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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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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