One of the highest waterfalls in the world was, until recently, unknown to the outside world.
Located high in a remote part of the upper Amazon in Peru, the Gocta waterfall was not brought to the attention of the outside world until early last year after German explorer Stefan Ziemendorff located the falls in an area near the town of Chachapoyas.
The waterfall measures 771 metres (2,530 feet), making it among the highest in the world.
It seems that the waterfall is associated with a curse, which explains in part why it had stayed hidden to the outside world for so long. Locals believe the falls to be haunted by a beautiful blonde mermaid who lives in its waters and who will reek vengeance on anyone who gives away the falls' whereabouts. The myth also contends that the mermaid has a golden bowl in her possession.
Before thinking about venturing out to the falls to locate the golden bowl, adventurers are advised to beware of a giant serpent which is said to guard the bowl.
