Anglo-Peruvian couple, Michael Naylor & Angelica Choy, spent five nights at Gocta Andes Lodge in late 2019.
They visited the main Chachapoya archaeological highlights of the region: Kuelap, Revash, Leymebamba Museum & Karajia.
Also made the hike / horse ride to Gocta Waterfall, and back.
Here are their thoughts:
What were your favourite cultural destinations in the itinerary?
My favourite was Karajía, but my husband’s was Revash.
What was your favourite natural destination in the itinerary?
Well, the Gocta falls were truly impressive … with the added bonus that I got to see 3 Gallitos de las Rocas!
Official Gocta Waterfall guide in action.
Who were your guides? How did they perform?
We had Teofilo who took us to Karajía, Felipe who took us to Gocta Waterfall … and the other two who I can’t remember their names.
They were all very good and professional.
Which was your favourite accommodation and why?
We only stayed at Gocta Lodge and it was fantastic. The food was very good and the service was outstanding.
Which was your favourite restaurant / dish / drink?
Our favourite restaurant was the Gocta Lodge and their beef with yellow pepper sauce was yummy.
What forms of transport did you use? Pros/cons?
Horse & wrangler on way to Gocta Falls.
We used horses to get to the falls and l can tell you that there was no way we could have reached it without them.
I also was very impressed by the way this guy kept the path clear of the horses poo so the people who were walking didn’t have to step on it.
What was the most pointless item in your luggage!?
I think that we used pretty much everything in our bag.
Did you suffer any insect bites? Other physical discomforts?
Well, I got affected by high altitude on the way back from Karajía, but it was because we did it on the next day of our arrival so I wasn’t acclimatised enough.
And given that northern Peru is just starting to attract a higher number of domestic and international visitors, we feel it is important to assess the impact of this on a naturally and culturally sensitive region.
Did you have much interaction with locals? Where and how did this occur?
Apart from our guides and hotel staff we didn’t have any.
Did you feel your money was going to local businesses and people?
Yes and it feels very good.
Were you given any information regarding sustainability during the course of your trip (e.g. talks on environmental issues from guides)?
Not that I can remember.