• 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!

• 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?

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.