Discovery and measuring

Yumbilla Falls became known internationally in the late 2007, when the report of the researchers from Peru’s National Geographic Institute was published in national newspapers and soon – also in international media.

Nevertheless local people knew well about these falls. The word "Yumbillo" comes from Quechua language and, reportedly, means "heart in love". One of the cascades of waterfall really has a shape which resembles a heart.

The height of falls – 895.5 m – was measured with laser equipment by the researchers of National Geographic Institute.

Numbers

Waterfall starts at the height of 2723.6 m and falls down to 1828.1 m.

The information about the number of drops is controversial – some sources give 4 cascades, but in some photographs (f.e. in this one, from viajeros.com) are clearly seen at least five.

The run of waterfall (horizontal distance between the beginning and the end) is 610 m.

Cave

Yumbillo stream starts approximately 1 kilometre before the falls. It starts from a cave – San Francisco de Yumbilla Cave. The cave is comparatively large, length of the explored passage is 250 m.

Impressiveness

Although this is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, two factors make it less impressive. First – the amount of water is low, and in dry season may stop flowing altogether. Second – there are very few and hard to access locations where the full height of falls can be seen.

Nevertheless Yumbilla Falls are beaufitul, located in a lush rainforest with rich plant and animal life.

Local people are preparing for an influx of tourists and tourism authorities of the region are considering a new "product" – a visit to a whole group of fantastic local waterfalls, including the nearby Chinata Falls (some 580 m), Pabellon Falls (more than 400 m) and the magnificent Gocta Falls (771 m).

References

1. Yumbilla, Catarata, World Waterfall Database. Accessed in 27.02.2012.