Gocta Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture of Gocta in Peru. This comprehensive travel guide covers hiking routes, food, accommodation, travel options, and safety tips.


Introduction to Gocta

Nestled in the Peruvian Amazon, Gocta is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Gocta is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, the Gocta Falls, and surrounded by lush rainforest, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. This quaint village offers a perfect combination of beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Gocta

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo Kuelap: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Chachapoyas civilization, which inhabited the region before the Inca period.
  • Revash Mausoleums: The Revash archeological site features unique burial structures with painted facades.
  • Karajia Sarcophagi: The Karajia sarcophagi are sarcophagi, which are placed on high cliffs overlooking the valley.

Natural Attractions of Gocta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gocta Falls: This stunning waterfall cascades over 771 meters and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
  • Yumbilla Falls: This waterfall has a height of 895 meters.
  • Huaylillas Lake: This lake offers a serene atmosphere and is surrounded by dense vegetation.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gocta

Gocta is a hiker’s paradise, with a variety of trails for all abilities. For an excellent adventure, hike the Gocta waterfall route and reach the base of the falls in about two hours. Biking is also a fantastic way to explore the region’s enchanting landscapes. The region has many circular bike routes close to the Chachapoyas area.

Best Things to Do in Gocta: Activities and Tours

  • Birdwatching: Gocta’s diverse ecosystem offers an array of bird species, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock or the Andean condor.
  • Zip-lining: Fly through the canopy of the rainforest by taking a zipline tour for the best views of the Gocta falls.
  • Rafting: Enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting in the nearby Utcubamba River.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gocta

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival at Gocta, explore the village and surroundings
Day 2 Hike to Gocta Falls and take a dip in its cool waters
Day 3 Visit the Revash Mausoleums and tour the nearby museums
Day 4 Guided tour of the ruins at Kuélap via Cocachimba
Day 5 Explore ancient sarcophagi at Karajia and visit cave
Day 6 Experience traditional cooking classes and local market visits around Chachapoya
Day 7 End your trip with souvenir and handicraft shopping in the village

Food and Drink Scene of Gocta

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pepián de choclo: This spicy and creamy soup is made with corn kernels, chicken, vegetables, and bread.
  • Causa rellena: A traditional Peruvian dish consisting of mashed potatoes seasoned with lime juice and layered with tuna or chicken.

Local Beverages

  • Pisco: This grape brandy is Peru’s national drink and used in creating famous cocktails such as Pisco Sour.
  • Chicha de jora: This mildly alcoholic corn-based beverage is the popular drink of the region.

Where to Stay in Gocta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gocta has a limited range of accommodation, including guesthouses, hotels and hostels, and family-owned lodges. Some of the most popular places to stay include:

  • Gocta Natura Cabins: These cottages are secluded from the main village; each one has a private balcony offering stunning views of the surrounding valley.
  • Casa Hacienda Achamaqui: This elegant colonial house has luxurious rooms, gorgeous gardens, and an exquisite restaurant.
  • El Chillo Lodge: This eco-tourism lodge is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna and offers tours of the surrounding area.

What to Buy in Gocta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alpaca Wool Products: You can buy warm garments such as hats, scarfs, and sweaters made from the soft wool of alpacas that are reared in the Peruvian Andes.
  • Handcrafts: You can buy skilled artisanal crafts like pottery, weavings, and other ornaments.

Local Culture and Customs of Gocta

The people of Gocta are friendly, welcoming, and proud of their culture and heritage. Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak Quechua, which is the native language of the region. The Chachapoyas civilization had a significant impact on the cultural history of the region, and this influence is still visible in traditional customs, clothing, and art.

Best Time to Visit Gocta

The best time to visit Gocta is during the dry season, which runs from May to October, when the weather is sunny and pleasant for outdoor activities. However, the rainy season from November to April brings lush, green landscapes, and thrifty travelers can avail of off-season packages.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gocta

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try new foods, especially local specialties.
  • Pack for outdoor activities with comfortable attire and shoes.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural environment.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gocta

Gocta is a safe place to visit, but it’s always best to be cautious and follow standard safety guidelines.

  • Always hike with a companion
  • Avoid hiking routes if the weather conditions are unfavorable.
  • Keep your valuable belongings in a secure place.

Health in Gocta

  • Seek medical advice weeks before your trip to ensure all immunizations are up-to-date
  • Drink only filtered or bottled water to prevent travel-related illnesses, and make sure that street food is freshly cooked.

Getting to Gocta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gocta

The nearest airports to Gocta as Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (264 miles) and the Oscar R. Benavides Airport in Jaén ( 75 miles). You can easily find transportation from these airports to the region via buses or shared taxis.

Bus Stations Near Gocta

The Chachapoyas bus station is about 15 minutes from the village center and has many daily buses to different cities and towns in the region.

Other Options

The best way to reach Gocta is by road. The region is connected by paved roads to the major cities and towns, which offer buses, taxis, and shared minibusses.

How to Get Around in Gocta

The best way to navigate Gocta and its surrounding region is through a tour operator or by renting your own car. Hiking and biking are the most popular way to enjoy the beautiful landscape and ecosystem.

Where to Go Next from Gocta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kuélap: Continue your adventure and explore the impressive fortress of Kuélap, located in the midst of the cloud forest, which is a must-see for all those interested in the Peruvian Amazon.
  • Amazon Basin: Venture and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon.
  • Machu Picchu: Take a day trip to the world-renowned citadel of Machu Picchu, located in the Andean highlands with options available to get to Cusco by flight or bus.

Conclusion

Gocta offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure to anyone who wishes to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This guide provides all the necessary information to make the most of your trip to this hidden paradise and experience the wonders that Gocta has to offer. Be respectful to the locals and the environment, and have a great time in Gocta!