An upper class area of both districts,[2][3] it is located south of the Headquarters of the Peruvian Army and known for its commercial sector, most notably its shopping centre.

The water was sourced from the Surco and Ate rivers, and its distribution, through which the estate's owners made a profit, gradually led to its current name.

[6] On the same year, it was invaded and damaged by the troops under the command of Pedro P. Collazos on February 1, during the civil war that concluded a month later.

The store's success led to its expansion in 1976,[17] and the building was ultimately purchased by the Grupo Wong in the 1990s to house its supermarket.

[21] During the Peruvian conflict, the leader of the Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, lived hidden in house number 265 of the neighbourhood's Buena Vista Avenue.