Swamps of Huanchaco, also known asWetlands of Huanchaco is anecologicalChimureserve located inHuanchaco Beach, about 14 km northwest ofTrujillo city,Peru. From this ecological reserve the ancientmochica extracted the raw material for the manufacture of the ancientCaballitos de totora used since the time of theMoche for fishing. Currently Huanchaco fishermen still use their materials from this swamps to make their ships of work.[1][2]
The ancientmochicas developed formidable cultivation techniques in the arid coastline of northernPeru. One is plantingwachaques ('dug wells') to find the water near the sea. The brackish waters were able to adapt thetotora (Scirpus californicus). The reeds allowed themochicas to be considered lords of thePacific Ocean since ancient times. The Huanchaco fishermen were shown as eminent navigators, making long trips overseas in their reed boats.[3]
8°03′38″S79°07′42″W / 8.0606°S 79.1284°W /-8.0606; -79.1284