Just a couple of years ago, no one knew about this stunning waterfall that looks like a bride in a wedding dress with a full skirt, looking over her shoulder, with the veil elegantly spread over her upper body.
Image credit: Tourism to Peru
Recently, the fascinating Cascada de la Novia (The Bride’s Waterfall) in Cajamarca, Peru, has gone viral, garnering over 1.6 million views on Twitter. As a result, it has now become the latest tourist attraction and a precious jewel for the Celendín and Cajamarca regions.
The waterfall derives its name from its unique shape, which resembles that of a bride in a wedding dress and veil. The 165-foot (50-meter) tall natural wonder descends the cliff in a way that enchantingly evokes the image of a human figure standing against the dark rock.
Image credit: El Alto Digital/YouTube
Despite its impressive beauty, the long-awaited waterfall is hidden near the town of Vigaspampa in the province of Celendín, Cajamarca region, according to Turismo al Perú.
It was not until 2017 that a video by human rights professor Gustavo Vela published on Twitter made this illusion made by nature famous and internationally known.
In addition to its natural beauty, La Cascada de la Novia is also steeped in local legends and traditions. According to legend, the waterfall was formed when a young couple fell in love, but their families were against their union. In an act of defiance, the couple decided to flee, but during their escape they both died in a ravine in the mountain, where the waterfall can be seen today.
They say that from that day on, the water, using a strange language, describes the fiancée. He draws her in her wedding dress and veil, ready to get married.
Image credit: Tourism to 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 to two curves and then find yourself inside an underground cavern 100 feet (30 meters) long, which connects to the bride’s veil.
The most intrepid would say that it is “the bride’s tunnel.”
Image credit: Tourism to Peru
The Bride Waterfall 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 greater flow, this magical waterfall will leave you enchanted.
