. The villagers have created bathrooms and dressing rooms at the bottom of the path. The journey to reach this wonder is a little long, it’s about 4 hours away by boat from the port of Juanjuí, and you’ll also find an interpretation center and hundreds of falls by the Huansanache canyon, another beautiful waterfall. It´s a conserved area, where you will feel the purity of the place. If you’re lucky, you will also see some wild animals. To read about the complete adventure
How do I get there?
By boat along the Alto Huayabamba. The best option is to take a tour that goes through this area and camp one night on the shore of the natural beaches of Martin Sagrado. But first, fly to Tarapoto with StarPeru. From there, it’s a two hour bus ride to the city of Juanjui. It’s 3 hours by boat down to the checkpoint at Aproboc (the association that take care of the forest) and then another hour to El Breo.
How much does it cost?
A two day and one night tour can cost around 400 soles, depending on the number of people in the group. These are the options that I recommend:
• Agencia Turismo Juanjuí,
• Agencia Tesoros del Gran Pajaten,
Where can I stay?
In Juanjuí, I recommend the superb Hostal Capricornio. The cost of a double room varies between 80 and 120 soles.
The most intimate: Huacamayllo
Less known and wilder than the famous waterfall Ahuashiyacu, this waterfall is thirty minutes from Tarapoto, followed by an hour and a half hike through the jungle, crossing a stream. The ground is flat and along your way, you will be surprised to see butterflies and feel almost alone in the world. It’s not very high, but the path is beautiful and you’ll stumble upon a large natural pool, where bathing is a rich reward.
How do I get there?
First, fly to Tarapoto with StarPeru. Then take a bus at the bus stop going to San Antonio de Cumbaza. There are more departures in the morning; it’s about 30 minutes away and costs 5 soles.
How much does it cost?
The entrance at the beginning of the road costs 3 soles. In San Antonio, it´s best that you hire a local guide, ask for Don Carlos. You can also go to the small restaurant in the Plaza de Armas to ask for the guides. If you want to go by yourself, you’ll find that it’s an easy route. Agencies like Martin Zamora take you from Tarapoto.
Where can I stay?
Tarapoto is not far and is an ideal base for exploring the region. If you want something central, we recommend La Patarashca and their pool (a double room from 140 soles). If you prefer to be in the woods, Los Huingos combines
tranquility and a large garden (a double room from 100 soles).
The jungle: Boqueron del Padre Abad, Pucallpa
On the road that unites Tingo María and Pucallpa, 30 minutes after Aguaytía, you will find the true natural attraction of the area: two bridges suspended over the Aguaytía River, one of the longest in Peru (2,600 feet). The route runs along two impressive rock walls, from which emerge, like tears, around seventy small waterfalls. The queen of the falls is called Velo de la Novia or Veil of the Bride, the first drop has a 130 foot fall and a little further down, find another drop at 195 feet into the Yuracyacu River. The cock of the rock and other species of birds strut among the orchids.
How do I get there?
Fly to Pucallpa with StarPeru, from there take a bus to Aguaytía for 30 soles and then take a taxi to the place. You can also take a tour with an agency from Pucallpa like Amazon World Peru. A full day tour costs about 50 soles. It takes 3 hours to get there from Pucallpa.
How much does it cost?
The visit is free.
Where can I stay?
In Pucallpa, the same agency, Amazon World Peru has its lodge on the outskirts, on the edge of the Yarinaqucha Lagoon. Within the city, Casa Andina has opened a new, comfortable hotel with affordable prices for tourists.
The most fun: Santa Carmen in Tingo Maria
It’s easy to access. Santa Carmen is located only 30 minutes from the main road and can be reached by mototaxi. It consists of a small fall and a natural pool which is then divided in two and ends in a large pool. Enjoy a dip in the middle of the foam, ferns and butterflies. This part of the jungle has several waterfalls and clear water streams that come down from the mountains. The most popular? La Cueva de las Pavas, a natural pool with the possibility of having lunch at the Palafito. The most impressive? San Miguel. You also have to go to La Alcantarilla for a weekend: two huge cement pipes that create a popular man-made pool.
How do I get there?
First, fly with StarPerú to Huanuco and then take a two hour bus ride for 20 soles to Tingo Maria. You will feel how rich it is to pass through the edge of the Andes to the edge of the forest.
How much does it cost? Access to Santa Carmen costs 5 soles.
Where can I stay? In Villa Jennifer, where Graciela and Erlan have created a domestic paradise of 1,000 acres of garden. They have retained the old hacienda style with chairs in the front and a stone pool in the background. The rooms are nice, small and very comfortable with private bathrooms, hot water and Wi-Fi. A double room costs 120 soles with breakfast. The lodge is located in Grande Castillo Km 3.4, Monterrico
