Passionfruit tastes different at 5,782ft

The Amazonas region of Peru is a nature lover’s paradise, from rich jungle accompanied by Andean peaks to the tropical cacophony of the toucans and macaws jetting off to their next stop. The drive to Cocachimba is breathtaking, but can the Toyota Yaris carrying us withstand the narrow, winding mountain roads and the challenges that lay ahead? A sudden sound of tumbling rocks hits us as we approach yet another hairpin turn, and debris begins to smack the roof of the car. We continue our drive over the mountain pass, hoping that the rockfall will stop, and eventually we reach a clear path. After a moment of insecurity, the journey to Catarata Gocta continues.

In the year 2002, the world's third tallest free-leaping waterfall was ‘found’. It's not as if it was buried in a hidden forest. It simply goes to show how remote the Peruvian highlands and high Amazon regions are. New paradises could be discovered right now. The villagers were aware, but they owe nothing to the cartographers — outsiders be damned, Gocta was theirs. As the voyage on wheels draws to a close, I’m reminded of the local legend of Gocta. According to the locals, a beautiful mermaid, guarding a pot of gold, would curse anyone who comes close to her water.

Cocachimba, a haven for travellers within the region of the Amazonas. The excitement of the hike to Gocta Falls is building up, but after a long drive the Gocta Andes Lodge, and it’s heavenly views are calling me. Once we were all checked in, we ran towards the garden facing the waterfall. We were greeted by llamas and alpacas, both young and old, with the sound of local children playing football in the village square behind us. The clear blue skies and idea of dipping into the infinity pool facing a wondrous valley, was dreamlike. After a quick venture out into the village and around the lodge, the night sky took over, where every star was in view. The first part of this adventure was complete, but now it is time to rest and wake up ready for a hike.

The alarm went off, the lodge’s breakfast has been devoured, and now we face a 5km hike through the jungle. We could see people being taken both there and back on horses that are guided by locals in beautiful Amazonian attire. But we all knew that this adventure needed to be done on foot, so we can all take in the beauty of the Amazonas. The path is muddy and indecisive, when you’re walking down towards the waterfall a sudden change in direction throws you off. However, the forest is our guide. The sound of monkeys calling out to each other in the canopy, makes me glance up where I see nothing but voluminous green. Toucans setting off and playing hide and seek with you, the closer you get the louder the sound of cascading water is. Soon enough we hit a break, where locals invite you off the path where they are selling fresh fruit that they’ve collected.

A local woman approaches me and says “confía en mí, nunca encontrarás mejor maracuyá”, (“trust me you will never find better passionfruit”). This intrigued me because I had never tried passionfruit, because of this the women let me try one for free. After cracking open the shell, I took one half and drank the seeds. She was right. This fruit was fresh, sweet yet sour and every tastebud in my mouth was yearning for more. Six passionfruit later, the walk down continued. As the sound of the waterfall took over, the lush forest that had surrounded us for the majority of the trip, started to fall away. Soon enough we approach the plunge pool, where travellers are swimming and exploring. The air here is rich and I feel almost lighter, the view of the 2,530ft high water dropping towards me causes a spike in serotonin. This moment feels like a core memory being drilled into my mind, I can’t help but want my friends and loved ones to share this feeling with me. This is most certainly an adventure worth having.

More Information The Gocta Andes Lodge is an excellent place to spend the night; it can accommodate both solo travellers, couples and families. A two-person room for three nights can cost between £200 and £300, which includes complimentary breakfast and access to the lodge's facilities as well as free wifi.

The Gocta Falls walking path is open to the public, so tourists staying in Chachapoyas can simply drive up to the settlement of Cocachimba or take a taxi (which costs between £15 and £18). The drive takes around 40 minutes, which means many can make the hike or horse ride to Gocta Falls a day trip.

A University Entry by Karla Louise Hallett (Feature Writing)