Yumbilla Falls


Yumbilla Falls is the name of a waterfall located near the town of Cuispes, in the northern Peruvian region of Amazonas. It is considered the world's fifth tallest waterfall, becoming internationally known since late 2007 due to a geographical survey conducted by the Geographical Institute of Peru.

Geography

Yumbilla is high, with the top located above sea level and the base at.
The height was measured with the help of laser instruments by a geographical survey of the National Geographic Institute of Peru in 2007. This area is part of the Eastern Peruvian Andes, also known as Cordillera Oriental, more precisely, part of a mountain massif called Cerro Panhuayco.
Yumbilla is considered a tiered type waterfall, since it comprises four or five sections or drops. The stream is reported to come from a cave named "Caverna San Francisco".

Climate

The reported mean temperature in the area is 22 °C, with a rainy season from December to April.

Ecology

Flora

The area around the waterfall is covered with montane forest vegetation. Bromeliads, orchids, palms, Andean alders and tree ferns are commonly found in the area.

Fauna

Animals reported in the area include birds like the Andean cock-of-the-rock and the marvellous spatuletail hummingbird; and mammals like the spectacled bear and the yellow-tailed woolly monkey.

Tourism

From Chachapoyas, capital of the Amazonas region, it takes between 75-85 min. to arrive to the town of Cuispes. Public transportation to Pedro Ruiz is available. From Pedro Ruiz to Cuispes, the main public transportation are mototaxis.
From Cuispes, it takes 1-1.5 hours to reach Yumbilla waterfall by foot or on mule. It is advisable to hire a local guide.
The main activities in the area are hiking and wildlife watching.
There are also other waterfalls nearby, the most remarkable being: Pabellón and Chinata, both within 4 km in a straight line.