Caballito de totora: A living tradition of Peruvian fishing

Caballito de totora is a traditional boat from northern Peru with an ancestral history dating back to pre-Inka civilizations.

Caballito de totora is one of the oldest boats in the world. According to research by Dr. Maria Rostworowski, it played a significant role along the Peruvian coast as far back as the pre-ceramic period. Its origins date back thousands of years, as evidenced by the Mochicas, who depicted it in their ancient huacos.

Source: PROMPERÚ

Construction and materials

This 3 to 4-meter-long boat, as its name suggests, is made from totora reeds, an aquatic plant that grows in wetlands and coastal lagoons, including the famous Huanchaco Lagoon in La Libertad.

To build it, fishermen carefully select and harvest the longest and strongest totora reeds, dry them in the sun, and then bind them tightly with natural fiber ropes, shaping them into an elongated, conical structure.

It consists of four main parts: two smaller, sturdier sections called "sons" and two larger sections called "mothers," which support the weight of the "sons." These boats typically measure 4.5 to 5 meters long and about one meter wide, weighing between 45 and 50 kg, though some can reach up to 200 kg. Thanks to their lightweight and maneuverability, caballitos de totora are now also used in sports like surfing.

Source: PROMPERÚ

Use and navigation technique

Unlike modern boats, caballito de totora is paddled using a long pole or cane oar. Fishermen ride it straddling the boat, much like a horseback rider, which is how it got its name, "caballito" (little horse). This unique technique provides better balance and control in the water. With the caballito de totora, fishermen can venture several kilometers into the ocean, cast their nets or fishing lines, and return with their catch for the day.

Cultural and tourist importance

Caballito de totora is a symbol of northern Peru’s cultural identity, especially in Huanchaco, where fishermen still use it just as their ancestors did. Beyond its traditional role in fishing, it has also become a tourist attraction, drawing both national and international visitors who come to watch the fishermen in action—and, in some cases, even learn to sail these ancient boats themselves.

Caballito de totora was declared a National Cultural Heritage Site in August 2003. A decade later, in recognition of its cultural significance and the unique harmony between surfers and totora reed boat fishermen, Huanchaco was designated a World Surfing Reserve. Many believe these boats may have been the precursors of surfing, as fishermen skillfully glide across the waves while returning to shore, much like modern surfers.

Since its creation in 2003, caballito de totora Tourism Festival has aimed to promote tourism and sports. It takes place in the Pimentel resort, Lambayeque region, with competitions in skateboarding, BMX cycling, jet skiing, kayaking, surfing, swimming, beach soccer, and more. The highlight is the caballito de totora competition, featuring fishermen and their children.

In this way, caballito de totora stands as a symbol of the ancient bond between humans and the sea. Its survival through the centuries reflects the ingenuity and wisdom of Peru’s early civilizations. Preserving this tradition is essential to keeping alive one of the most authentic maritime legacies of the Peruvian coast and continuing to share the story of the Pacific’s ancient navigators.