Albufera de Medio Mundo

The Albufera de Medio Mundo is a lagoon about six kilometres long running parallel to the coast north of Huacho, separated from the sea by a sandbar a few hundred metres wide - fed by groundwater and slightly brackish, fringed with totora reeds, and designated a regional conservation area. It supports a substantial bird population: coots, gallinules, herons, ibis, grebes, ducks, and migratory waders on the sandbar and shoreline. Totora is cut and used locally for mats and crafts, as it has been on this coast for a very long time. Because the water is enclosed and calm it is used for kayaking and paddleboarding, which is not possible in the surf on the other side of the sandbar, and there are simple facilities, boat hire and food. It is a Lima weekend destination rather than a wilderness, busy on Sundays in summer and quiet the rest of the time.

What you actually see

• The lagoon - six kilometres of brackish water behind a sandbar.
• The totora reeds - cut and worked locally as they have been for centuries.
• The birds - coots, herons, ibis and migratory waders.
• The calm water - kayaking and paddling, with surf on the other side of the bar.

When to go

December to April for warm weather; the Lima coast is grey and cool the rest of the year. Weekends are busy with Lima visitors; weekdays are quiet.

Honest expectations

A weekend recreation area rather than a nature reserve in feel. Facilities are basic. Sea on the far side of the sandbar has strong current and is not for swimming. Small entry charge.

Nearby

Huacho and Végueta are south; the Caral archaeological site is inland.