Cuispes
Understand
Cuispes is a small village 9 km (5.6 mi) up a steep, winding gravel road from the town of Pedro Ruiz. It is the main centre for visiting the 895m Yumbilla waterfall and other large waterfalls nearby.
Most tourist activities are facilitated by the community tourism office on the east side of the main plaza (open 08:00 to 13:00, 7 days a week)
Get in
The road to Cuispes is signposted just north of Pedro Ruiz on Highway 5N. Take a taxi or mototaxi (15-20 Soles up to Cuispes, 6-10 Soles back down to Pedro Ruiz).
Get around
The village is tiny and everything is easily reachable on foot. The trailheads for the hikes to Yumbilla and Pabellon waterfalls can be reached on foot or by a mototaxi (3-5 Soles one way).
See
The main attractions are the very tall waterfalls (cataratas) nearby.
- 🌍
Yumbilla Falls. at 895m, the fifth tallest waterfall in the world
- Chinata. is visible in the distance from the main plaza, but a closer look at it and views of the other falls require some hiking (see below).
- Pabellon
- Cristal
- Medio Cerro
Do
Hiking around the nearby waterfalls is the primary reason to visit Cuispes.
The walk to the main viewpoint of Yumbilla (with views of the first of four individual drops, as well as Cristal and Medio Cerro falls on the way) passes through beautiful, pristine forest filled with butterflies and offering good birdwatching (including a chance to see the Andean cock of the rock). The track is well maintained, but fairly narrow and has a more adventurous feel to it than the hike to Gocta. The admission fee of 10 Soles can be paid at the tourism office on the main square. The start of the trail is 5km from town by road or about 3km on foot. The tourism office or accommodation providers will happily give (easy to follow) directions. Allow 3 hours return from the trailhead plus time to enjoy the views at the falls and the various miradors along the way.
The walk to Pabellon starts from the same place as the main Yumbilla walk. It takes about 20 minutes to reach, though the trail can be muddy in some places.
The trails to other waterfalls and viewpoints are less clear and well maintained and are best tackled with a local guide (arranged at the tourist office). The walks to the bottoms of Yumbilla and Chinata are particularly worthwhile.
For a longer, more involved trek, consider the Amazon Waterfalls Trek, Cuispes or San Carlos, ☎ +51 41-94196. a 10-km trek that passes 8 waterfalls as high as any of the Continental USA (including all of those mentioned above and others). The trek follows a nearly level cliff ledge covered in pristine Amazon forest. Reservations must be made for the trek along the ledge.
Local tours to coffee plantations, apiaries and cheese factories can be arranged through the tourism office on the main square. From 20 Soles.
Buy
There are a few small bodegas (shops) around town that sell snacks, fruit and bread for picnics on your hike.
Eat
There are no restaurants in Cuispes.
Picnic lunches of local specialties are available (with prior notice) from the tourist office for 10 Soles.
Both accommodation providers offer meals.
Drink
Coffee or juice at accommodation, soft drinks or beer at the bodegas.
Sleep
- Hospedaje Orquideas de Yumbilla (North side of plaza). Simple but tidy rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. Meals available, 8 Soles. Significant discounts available for stays of more than one night. 60 Soles/night for a double.
- Posada de Cuispes (South side of the plaza). Beautiful, homey inn. Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. Breakfast 10 Soles, Lunch or Dinner, 15 Soles. 65 Soles per person per night.