Distinguishing characteristics of Las Haldas are both its size and age as one of the earliest ruins of the ceramic period, its dependence upon maritime resources for subsistence, the lack of agriculture, and its distance from any source of fresh water.

[2] The ruins cover about 40 hectares (99 acres), consisting of a 370-meter (400 yards) long, U-shaped central area with a large mound at one end and four slightly elevated plazas.

In the Phase 2 period, architectural (and possibly political influence) of Las Haldas extended north to a weakening Sechin Alto and nearby coastal communities.

The production of agricultural surpluses is seen as essential in promoting population density and the emergence of complex society.

Reinforcing Moseley's theory, Los Haldas, according to radiocarbon dating, appears to be older than many nearby inland agricultural sites in the Casma and Sechin Valleys.

[8] Investigations and earlier dating of other sites, notably nearby Sechin Bajo, have called Moseley's hypothesis into question, but in 2004 he still maintained that perhaps "Peruvian fisherman can be credited for creating the earliest civilizations in the Americas.

"[9] Given the distance to the nearest source of drinking water, Las Haldas seems undesirable as a location for a settlement.