The "Totora" is an aquatic raft used since pre-Inca construction of boats called by the Spanish "horses of Totora" and in the Moche language was known by the name of "Tupo”. In order to give sustained use this natural resource, the ancient Chimu cultivated Totora in the city of Chan Chan, in artificial ponds called "Wachaques”, which lasted until the 1940s, time in which the artisanal fishermen transplanted the rhizomes to artificial ponds built to one kilometer north of Huanchaco, becoming progressively what is now known as balsares or Totorales of Huanchaco.

Conceived as a resource that is closely related to the history, culture, tradition and eco-system of Huanchaco, the protected area of the Wetlands hosts inside the Totora.

Northwest of the beaches of Huanchaco, the Totora grows in wetlands, in naturals areas of marsh, swamps, river banks or surfaces covered with water, natural or artificial, permanent, stagnant and and brackish. This is an aquatic plant Colindres, reaching up to three meters high and ends in a spike of tiny flowers.

Declared as a conservation area, the Huanchaco wetlands are the living legacy of a tradition passed down from the Moches.