Yumbilla Falls

Yumbilla drops out of the cloud forest above the village of Cuispes in several distinct stages, which is why measurements of it vary depending on what is counted; by most accounts it ranks among the tallest waterfalls in the world. Unlike Gocta to the south, it is not visible from the road, and there is no single point from which the whole thing can be seen at once. The walk in follows a trail through permanently humid forest full of orchids, bromeliads and birds, passing the smaller Pabellón and Chinata falls on the way. The final approach reaches the base of the lower stage, where spray soaks everything within range.

What you actually see

• The lower stage - the section you reach on foot, with heavy spray at the base.
• Pabellón and Chinata falls - two further waterfalls passed on the same trail system.
• Cloud forest along the path - orchids, bromeliads and tree ferns in permanently wet forest.
• The staged viewpoints - lookouts on the trail that each show a different part of the drop.

When to go

Water volume is highest in the wet months from roughly November to April, when the falls look their best and the trail is at its muddiest. May to September gives firmer footing and clearer mornings but a thinner column of water. Cloud usually builds through the day in any month, so start early if you want to see anything above the trees.

Honest expectations

No viewpoint shows the whole waterfall, and images suggesting otherwise are composites or taken from the air. The trail is a proper walk of several hours with mud, roots and steady climbing, and it is slippery after rain. Facilities in Cuispes are basic. The area gets a fraction of Gocta's visitors, which also means fewer services when something goes wrong.

Nearby

Gocta waterfall is a short distance south, and Chachapoyas is the regional base.