Get Exclusive Access to My Top 10 International Travel Tips - Subscribe Now!
Peru is one of those countries that has it all: beautiful beaches, tall mountains, tropical rainforest, ancient ruins. Each of these features provides enough reason to visit this country. While not as well known as the other geographic features, Peru is also home to a unique desert oasis: Huacachina.
About 5 hours south of Lima, just outside the city limits of Ica, lies Huacachina. This place extremely unique because it is the only natural desert oasis found on the continent of South America. The sand dunes that tower above the oasis are the tallest in South America. These sand dunes provide a stunning backdrop against the blue sky above and the green vegetation below.
Read on to learn more about Huacachina!
Table of Contents
Where is Huacachina?
Huacachina is a small desert oasis located in southwestern Peru, just outside the city of Ica. It is about 5 hours south of Lima, and 1.5 hours east of the Pacific Coast.
History of Huacachina
While the exact process of how the oasis of Huacachina was formed is unknown, scientists believe that is was due to underground springs. After a seismic activity, the water was forced to the surface and pooled in the depression of the surrounding sand dunes. Vegetation began to grow along the water, creating the ecosystem that is there today. However, the lagoon is slowly drying up. Some businesses have recently began to pump water into the lagoon to slow the decline, but this is just a temporary solution.
Today, Huacachina is a small village of about 100 people. That number swells to accommodate the thousands of tourists who visit every year and the staff of restaurants and hotels who reside in neighboring Ica.
Meaning of Huacachina
The name Huacachina means Crying Woman in Quechua. There are a few variations of the legend which gave this location its name. One legends claims that an Incan princess was mourning the loss of her loved one, and her tears created the lagoon in the desert.
How to Get to Huacachina
By bus
Traveling to Huacachina by bus is a convenient and popular option. Buses from Lima to Ica, the nearest city to Huacachina, are readily available. Once in Ica, you can take a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride to reach Huacachina.
How long is the bus from Lima to Huacachina?
The bus ride from Lima to Huacachina typically takes around 4-5 hours, but travel times may vary based on traffic and the bus company.
How much is a taxi from Ica to Huacachina?
Taxis from Ica to Huacachina cost about $3 USD and take about 10-15 minutes.
By plane
The two closest airports to Huacachina are Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima and Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa.
Can you fly from Lima to Huacachina?
Since there is no airport in Huacachina, there are no direct flights from Lima to Huacachina.
What is the nearest airport to Huacachina?
The nearest airport to Huacachina is the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. From there, you can take a bus or hire a private transfer to reach Huacachina.
What to Do in Huacachina
While there is plenty to see and do in Huacachina, here are our recommended top 5!
Sandboarding
Sandboarding is exactly what it sounds like. Picture snowboarding, but with sand. And without the ski lift. Unfortunately, climbing up the sand dunes takes a lot of time and effort. But from previous experience, I knew it would be worth the effort. Once you rent your sandboard for 10 soles (about $3 USD), you can start making your way up the sand dune.
When you finally make it to the top (or at least high enough), you are ready to go sandboarding. You’ll rub some wax on the bottom of your sandboard to help it glide over the sand more easily. Then, you can choose to strap your feet in and go down while standing, or lie on your stomach. I tried both ways and ended up covered in sand regardless.
Sandboarding was difficult, but definitely worthwhile. This is the type of activity that would be more fun with other people, but I did it alone and still had a blast. I’d also recommend bringing water with you, because repeatedly climbing up the sand dunes will tire you out. I tried it for about an hour before I decided I had enough. I was ready to relax and have a shower.
Paddle boat on the lagoon
One of the best activities you can do at Huacachina is to rent a paddle boat on the lagoon. These boats go for less than $5 USD. Hop in one and you can lazily drift across the lagoon while admiring the views of the town.
Ride a Dune Buggy
If you want an adrenaline-filled adventure, riding a dune buggy is exactly what you need! There are several companies offering dune buggy tours. They will take you up and across the sand dunes at high speeds. Depending on what tour you book, you can also combine this with sandboarding or watching the sunset!
Check out this dune buggy tour with Travel Adventures Peru!
Hike the dunes
Hiking the dunes in Huacachina is an intense experience. If you have never climbed a sand dune before, it is extremely tough. It will wear you out, but the views of Huacachina and the surrounding desert are worth it. I recommend taking water with you and preferably going with a friend.
Read about some of the biggest sand dunes in the world!
Visit the local wineries
Visiting the local wineries in Huacachina is a great way to explore the wine culture of the region. The nearby town of Ica has several wineries where you can also enjoy Pisco, Peru’s national drink. You can find wine tours departing from both Huacachina and Ica.
Best Time to Visit Huacachina
The best time to visit Huacachina is during the cooler months from April to November. The desert can be scorching during the summer months from December to March. Visiting during the cooler months will make participating in outdoor activities much more enjoyable.
Best Day Trips From Huacachina
Huacachina’s convenient location in Peru makes it an ideal base for day trips to nearby locations. Check out the top 3 day trips below!
Paracas
Paracas, a coastal town located just a short distance from Huacachina, offers an excellent day trip opportunity. This city is close to the Paracas National Reserve, where visitors can witness the numerous seal, bird, and fish species that rely on this protected area. Tours to Paracas may include boat tours to the nearby Ballestas Islands.
Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands, a group of small islands off the coast of Paracas, are a remarkable destination for a day trip from Huacachina. These islands are full of marine life, including various species of penguins, sea lions, and birds that call them home. There are several companies that offer boat tours for you to see these animals in their natural habitats.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are enormous geoglyphs that have been etched into the desert floor over 2,000 years ago! These designs have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and make for an intriguing day trip from Huacachina. The Nazca Lines depict various shapes, animals, and geometric patterns. Take a flight over the Nazca Desert to witness these ancient wonders from above.
What to Bring to Huacachina
Here are some of the essentials to bring to Huacachina:
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (While some people hike the dunes barefoot, I decided to wear my shoes. Besides getting sand in them, I think it is easier to hike up the dunes this way.)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for the daytime
- Long pants will protect you from the wind whipping sand against your legs on the dunes
- Warm clothing for the cold nights
- Plenty of water and snacks (carry water when sandboarding)
Where to Stay in Huacachina
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Huacachina. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
The Wild Olive Guesthouse is the best choice for budget travelers. While there are private rooms available, there are also dorm rooms going for about $8 USD/night! This is the cheapest place to stay in Huacachina.
While I was in Huacachina, I stayed at the Carola Lodge. This hotel was a great value, and I appreciated the large pool and views of the towering sand dunes at night. This hotel offers rooms for about $45/night.
The most luxurious option for accommodation in Huacachina is DM Hoteles Mossone. This highly-rated hotel comes with a large pool and free breakfast. If you want to truly relax after a long day of desert activities, this is the place for you!
To see all available accommodations, check out the map below.
Huacachina Peru: FAQs
Here are some common questions about Huacachina:
1. Is Uber available in Huacachina?
No, it is not available in Huacachina. The best way to get around is to use a local taxi or to book private transportation.
2. Is Huacachina safe?
Yes, Huacachina is very safe. Due to the close-knit community that lives here, crime is uncommon. The village is well-lit at night and is safe to explore then as well (as always, use good judgement).
3. How many days do I need in Huacachina?
To get the full experience of Huacachina, I recommend spending 2-3 days here. This will give you time to try the different activities here.
4. Is there Wi-Fi in Huacachina?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi in Huacachina. The hotels, hostels, and some restaurants have Wi-Fi.
5. Can you swim in the Huacachina oasis?
While the lagoon is the main attraction of Huacachina, it is unsafe to swim in. Fishing is also prohibited due to the pollution of the lake.
6. Is Huacachina expensive?
It depends. There are several reasonably-priced hotels and a couple of hostels as well for budget travels. But you could also spend a lot of money to stay at a big room in a fancier hotel. If you choose to spend your money wisely, it is easy to enjoy Huacachina on a budget.
