La Lejía Waterfall | Amazonas

La Lejía Waterfall | Amazonas

La Lejía Waterfall, located in the district of Jamalca, province of Utcubamba, in the Amazon region of Peru, is a natural wonder that will take your breath away. With a waterfall of 670 meters, it is positioned as the second highest waterfall in Peru, surpassing even the famous Gocta.

History of La Lejía Waterfall | Amazonas

The history of La Lejía Waterfall is marked by its recent discovery and its rapid rise to fame as one of Peru’s most impressive natural wonders.

Discovery:

1. 2021: La Lejía Waterfall was discovered in 2021 by a group of local explorers in the district of Jamalca, Utcubamba province, Amazonas region.
2. Surprise: The finding generated great surprise, as it is estimated that the waterfall could be the second highest in Peru, surpassing even the famous Gocta Waterfall, which held this title until then.

Exploration and measurements:

1. Expeditions: Following the discovery, several expeditions have been made to the area to measure the exact height of the waterfall and evaluate its tourism potential.
2. Height: Preliminary GPS satellite measurements suggest that the waterfall has a height of 670 meters, making it one of the highest in the country.
3. Research: However, more precise research is still needed to confirm the exact height and establish its definitive position in the ranking of the highest waterfalls in Peru.

What can we find at La Lejía Waterfall?

1. The imposing waterfall: The waterfall has a height of 670 meters, making it the second highest in Peru. The water falls down a rocky slope, creating a curtain of water that will take your breath away.
2. The turquoise color of the water: The water of the waterfall has a turquoise tone due to the presence of minerals in the soil. This color gives an even more impressive aspect to the waterfall.
3. The natural environment: The waterfall is surrounded by a lush cloud forest, full of diverse flora and fauna. You can observe orchids, bromeliads, ferns, monkeys, birds and other animal species in their natural habitat.
4. Peace and tranquility: The place offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, ideal to get away from the noise and stress of the city and connect with nature.
5. Adventure: If you like adventure activities, you can hike through the cloud forest until you reach the base of the waterfall. You can also practice trekking, camping and bird watching.
6. Viewpoints: There are several viewpoints from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfall and the cloud forest.
7. Trails: There are trails that take you to the base of the waterfall and other points of interest in the area.
8. Rest areas: There are rest areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
9. Basic services: There are basic services such as restrooms and drinking water at the entrance to the waterfall.

How to get to La Lejía Waterfall from Cusco?

By bus:

1. Bus: The most common route is to take a bus from Cusco to the city of Chachapoyas, in the province of Luya, Amazonas region. The trip takes approximately 8 hours.
2. Transportation: You can find buses leaving from Cusco to Chachapoyas with different companies, such as Turismo del Norte, Tepsa and Cavitravel. Ticket prices vary according to the company and the type of bus, but are generally between S/ 40 and S/ 60.
3. From Chachapoyas: Once in Chachapoyas, you can take a bus or cab to the town of Lejía, located about 40 km away. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.
4. Hike: From the town of Lejía, you will have to hike for approximately 4 hours to reach the base of the waterfall. The hike is considered of medium to high difficulty, so it is recommended to be accompanied by an experienced local guide.

By tour:

1. Most comfortable option: You can hire an organized tour from Cusco that will take you directly to La Lejía Waterfall. This option is more comfortable, but also tends to be more expensive.
2. Tour companies: There are several tour companies in Cusco that offer tours to La Lejía Waterfall. You can find information about the tours and prices online or at the companies’ offices.
3. Included: Tours generally include round-trip transportation from Cusco, tour guide, entrance fees to the waterfall and, in some cases, meals.

Recommendations for visiting the La Lejía Waterfall

Before the trip:

1. Plan your trip in advance: Book your tickets or tours well in advance, especially if you are traveling in high season.
2. Find out about the weather: The weather in the area is hot and humid, so it is recommended to bring light and comfortable clothing, as well as sunscreen and a raincoat.
3. Hire a local guide: It is recommended to be accompanied by an experienced local guide, as the way to the waterfall can be a bit difficult and he/she will be able to provide you with information about the area and the waterfall.
4. Carry cash: There are no ATMs in the area, so it is recommended to carry cash to cover transportation, lodging and food expenses.

During the trip:

1. Get up early: The best time to start the hike to the waterfall is early in the morning, when the weather is cool and there is less humidity.
2. Bring water and snacks: The hike to the waterfall is long and tiring, so it is important to bring water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized.
3. Wear comfortable and appropriate footwear: The trail to the waterfall is uneven and slippery, so it is important to wear comfortable and appropriate footwear for hiking the mountain.
4. Respect the environment: Do not leave trash on the road and take care of the flora and fauna of the place.

At the waterfall:

1. Enjoy the view: La Lejía Waterfall is an impressive spectacle, take some time to enjoy the view and take pictures.
2. Cool off in the water: If you are up for it, you can take a refreshing swim in the water of the waterfall.
3. Be careful: Be careful when walking near the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery.
4. Don’t risk: Don’t risk dangerous jumps or stunts near the waterfall.

After the trip:

1. Share your experience: Share your experience with other travelers and friends.
2. Promote responsible tourism: Promote responsible tourism and encourage others to visit La Lejía Waterfall while respecting the environment and local culture.

With these recommendations enjoy your trip to La Lejia Waterfall.

La Lejía Waterfall | Amazonas