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Catarata De Yumbilla, Peru

 


The Amazon region of South America is a magnet for travelers interested in adventure, eco-tourism, science, and sustainable practices. A few years ago, the Tourism Board and Chamber of Commerce of the Peruvian Amazon region set out to rediscover the potential of its pristine waterfalls. Part of this effort included taking a formal measurement of the Catarata De Yumbilla, Peru, a magnificent waterfall in the Cuispes District of the Bongara province.

At the behest of the Mayor of Cuispes, geodesy experts from Peru’s National Institute of Geography determined that the height of the Yumbilla waterfall measures an impressive 896 meters, approximately 2,940 feet. This would make Yumbilla the third highest waterfall in the world, just behind the Angel Falls in Venezuela and the Tugela Falls in South Africa. The measurement has been subject to some challenges, but the event managed to renew interest in the great tourism potential of the area.Catarata De Yumbilla, Peru

Yumbilla is the largest waterfall in the Peruvian Amazon, a region that has been blessed with 24 pristine Waterfalls of South America. Yumbilla has four different vertical streams from brink to base. The terrain surrounding the falls is mountainous but hospitable, with green forests and thick canopies of varying heights. The brink of Yumbilla is known as the Cueva San Francisco de Yumbilla, a cave that measures five meters in height and nine meters across. The depth of this intriguing cave has not been fully determined, but villagers from Cuispe have been known to descemd 250 meters.


Since the Yumbilla falls were remeasured in 2007, a greater influx of adventure travelers and eco-tourists are exploring the region. A trail running down from the San Francisco cave to the base of Yumbilla measures about 5.7 km, and it leads to a viewing area known as “Sal Si Puedes” (Leave If You Can). This interesting name refers to the captivating natural beauty that hikers experience when they visit. Walking down to the base means being treated to the deafening roar and constant spray and mist as water hits the rocky bottom.

Visitors will be impressed with the hospitality in Cuispes, where the locals offer expert guides, horseback riding, and great food. The area is teeming with wildlife and unique orchids, and there are two other waterfalls that can be explored in a two-day span. Cuispes is a sleepy agricultural town that has only recently began to experience eco-tourism, but it is trying to extend its range of services to visitors in terms of lodging and guided tours.

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Filed Under: Catarata De Yumbilla, featured, Peru, South America

Catarata De Chinata, Peru


 Peru is home to many natural wonders, but none compare to the spectacular sights at Catarata De Chinata. As you stand at the bottom of one of the world’s greatest natural masterpieces, you’ll see water plunging out of the sky from 580 meters in the air. If you choose to stand close enough to the waterfall, you’ll feel a cooling mist that is quite refreshing on a hot day in Peru. What makes this waterfall unique is the fact that the water doesn’t come straight down from one edge to the bottom. Catarata De Chinata is an awe-inspiring spectacle for everyone to behold.

Catarata De Chinata, Peru Photo by Peru Top ToursCatarata De Chinata has water that falls in layers. The water drops for a bit, and then it levels off on a small valley. The water falls again, and once again levels off at a small valley. The rest of the water finally falls toward the jungle below. A quick hike up the waterfall from the village of Cuispes offers tourists the best views of the majestic waterfall. You only have to walk for about 45 minutes to reach the point where you can take the clearest pictures of the water cascading down toward the ground below.

Visitors who enjoy Catarata De Chinata will also find amazement in another nearby waterfall. Catarata de Yumbilla, located a short distance away, is another majestic waterfall that has falling water in levels. Tourists who come to this area to see waterfalls never leave disappointed. The local culture in Peru embraces the waterfalls as part of their lives, and they welcome tourists to appreciate the stunning beauty found within each waterfall. This area of Peru is worth exploring due to the variety of different geological processes going on here. If you enjoy seeing the natural earth in all its glory, then this Waterfall of South America is the place for you.


The Amazon forest, where the falls are located, is a splendor in every sense of the word. After you explore the waterfalls, you can make your way through Peru’s portion of the breathtaking jungles. People who visit this section of the Amazon gladly report that they enjoy their experiences. In addition to the waterfalls, you also see exotic plants, animals, and ecosystems all working together. Peru travelers often remark that they would visit again if they were granted the opportunity. Peru’s waterfalls provide a unique backdrop to the wonders of nature.

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Filed Under: Catarata De Chinata, featured, Gocta Catarata, Peru, South America

Gocta Catarata, Peru

 


The Gocta Catarata, located in Peru, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. It is also one of the most recently discovered Waterfalls of South America and publicized. The waterfall has been well known by local residents of the region and was visible from the native village of Gocta but was not documented by the world’s geographers. According to legend, the locals did not talk of the waterfall because of fear of angering a mermaid that lived within the waters.

In 2005, a group lead by Stefan Ziemendorff officially documented the existence of the waterfall in the remote regions of the Chachapoyas province. The waterfall was then mapped and attempts were made to document its dimensions. The process of documenting the height of the waterfall is incomplete and there are still controversies associated with where this waterfall ranks among the tallest waterfalls of the world.Gocta Catarata, Peru Photo By,jayit0's

Gocta Catarata falls in two segments. Ziemendorff measured the total height of the waterfall at about 2,500 feet or 770 meters. Those measurements would rank Gocta as the third tallest waterfall but have been disputed.

Because of the remote location of the waterfall, visitation is limited to dedicated backcountry travelers. The Peruvian Government is attempting to improve the conditions and exploit the waterfall as a tourist destination. This includes lodging and trails within sight of the Gocta Catarata.

Even the best lodgings in the area are at altitudes exceeding 7,500 feet or 2,200 meters. These locations are still below the base of the waterfall and involve an uphill hike to the actual waterfall location. The high altitude means thinner atmosphere and can cause hikers to tire quickly. The high altitude also means that the weather can be unpredictable and high clouds can conceal parts of the waterfall even when viewed from the base of the falls.


The province of Chachapoyas has a population of about 50,000 people scattered over 3,300 square kilometers or 1,300 square miles. The region is known for its local populations of indigenous people who maintain cultures that are representative of the local civilizations prior to the arrival of European populations in the 1500s.

The region supports a small tourist industry that does include Gocta Catarata. However, the economy of the province is principally based on agriculture.

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Filed Under: featured, Gocta Catarata, Peru, South America

Sacred Valley, Peru

Near the top of the world at 7,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level in the Peruvian Andes is found the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where natural beauty and history abound. The Sacred Valley is close to Cusco, originally the capital of the Inca Empire, the largest empire during pre-Columbian America.

Sacred Valley of PeruThe fascinating history of the Incas, and the ruins to be found in the Sacred Valley make this a remarkable place to visit. Couple the ancient ruins with the present day people and their rich culture, their hauntingly beautiful music, their gorgeous woven blankets, and one will have a never-to-be forgotten experience.

Probably the greatest legacy the Incas left to posterity is the ruins of their amazing architecture. Today, many visitors are awed by the majesty of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which translates into “Old Peak.”

Machu Picchu, PeruMachu Picchu is 50 miles northwest of Cusco and the start of the Inca Trail. It had been completely forgotten for hundreds of years after the Spanish conquered the Incas, until Hiram Bingham discovered it on July 24, 1911. It became a popular tourist destination after The National Geographic Society devoted the April 1913 edition of the magazine entirely to Machu Picchu.

In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, described as “an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization.”

The architecture of Machu Picchu is constructed of polished dry-stone walls with the technique referred to as ashlar. Blocks of stone are placed on atop one another then cut to fit the stone below. This technique results in stones that are so tightly fitted that they do not need mortar. A knife cannot even be slipped between the stones.

Cuzco, the capital city of the Cusco region, is a beautiful red-roofed city of approximately 360,000 people. The name of the city originated from the phrase "qusqu wanka" meaning “rock of the owl.” This came from the myth of Ayyr Auca who, it is said, grew wings and flew to the site of the city, turning himself to a rock owl to lay claim to the area for his people.

Cuzco is a major destination for travelers to Peru. Many visitors will start their Inca Tours in Cusco. The beautiful red-roofed city is a welcoming sight as one flies into the airport. The arts and food are lauded by visitors. Not to be missed is the ChocoMuseo – the Chocolate Museum, where the artistry of creating with chocolate is taken to an inspiring level.

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Filed Under: Peru, Sacred Valley, South America