'''Gocta National Reserve''' is proposed near Cocachimba & San Pablo, in the Peruvian Amazon.
Understand
La catarata Gocta, known locally as La Chorrera, is the world's 3rd highest waterfall (771m), Although there is some debate regarding the measuremant method.
History
Discovered in Marche 2006 in Peruvian forest by German investigators lead by Stefan Ziemendorff who took topographic measurements, it is actually the third highest in the world, after Angel Falls (Venezuela 972m) & Tugela Falls (South Africa 948m).
Legends relating to the curse of a beautiful blonde siren helped by a giant serpent protect a gold vase; & the local Juan Mendoza who disappeared enchanted by the rocks behind the waterfall.
Landscape
In the same valley there are around 22 similar waterfalls.
Flora and fauna
The declaration as a national reserve could promote the conservation of flora & fauna & promote ecotourism, coupled with attractions like Kuelap.
Climate
Get in
From Chachapoyas it is a 1hr5min journey by vehicle to the village of Cocachimba. There are no direct collectivos running regularly to Cocachimba, so if you are not a group of 4, there are 2 options: taking the collectivos up to Pedro Ruiz (10 Soles) and going down on the road in the small village called Cocahuayco and from there its a 2 hours mostly uphill walk to Cocachimba. Another option is to continue with the collective to Pedro Ruiz and from there runs regular collectivos to cocachimba (8 Soles).
From Cocachimba there it takes 2-2.5 hours to hike to the base of the tallest fall.
A local guide will be assigned to you at the ticket office (mandatory, 20 Soles per group). They way has its ups & downs & can be hot, humid and muddy. Take water & sun protection. Make sure to wear boots after rainfall.
There is another alternative route from the village of San Pablo to the base of the first fall, but it is rarely explored.
Fees/Permits
Visitors needs to register & pay entrance at the office in cocachimba. a local guide is mandatory, but could be avoided if you insist. There are others services offered such as horse riding, camping gear rental, etc. but they have yet been tested.
The entrance fees are:
Adults: 5 Soles.
Students: 2.5 Soles.
Get around
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
Get out