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Natural area · Huanchaco, La Libertad
Pantanos de Huanchaco
The lagoons and reedbeds north of Huanchaco beach, where fishermen cultivate in pools called wachaques the reed used to make the caballitos de totora, a technique that comes from the Moche.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pantanos de Huanchaco
The Pantanos de Huanchaco, also called Totorales or Humedales de Huanchaco, lie on the seafront north of the town, about 14 km from Trujillo. It is an area of lagoons and brackish pools beside the beach, protected as an ecological reserve.
There fishermen cultivate totora, the reed used to make the caballitos. The technique comes from the Moche: pools called wachaques are dug until the groundwater near the sea is reached, and totora is planted in them, where it grows in brackish water. The stalks are cut, sun-dried and tied into bundles to assemble the boats.
Reedbeds are home to waterbirds and shorebirds, and the place shows the connection between cultivation, fishing and the caballitos tradition.
The visit is short and complements a tour of Huanchaco beach.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, when the light is softer and fishermen usually work in the pools. Confirm in the village that access for visits is open.
How to get there
They are north of Huanchaco beach, about 2 km from the pier, on foot along the shoreline or by taxi.
Tip
Go before walking along the beach: after seeing the reedbeds, the caballitos on the sand take on a different meaning.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pantanos de Huanchaco
What are the wachaques?
Pools excavated on the shoreline down to the groundwater, where totora is planted. The technique comes from the Moche.
What is totora used for?
It is the reed used to make caballitos de totora, the fishermen's boats of Huanchaco.
Is it far from the beach?
No, about 2 km north of the pier, on foot along the shoreline.