Just a couple of years ago, nobody knew about this breathtaking waterfall that looks like a bride in a wedding dress with a full skirt, glancing over her shoulder, with the veil elegantly spread out over her upper body.
Image credit: Turismo al Peru
Recently, the stunning Waterfall of the Bride (La Cascada de la Novia) in Cajamarca, Peru, has gained significant attention, achieving over 1.6 million views on Twitter. Consequently, it has emerged as a new tourist hotspot and a valuable attraction for the Celendín and Cajamarca areas.
The waterfall is named for its distinctive appearance, which resembles a bride adorned in a wedding gown and veil. This natural marvel stands at 165 feet (50 meters) high, cascading down the cliffside in a way that beautifully evokes the silhouette of a person against the dark rock backdrop.
Image credit: El Alto Digital/YouTube
Although the waterfall near the village of Vigaspampa in the Celendín province of the Cajamarca region is remarkably beautiful, it remained undiscovered for a long time, as reported by Turismo al Peru.
It was only in 2017 that a video shared on Twitter by human rights professor Gustavo Vela brought this natural wonder into the spotlight and gained international recognition.
Beyond its stunning natural scenery, La Cascada de la Novia is rich in local folklore and cultural practices. One tale suggests that the waterfall was created when a young couple fell deeply in love, despite their families’ disapproval of their relationship. In a bold act of rebellion, the couple attempted to flee, but tragically lost their lives in a ravine on the mountainside, where the waterfall now flows.
Legend has it that ever since that fateful day, the water communicates in an unusual manner, depicting the bride-to-be adorned in her wedding gown and veil, poised for marriage.
Image credit: Turismo al Peru
The ravine in question is actually called the Pachachaca tunnel – a deep natural formation, with some evidence of stalactites. From the small mouth you advance up to two curves to then find yourself inside a 100-feet (30-meter) long underground cavern, which connects with the veil of the bride.
The most intrepid would say it is “the tunnel of the bride.”
Image credit: Turismo al Peru
La Cascada de la Novia is truly a sight to behold, and definitely a worthy destination for anyone traveling to Peru. If you visit between December and May, when there is a greater flow, this magical waterfall is sure to leave you spellbound.
