Home - Travel Destinations - Huacachina Peru – An Unbelievably Beautiful Desert Oasis
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Home - Travel Destinations - Huacachina Peru – An Unbelievably Beautiful Desert Oasis
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
This destination is a Fantastic Photo Opportunity for Instagram. Huacachina in Peru is a tiny village just west of the city of Ica in southwestern Peru. This small town set in the middle of sand dunes and central around a ‘lagoon’, is also a world-famous sandboarding destination.
The village of Huacachina is 308 km (4 h 11 min by car) from Lima in Peru. This is also where you will find the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM).
To get from Ica to Huacachina, the easiest option would be to take a taxi, which is approx. a 7 min ride.
As Huacachina is in the middle of a desert, you can expect the weather to be hot all year round. With an average of between 23 and 25 degrees all year, you can visit any time of the year. But looking at possible rainfall, you might want to visit from May to October. The months from May to October usually have the least amount of rainy days.
Huacachina is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are backpacking or hiking around Peru. This very small but unique travel destination will leave you with lasting memories and stunning photos of your trip.
Huacachina, also called by some travelers the ‘Oasis of America’, was built around a small natural desert lake many many years ago. However the lagoon now often requires artificial pumping to maintain water levels because natural groundwater levels dropped.
In my opinion, when I think of an oasis in a desert, this is probably the closest to the picture in my mind.
If you love sandboarding, going out for wild rides in dune buggies, this is definitely the place for you to go while in Peru.
After a day of sandboarding or dune buggies, you may actually swim in the water, although you might rather want to swim at your hotel’s swimming pool. (There are paddle boats available for rent at the lake.) In reality, the water is not considered clean or safe for swimming in a typical swimming‑pool sense, and many locals recommend against it.
Photography Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for soft light and empty dunes.
Stay Overnight: There are small hotels and hostels with views of the lagoon—worth it to see sunrise over the dunes.
Cash: Bring small bills; many vendors don’t accept cards.
The legend about the lagoon’s origin is repeated across many sources — a tale of a young woman whose tears formed the oasis. It’s a charming part of the place’s storytelling but not a historical fact.
Dune Buggy Ride
Jump in a 4×4 and let a local driver take you up and down the giant sand dunes.
Best in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful golden light.
Sandboarding
Slide down the dunes on a board—choose standing or sitting style depending on your confidence.
Combine this with a dune buggy ride for the full adventure.
Oasis Stroll & Photography
Walk around the small lagoon and the village; the reflections in the water are perfect for photos.
Visit at sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds and get soft, warm light for pictures.
Pisco & Wine Tours in Ica
A short taxi ride away, you can taste the local pisco (Peruvian brandy) and regional wines.
Sunset on the Dunes
Climb one of the higher dunes for sweeping views over the oasis and desert.
Visiting During Midday in Summer
Temperatures can soar; plan outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon.
Overpacking the Village
Huacachina is tiny—most restaurants and shops are along the main street. Don’t expect big supermarkets or luxury malls.
Ignoring Safety in Dune Activities
Always go with licensed guides for dune buggies. Sandboarding on your own can be risky on steep dunes.
The city of Ica in Peru has a number of options for accommodation in all price ranges.
Located in the city of Ica, Hotel Mossone features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The Sand Dunes are a 2-minute drive away. The rooms in Hotel Mossone feature air conditioning, minibar, cable TV, and a private bathroom.
“The enigmatic Nazca Lines (or Nasca Lines) are second only to Machu Picchu as the most famous archaeological site in Peru. The mysterious geoglyphs at the UNESCO World Heritage Site range from geometric shapes and swirls to a hummingbird and monkey. Theories on their purpose include astronomical markers, irrigation canals, and alien messages—an enigma that has spurred intrigue since their 1927 discovery. The spectacular etchings likely date from 500 BC and 500 AD.” – Viator
It’s still a great place to enjoy and a fabulous vacation idea in Peru !
