The Perolani Waterfall

Perolani is a mysterious waterfall in the valley behind Tocaña. From far, it is impossible to see the base of the fall. It is said that it is impossible to go there, and that it would be foolish, because the devil lives there. Legend has it that a small caravan of mules was lost at the bottom of the fall, taking the life of all people and animals involved. The mules apparently were carrying bags of gold. A “true told story” is that one day the government decided to find out if there really was gold by sending a helicopter. Some mandatory volunteer was to get down the chopper via a cable. When the chopper was in position, a freak wind threw it out of position. The helicopter almost crashed, and the poor volunteer did not survive.

People from Tocaña who got pretty near told they had to abort the mission when all of a sudden dozens of snakes appeared out of the jungle. Another story is that some ex military experts in jungle treks tried to get to the falls, but had to abort and go back via the river. Jumping down small falls, they had no way of knowing if the pool at the bottom was deep enough to break their fall.

Stories are but stories, but it’s for sure that you ought to be careful in a place where the mountain looks like the face of Darth Vader.

 

How to visit

 

The waterfall can be seen from the road to Mururata. To get closer to the actual fall, take the trail from the former Tocaña soccer field. Ask locals for directions. If you do an expedition, it’s best to go with a guide and to leave early. Go to Tocaña with a taxi or stay at the cheap Tocaña hotel. Contact one of the guides or Perolani obsessed Carlos from CXC (see Services – Bicycles).

If you want to do a similar expedition, but without the risk of disappearing of the face of the earth, read the chapter about Supay Punku (in the “A Bit Further from Town” section).