Gocta Waterfalls Hike & Spatuletail Hummingbird Refuge

Overview Discover one of northern Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders on this immersive full-day adventure. Your journey begins in the charming village of Cocachimba, nestled in the lush Utcubamba Valley—the gateway to the majestic Gocta Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.

Follow a scenic trail through cloud forest landscapes, where every step reveals vibrant flora, exotic butterflies, and hidden viewpoints offering spectacular angles of the towering cascade. Along the way, keep your eyes open for rare wildlife, including the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and the extraordinary Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird—one of the most unique birds on the planet.

In the afternoon, continue to the Spatuletail Hummingbird Refuge, a peaceful conservation area dedicated to protecting native bird species. Here, you’ll enjoy close-up views of several hummingbirds in their natural habitat and, if you wish, unwind with a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear natural pool.

This experience perfectly blends adventure, wildlife, and serene natural beauty in the heart of the Amazonas region.

In the morning, we’ll head to the village of Cocachimba, situated along the Utcubamba River and the starting point for visiting the Gocta Waterfall. Along the nearly three-hour route, six viewpoints provide different perspectives of this spectacular cascade, the third-highest waterfall in the world, brought to prominence in 2006. On the trail, you’ll encounter a variety of insects, butterflies, orchids, and wildflowers. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the Andean Cockof-the-Rock or the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird. Lunch is not included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Spatuletail Hummingbird Sanctuary, a conservation space for native birds and plants in the Valley of the Waterfalls, Cocachimba. Here, you can observe a variety of hummingbirds, and if you wish, take a refreshing swim in a natural pool.

Level of difficulty: Light / moderate. The excursions to Gocta (5 hours of walking) require good physical condition. We recommend that seniors with heart conditions, individuals who are overweight, or those with limiting health issues consult their doctor