Those choosing Cocachimba as a starting point for Gocta will find a combination of a waterfall route and nature watching: the Refugio del Colibrí Cola de Espátula is located in Cocachimba, at the entrance to the Gocta Waterfalls. In the community-based tourism offering, Catarata Gocta is the main attraction; other activities include birdwatching, visits to additional waterfalls, and sugarcane. For planning, it is worth distinguishing between the route sections and their different time estimates.
Gocta on foot or partly on horseback
The hiking trail from Cocachimba's main square to the second tier of Catarata Gocta is 5.5 kilometers long and takes approximately two and a half hours on foot. The route has a total ascent of 396 meters and descent of 372 meters. Along the way, you cross the “La Golondrina” suspension bridge. During the rainy season, from December to April, the water flow along the route is particularly impressive.
Part of the approach can be covered on horseback. The section from the main square to the horse station is listed as 3.2 kilometers and takes approximately one hour and 50 minutes on horseback. These figures refer to a different section and a different mode of travel than the hike to the second tier. This distinction is important when estimating the time required. The route to Catarata Gocta thus combines a specific walking route with a section that can partly be covered on horseback, though the two time estimates are not directly comparable.
Hummingbirds, birdlife, and protected area
At the feeders of the Refugio del Colibrí Espátula, you can observe the endemic Marvelous Spatuletail and other hummingbird species. These include the Purple-collared Woodstar, White-bellied Woodstar, Speckled Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Little Woodstar, and Grey-chinned Hermit. From Cocachimba, a birdwatching program follows a hiking route to the nearby base of the 771-meter-high Catarata Gocta. It includes information about the natural environment and the watersheds of the northeastern Andes; a visit to the Refugio is intended for close-up observation and photography, as well as observing five to six additional species.
Approximately 110 bird species have been recorded around Catarata Gocta, near Cocachimba. They include the endemic Marvelous Spatuletail of the Amazon region, the Carpintero de Pecho Jaspeado, the Tucaneta Esmeralda, the Gallito de las Rocas, the Tucán Andino, the Zorzal del Marañón, and the Trogón Enmascarado. The water sources and biological diversity of Catarata Gocta are protected by the private Área de Conservación Privada “Comunal San Pablo – Catarata Gocta.” It was recognized through Ministerial Resolution No. 115-2019-MINAM.
Community-based offerings and length of stay
In addition to Gocta, the community-based tourism offering includes visits to the Golondrina, Lejía, and Cajuache waterfalls. Taking part in grinding sugarcane at a trapiche sugar mill is also among the activities. Huarapo, a traditional sugarcane drink, is highlighted as a refreshment while exploring the area. Waterfall visits and nature watching are thus complemented by an insight into sugarcane processing and a local drink.
A stay of two days and one night is recommended for Cocachimba. The Asociación Comunal de Turismo de Cocachimba is the community-based tourism organization responsible for the area. The overland journey from Chachapoyas to Cocachimba is listed as approximately 42 kilometers and about one hour; actual travel time may vary depending on conditions. When planning your trip, keep this approximate estimate in mind and check the travel time for your dates.
Discover more destinations: San Carlos District.
Return to the broader travel overview: Bongará Province.
