Catarata Bayoz, Emerald waterfall in Perené District, Peru
Catarata Bayoz is a tiered waterfall in the Perené District of the Junín Department in Peru, where a series of cascades fall into natural rock pools. The falls sit inside a forested gorge surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and layered rock walls.
The Perené valley was opened to farming settlements during the 19th century, when migrant families were encouraged to cultivate the land. That shift gradually turned the valley into one of central Peru's main agricultural zones.
Families and local visitors often gather at the pools at the base of the falls on weekends, treating the spot as a natural outdoor retreat. The surrounding hillsides are covered in coffee and citrus plantations that shape the daily life and economy of nearby communities.
Reaching the waterfall requires driving to Yurinaki on a paved road and then continuing on an unpaved track before walking a short trail. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, as the path can get slippery after rain, especially near the falls.
The green tint of the pools varies from one basin to the next depending on the depth and the rock type below the surface. Some pools appear almost clear while others take on a deeper green, all within a short distance of each other.
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