The Villa Wetlands Reserved Zone is the only protected natural area left in Lima. The Villa wetlands are made up of sprawling totora reed clumps, pools and meadows which are irrigated by water seeping up from the Rimac River watershed.

Due to its strategic location on the west coast of the continent, the Villa wetlands are an important resting point for migratory bird species. Birdwatchers have spotted more than 150 bird species here, including 30 species which have flown here from as far away as the Arctic Circle, the Caribbean and Patagonia.