The Gocta waterfall has been known by locals for decades, but only recently has its existence emerged as common knowledge. Local people feared the curse of a beautiful blond mermaid who lived in its waters if they revealed its whereabouts. An ancient myth says that the mermaid keeps a golden bowl which in turn is guarded by a giant serpent. Starting in Chachapoyas visit the local ruins sites in Chachapoyas: Kuelap, the mountaintop fortress of the Land of the Cloud People, the Sarcofagos of Karajia, the tombs of Revash, and the Inca Trail to Kuelap.
This trek then continues to the waterfall named Gocta at 2,530 feet high the waterfall is credited as the third largest in the world.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Chiclayo–Chachapoyas. In the morning you will depart from Chiclayo by car, van or minibus. You will cross 4 different Peruvian departments: Lambayeque, south Piura, the North of Cajamarca and end in Amazonas, starting in the coast and arriving in the late afternoon in the cloud forest of Chachapoyas. Overnight Chillo lodge.
Day 2: Revash–Leimebamba. After breakfast you will enjoy an excursion to visit the colorful funeral buildings of Revash perched on a ledge up high on a cliff. They overlook a valley and tributary of the Utcubamba, near the town of Santo Tomas. The Cliff walls at Revash are decorated with geometric designs and figures of camelids. Some of the tombs are decorated with T and cross-shaped niches. Then you will continue to town of Leimebamba to visit an amazing collection of well preserved pre-Inca mummies discovered in the Laguna de los Condores. Overnight Chillo lodge.
Day 3: Kuelap–Chachapoyas. After breakfast you will visit Kuelap, a spectacular pre-Inca walled city hidden atop a precipitous mountain. Although Kuelap was discovered 60 years before Machu Picchu, it is not as well-known to the outside world. Nevertheless recent amazing discoveries in nearby areas that relate to Kuelap and to its history have captured the attention of archaeologists, international magazines and film companies. Following your visit to Kuelap we drive to Chachapoyas city where we will spend a night at local hotel.
Day 4: Macro–Karajia. Morning trek to Chachapoyas burial towers of Macro, an outpost of the Chachapoyas culture built into cliffs overlooking the Utcubamba River. It's unique location allowed for contact via signal fires with the fortress high above in the mountains and visible through a cleft in the valley hills. We then continue to Karajia, a spectacular funerary site. Here we will find 3-meter anthropomorphic wooden coffins located under a cliff. Mummies were placed inside each coffin. Return to Chachapoyas, overnight hotel.
Day 5: Chachapoyas–Gocta. Morning trip to Cocachimba town. Hike to Gocta Waterfall. Overnight Camping.
Day 6: Gocta. Full day exploring the waterfall area. Overnight local hostal.
Day 7: Chachapoyas–Chiclayo. By car, van or mini-bus transport to Chiclayo. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.
Note: Activities/schedule can be customized to your interests.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Overland transport
- English-speaking guides
- Hotel and lodge accommodations
- Most meals
- Entrance fees to attractions
- All camping equipment.
Price Excludes:
-International and domestic airfare. Quoted upon request from your departure city.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Ecotourism
Archeology/History
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
