Top things to do in Huacachina, Peru

Huacachina Oasis, Peru

Huacachina is the only natural oasis in South America. It is a small village in the Ica Region of Peru, located about 5 kilometers from the city of Ica.

Top tourist attractions in Huacachina

1. Oasis of Huacachina: This natural oasis is the main attraction in Huacachina. Visitors can take a walk around the lagoon, rent paddle boats, or simply relax on the shore and enjoy the stunning views of the sand dunes.

2. Sandboarding and Dune Buggy Rides: The massive sand dunes surrounding Huacachina offer endless opportunities for sandboarding and dune buggy rides. Many local tour operators offer sandboarding lessons and equipment rentals, as well as guided dune buggy tours.

3. Wine and Pisco Tasting: The Ica region, where Huacachina is located, is known for producing wine and Pisco, a grape brandy that is the national drink of Peru. Visitors can take a tour of local wineries and distilleries, sample different varieties of wine and Pisco, and learn about the production process.

4. Nazca Lines: The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the nearby Nazca desert. Visitors can take a small plane or helicopter tour to see the Nazca Lines from above, which is the best way to appreciate their size and intricacy.

5. Paracas National Reserve: The Paracas National Reserve is a protected area located just a short drive from Huacachina. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and flamingos, as well as stunning coastal landscapes and rock formations.

6. Local Cuisine: Huacachina offers a variety of restaurants and street vendors serving traditional Peruvian cuisine, including ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos. Visitors can also try local specialties like grilled guinea pig and alpaca meat.

Keep in mind that some activities and attractions may require reservations or advanced planning, so it's a good idea to research and book ahead of time.

Interesting facts about Huacachina

1. Huacachina is one of the few natural oases in South America, and it is believed to have formed around 1,000 years ago.

2. The oasis is surrounded by massive sand dunes that reach heights of up to 1,000 feet, making it a popular destination for sandboarding and dune buggy rides.

3. Huacachina is said to have healing properties due to the high mineral content of the water. Visitors can enjoy mud baths, which are believed to be good for the skin.

4. The village has a population of just over 100 people, most of whom work in the tourism industry.

5. Huacachina is located in the Nazca desert, an area famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, which are ancient geoglyphs that can only be seen from the air.

6. The area around Huacachina is known for producing wine and Pisco, a grape brandy that is the national drink of Peru.

7. Huacachina has been featured in several movies, including the 2015 horror movie "The Sand" and the 2019 adventure film "Dora and the Lost City of Gold."

8. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in tourism to Huacachina, leading to financial difficulties for many local businesses. However, the village has started to see a gradual return of visitors in recent months.

How to get to Huacachina

Huacachina is located about 300 km south of Lima, the capital city of Peru. Here are some options how to get to Huacachina from Lima:

1. By bus: There are many bus companies that operate between Lima and Ica, the nearest city to Huacachina. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic, and costs between $10-$20 USD. From Ica, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to Huacachina, which is just a 10-minute drive away.

2. By private car or taxi: You can also hire a private car or a taxi to take you directly from Lima to Huacachina. This option is more expensive, but it is also more convenient and faster, taking around 3-4 hours depending on the traffic.

3. By organized tour: Many travel agencies in Lima offer organized tours to Huacachina, which include transportation, activities, and sometimes meals. This option is more expensive than taking a bus or a taxi, but it can be a good option if you want everything arranged for you.

Overall, taking a bus is the most common and affordable way to get to Huacachina from Lima.

Where To Stay in Huacachina

Huacachina is a small village, but it has a good selection of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to choose from. Here are some popular options:

1. Hotel Huacachinero: This hotel is located just a few steps from the oasis and offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a terrace with stunning views of the sand dunes. This is the hotel where I stayed during my trip and loved it!

2. Desert Nights Ecocamp: This eco-friendly campsite offers luxury tents with private bathrooms, hot showers, and solar-powered lighting. It also has a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant serving Peruvian and international cuisine.

3. Hostal Curasi: This budget-friendly hostel is located just a 5-minute walk from the oasis and offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. It also has a rooftop terrace with views of the sand dunes.

Keep in mind that availability and prices may vary depending on the season, so it's a good idea to book ahead of time, especially during peak tourist season, which runs from December to February.

How to best prepare for dune buggy ride

• If travelling from Lima on a bus like us with stops at touristic places, this is the tour I recommend, link here;

• It’s best to leave for your dune buggy trip at about 4:00 or 4:30pm, toward the end of the day, so that you can catch sunset in the desert;

• The sun sets around 6pm in Huacachina all year round (5:40pm earliest, in winter, and 6:20 pm latest, in summer);

• Buy cheap sunglasses (there will be sellers around departure location) that will protect your eyes from the sun but most importantly from the sand;

• Very important - buggy rides are fast and dangerous, there are reported incidents of people getting hurt, please be mindful of it and buckle up;

• Iphones - those fly away almost every day due to the rides being very fast and bumpy. Keep your Iphone attached to your hand if video recording during the ride or just put it away. You will have more than enough time to make lots of amazing videos upon arrival to the dunes for sandboarding;

• Bring SPF protective tshirt (my preference) or put on SPF cream, due to sun being very strong in the desert even couple of hours can leave you with sunburn;

• Be mindful that as soon as the sun sets the temperature will drop therefore i would recommend to bring a hoodie or spare tshirt with you.

Dune Buggy, Huacachina

While Huacachina has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, it still retains its natural beauty and charm, making it a must-visit destination for those traveling to Peru.