Huacachina Oasis, Peru – A Desert Paradise in Ica

The Oasis of Huacachina, in Peru, is a desert paradise surrounded by towering sand dunes and an emerald lagoon. It is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts, with activities such as sandboarding and buggy rides over the sand. If that is not for you, then you can simply relax and enjoy the tranquillity of its natural surroundings.

Information about Huacachina

Huacachina is a natural oasis located in the Ica desert, famous for its lagoon surrounded by high sand dunes, which contrasts with the arid surrounding landscape. This attractive spot draws adventurers and travellers seeking a unique experience in a desert environment.

History of Huacachina

There are various legends, but this one is the most widely accepted by the locals: it speaks of an Inca princess who, while combing her hair with a magical mirror, was surprised by a hunter who was watching her, and as she fled, she dropped the mirror, creating the lagoon.

It is said that the princess turned into a mermaid and still inhabits the waters of the oasis. This is where the story of Huacachina as a popular destination among the Peruvian elite in the 1940s comes from, who visited the lagoon for its supposed healing properties.

How to Get to Huacachina?

Getting to Huacachina is easy from Lima. First, you need to take a bus to Ica, which is a journey of approximately 4-5 hours. Once in Ica, it’s just a 10-minute taxi ride to the oasis.

Taxis are generally affordable and accessible from the bus terminal.

Tour to Huacachina

• Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica & Huacachina – full Day
• Lima, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno & Cusco 15D/14N

What to Do in Huacachina?

You can engage in adventure tourism, such as buggy rides across the dunes, practicing sandboarding, or simply relaxing by the lagoon. Additionally, the area offers a variety of activities for all ages, from rowing on the lagoon to guided tours exploring the history of the oasis.

Buggies and Sandboarding

The buggies are all-terrain vehicles designed to traverse the dunes at high speed, offering an exhilarating experience for travelers. Sandboarding is also a popular activity in Huacachina, where visitors can slide down the towering dunes on a board.

Ballestas Islands

This is a must-see destination just a few hours from Huacachina, where the Ballestas Islands are located, known as the “Peruvian Galapagos.” These islands are home to an incredible diversity of marine wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and a wide variety of birds, making it the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nazca Lines Flight

Another activity near Huacachina is flying over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, these mysterious figures etched into the desert floor that have puzzled archaeologists for decades.

To take the flight, you must book in advance, as this activity offers an unparalleled view of these giant figures that can only be appreciated from the air.

Pisco Vineyard Tour

Ica is famous for its pisco, and a tour of the vineyards is an excellent way to learn more about the production of this iconic beverage. During the tour, you can learn about the distillation process and enjoy tastings of different pisco varieties. It is recommended to book the tour with a travel agency.

Climb the Dunes

For the more adventurous, climbing the enormous dunes surrounding Huacachina on foot is a rewarding and challenging experience. Once at the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the oasis and the surrounding desert, especially at sunset when the photos are best.

Row a Boat in the Lagoon

A relaxing activity in Huacachina is to rent a rowboat and paddle around the peaceful lagoon. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Where to Stay in Huacachina?

Huacachina offers various accommodation options, from budget hostels to boutique hotels. Most accommodations are located near the lagoon, offering easy access to all attractions.

It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season.

What to Bring to Huacachina?

When visiting Huacachina, you should bring the following:

• Light clothing for the day
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• A light jacket for the evening
• Personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, etc.

Climate in Huacachina

The climate in Huacachina is warm and dry throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. The best time to visit is during the autumn and winter months (May to September), when temperatures are more pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.