Irrigation canals[1]​ or caces[2]​ (singular caz) have the function of conveying water from the catchment to the field or orchard where it will be applied to the crops. They are important engineering works, which must be carefully thought out so as not to cause damage to the environment and to use the least amount of water possible. They are closely linked to the characteristics of the terrain, they generally follow approximately the contour curves of the terrain, descending gently to lower levels (giving it a downward slope,[3]​ so that the water flows more quickly and less liquid is used).

The construction of all the irrigation canals is one of the most significant parts of the cost of the initial investment of the irrigation system, therefore their adequate maintenance is an imperative need.

The dimensions of irrigation canals are very varied, and range from large canals to transport several tens of cubic meters per second, called main canals, to small canals with a capacity of a few liters per second, called field canals.

Many and varied structures are located along an irrigation canal, called "works of art",[4]​ which are, among others:

Vestiges of the first irrigation canals can be found in Mesopotamia and Egypt, about 6000 years before Christ. For this reason, it can be stated that civilization arises when human beings stop depending on nature, and channel water, as they develop water reservoirs, for human consumption and irrigation. In America, in the area of ​​Mesoamerica, as well as in Peru, canals have been found throughout all the territories where different civilizations proliferated. The last great American civilizations, the Mexica and the Inca, developed large irrigation canals, which allowed them to have large surpluses of food every year.

One of the oldest irrigation canals still in operation is the Dujiangyan irrigation system in China, which dates back to the century BC. c.

In ancient Rome, they developed many irrigation systems, such as the aqueducts they built to provide water to their cities, and also to agricultural areas, as well as channeling the waters of lakes to provide water to agricultural fields.

In America, American archaeologist Tom Dillehay and other specialists have identified what is probably the oldest canal in America, located in the Nanchoc area, in the Zaña Valley, in the Cajamarca region in the Northern Andes. It has been established, by radiocarbon, that it dates back to approximately.