The 8 most beautiful waterfalls in Peru

Peru is a country with great geographical diversity that offers desert coastal landscapes, high mountains crossed by the Andes Mountains, as well as immense Amazonian forests. Between the high mountains and the Peruvian jungle there is a region of high jungle where there are beautiful and high waterfalls. These are very photographed and visited by Peruvian tourists and from all over the world. What are the most beautiful in the country? Know them!

Gocta Waterfalls

The Gocta waterfalls are considered the best in Peru. The reason? It has a fall of 771 meters and is one of the highest on the planet. It is located in the district of Cocachimba, 41 kilometers from the city of Chachapoyas in the Amazonas region. In the vicinity of Gocta there are dozens of smaller waterfalls.

Gocta is special for being far from modernity. You can only get there on a walking route that takes a little over 2 hours. For an additional cost of 40 soles you can get there on horseback. It was discovered in 2002 by Stefan Zlemendorf, a German explorer. It is believed that in the waterfall there is a golden-haired mermaid who disappears men at night.

• Where is it? 41 kilometers from the city of Chachapoyas in Amazonas (2 hour 30 minute walk).
• How much does it cost? The tours cost approximately 120 soles per tourist.

Rainbow Waterfall

The Arco Iris waterfall is one of the most popular in the city of Satipo, in the Junín region (central jungle of Peru). It has a small waterfall, only 20 meters. However, due to its special location, it has a perspective of the sun’s rays that, in the afternoon, forms a striking rainbow, which gave it its name.

The Arco Iris waterfall has two waterfalls and is surrounded by abundant vegetation. It is accessed there starting from Satipo in a southeasterly direction to the town of Mazmamari. Then take a detour to the falls in the direction of Puerto Ocopa. You get there by crossing a wooden bridge. Entrance is free.

• Where is it? 30 kilometers from the city of Satipo in the Junín region.
• How much does it cost? There are not many tours offered. It is recommended to go on your own. Entrance is free.

Ahuashiyacu Waterfall

The Ahuashiyacu waterfall is one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Tarapoto in the northern jungle of Peru. Its name means ‘laughing water’ or ‘singing water’. It owes its name to its 40-meter waterfall whose splashes resound in a water fountain. It is very visited by local and Peruvian tourists.

To get to the Ahuashiyacu waterfall, you must travel by car for 17 kilometers (30 minutes) and conclude the route with a walk of only 10 minutes. Its water source resembles a swimming pool. Like other waterfalls in Peru, it is surrounded by thick vegetation. Admission is free for everyone. An excellent idea is to go with a tour.

• Where is it? Only 17 kilometers from the city of Tarapoto (only a 10-minute walk).
• How much does it cost? The tours cost approximately 50 soles per tourist.

Yumbilla Waterfall

The Yumbilla waterfalls are the fifth highest on the planet, with a waterfall of almost 900 meters. It is located in the city of Cuispes in the province of Bongorá, department of Amazonas. The waterfall has a special charm for being located in a bowl full of vegetation with rock formations of various colors.

The Yumbilla Falls is also the second highest in Peru. Its waterfall descends in four falls, which begins in the San Francisco cavern at 2,723 meters above sea level. Yumbilla is part of the so-called ‘Ruta de las cataratas’ that includes the waterfalls of Chinata, Pabellón and many more. The route offers great diversity. However, due to the difficulty and danger of getting there, it is best to go with a tour that offers a canoe ride there.

• Where is it? 70 kilometers from the city of Chachapoyas and 9 kilometers from the city of Pedro Ruiz, in the city of Cuispes.
• How much does it cost? The tours cost approximately 100 soles per tourist.

Cock of the Rock Waterfall

The Gallito de las Rocas waterfall is located in the district of Pampa Hermosa, province of Satipo, department of Junín. The name of the waterfall is due to the presence of the cock of the rocks, famous for the beauty of its colors. The waterfall is relatively small, only 20 meters. However, the pool that forms allows you to swim and enjoy an incredible landscape.

The route to the Gallito de las Rocas waterfall begins in the city of Satipo with a 41-kilometer journey to the San Antonio hamlet. From there, there is a walk of only 200 meters. The entrance to the waterfall is free. However, for a complete visit it is recommended to choose a tour. The landscape it offers is one of the most beautiful in the Junín region. And, with luck, you will be able to observe the cock of the rocks.

• Where is it? 41 kilometers from the city of Satipo, in the district of Pampa Hermosa.
• How much does it cost? The tours cost approximately 100 soles per tourist.

Tigre River Waterfall

The Tigre River waterfall is located just 14 kilometers from the tourist city of Oxapampa in the central jungle of Peru (Pasco region). It has a waterfall of approximately 30 meters. It is part of the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve. It has a beautiful natural landscape full of vegetation.

From the city of Oxapampa you can get there on foot or by bus. The best option is to walk because the route is only 45 minutes. On the route you cross two hanging bridges. In the place you can do rappelling. The cost of admission is only 1 sol. Visiting hours are from 6 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.

• Where is it? Just a 45-minute walk from the city of Oxapampa in the Pasco region.
• How much does it cost? The entrance ticket costs only 1 Peruvian sol.

Catarata de Tsomontonari

The Tsomontonari waterfall is located in the district of Río Negro, in the province of Satipo, region of Junín (central jungle of Peru). It is made up of two waterfalls, ‘The Mantle of the Virgin’ and ‘The Queen of the Winds’. The first has a 70-meter waterfall while the second, 40 meters. The latter, however, is what gives the waterfall its name. Its great attraction is the natural stone staircase that allows access to the top of the waterfall.

The waterfall has small pools where families can cool off. In addition, in its rock formations you can practice rappelling. The route begins in the city of Satipo with a journey of 33 kilometers. Then the final access is made on foot by a safe route that takes approximately 1 hour. The entrance fee is free for everyone. You can also go with a tour.

• Where is it? 33 kilometers from the city of Satipo (final walk of 1 hour).
• How much does it cost? The tours cost approximately 130 soles per tourist.

Las Tres Hermanas Waterfall

The Three Sisters waterfall is the highest in Peru and the second highest on the planet (the highest waterfall is Salto del Tugela in South Africa). It has an amazing waterfall of 914 meters and 12 meters wide that is divided into three parts. They are found in the Otishi National Park, in the Río Tambo district (Satipo province) in the Junín region (Ene river basin).

Unfortunately for travelers, access to the falls is difficult. The best option is to hire a small plane price permit from the National Service of Protected Areas by the Peruvian State (Sernamp) in the city of Satipo. The landscape that can be seen from the air is incredible. The waterfall is surrounded by an almost virgin jungle. Everywhere you can hear the rumor of its almost 1 kilometer waterfall.

• Where is it? In the district of Río Tambo, province of Satipo, department of Junín.
• How much does it cost? Request permission with Sernamp Satipo and quote with a small plane to fly over the falls.

By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 28, 2023