Beach
Huanchaco Beach and Reed Boats
Watch fishermen ride caballitos de totora, reed boats used on this coast for 2,000 years.
Typical duration
90 min
Price
Free; reed-boat rides by negotiation
From port
28 km / 17.4 mi
Transfer time
45 min
Indoor / Outdoor
outdoor
Queue risk
low
🕐 Best time to visit
Late morning, when fishermen return with the catch
Huanchaco's long grey-sand beach is lined with caballitos de totora standing upright to dry. Fishermen still paddle them out through the surf, kneeling or sitting astride, as the Moche did. Some offer short rides for visitors. The beach is popular with surfers, and the malecón behind it has cafés and ceviche restaurants. The water is cold and the waves can be strong, so swim only where locals do.
Getting there from the port
Taxi or Uber from the port gate (about 45 minutes), or 15 minutes on from Chan Chan.