Discover Huacachina – Peru’s Desert Oasis Guide

Tucked away in the heart of the Ica Desert in southwestern Peru lies Huacachina, a palm-fringed lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Often referred to as “Peru’s Desert Oasis,” Huacachina offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and a serene atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reach this hidden gem, what to do once you arrive, where to eat, and where to find comfortable accommodation amidst the dunes.

How to get to Huacachina

🚌 By bus: The most common starting point is Lima, the capital of Peru. You can take a direct bus from Lima to Ica, a 4 to 5-hour journey. From Ica, it’s just a 15-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to Huacachina. We recommend using Cruz del Sur, which you can book through 12GO. There are also other bus routes available from cities like Arequipa, Cusco or Nazca.

🚗 By Car: If you prefer driving, rent a car and take the Pan-American Highway south from Lima. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. Sunny Cars is recommended for a hassle-free rental experience.

What to do in Huacachina

Sandboarding and Dune Buggies

Huacachina is famous for its towering sand dunes, making it a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Experience the thrill of sandboarding down steep dunes or embark on an exhilarating dune buggy ride across the sandy landscape. Many tour operators offer these experiences, typically starting around 4 PM. Wear long trousers and closed shoes to protect yourself from the hot sand.

Tours usually include stops at several dunes for sandboarding. Picture yourself hurtling headfirst down a dune on a sandboard for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. This is the iconic Huacachina experience and the most exhilarating activity you can enjoy in this desert oasis.

Our personal experience with sandboarding in Huacachina was unforgettable. As we climbed into the colorful dune buggy, the excitement was palpable. The driver revved the engine, and we were off, speeding across the vast desert. The ride itself felt like a rollercoaster, with sharp turns and sudden drops that made our hearts race.

When we reached the first dune, the sheer size of it was both intimidating and thrilling. Strapping on the sandboard, I took a deep breath and launched myself down the slope. The rush of wind, the spray of sand, and the sheer speed made for an adrenaline-pumping descent. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. We tackled several more dunes, each one offering a unique challenge and more exhilarating thrills. By the end of the tour, we were exhilarated, sandy, and grinning from ear to ear. This adventure is truly a must-do for anyone visiting Huacachina.

Relax by the Lagoon

The tranquil lagoon at the heart of Huacachina is perfect for relaxing. Rent a paddleboat, unwind on its shores, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere and beautiful desert views.

Take a Winery Tour

The Ica region is renowned for its wineries. Go on a wine tour to learn about Pisco, a Peruvian brandy, and sample local wines and spirits. Some tours include visits to vineyards and traditional distilleries. We recommend visiting El Catador, famous for its Pisco. You’ll learn about the traditional Pisco-making process and taste various types of Pisco.

Experience a Desert Sunset

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a desert sunset from the sand dunes. The sky’s colors against the golden dunes create a magical sight. It takes about 20 minutes to climb the highest dune near the oasis, but be prepared for a tough climb through the sand. Start climbing an hour before sunset to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking view.

Day Trip to the Nazca Lines

Huacachina is an ideal starting point for a day trip to the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about a 2 to 3-hour drive away. These ancient geoglyphs, created between 500 BC and 500 AD by the Nazca culture, are best viewed from the sky. Scenic flights over the Nazca Lines cost around €100 per person for 60-90 minutes. Alternatively, visit the Mirador viewing tower for views of iconic figures like the hummingbird, hands, and a tree. The purpose of these geoglyphs remains a mystery, with theories ranging from astronomical calendars to religious symbols.

Half-Day Adventure to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

Located 45 kilometers from Huacachina, Paracas is the gateway to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Galapagos of Peru.” On a 2-hour boat tour, you can spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various bird species. Tours typically start in the early morning and cost around €30 per person. You can also take a bus from Ica to Paracas and buy your boat ticket there.

Where to eat in Huacachina

Huacachina is a small town and although there are quite some restaurants around, the quality is not always as good as you might expect in Peru. The restaurants we did like:

• Banana’s Adventure Hostel: Offers decent food with a variety of options.
• La Casa de Bamboo: Our favorite spot, known for its delicious lomo saltado.
• Desert Nights: Another popular choice among travelers, offering a range of Peruvian and international dishes.

Where to stay in Huacachina

One of the best options in town is Banana’s Adventure Hostel with both double rooms and dorms available. Double rooms start at €90 a night, while you can have a dorm for €20 per person per night. Rooms typically include breakfast. The hostel does offer all mentioned activities and has a nice pool.

Wild Rover is the party hostel in town, with happy hours and pool parties. They do have both dorms and double rooms and it is a perfect place to stay if you want to get out at night. Double rooms are quite cheap here starting at €45 a night, while a dorm starts at €15 per person per night.

If you feel a bit more adventurous, then you can opt to sleep in a tent at Ecocamp Huacachina. The luxury tents have double beds and start at €45. The camp has a pool and they offer all activities in a more relaxed atmosphere.