Peru is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, brimming with natural beauty across its 1287-km-long landscape. From gorgeous beaches and breathtaking mountains to, of course, Machu Picchu, there's no end of things to see. Yet not many have heard of Huacachina, the only natural desert oasis in the entire South American continent.
Huacachina, located to the southwest in the province of Ica, should be Peru's other claim to fame yet it's one of the country's better-kept secrets. Many tourists often make the mistake of blowing by the one-of-a-kind landmark on their way to more famous destinations but you won't be one of them if you follow this guide.
If you're looking to get to Huacachina, search no further for directions to the oasis, plus places to stay, dine, and perhaps party in the desert. That way, the only thing that will have you breaking a sweat upon arrival is the desert heat. As Peruvians would say, ¡Vamos al toque!
The Legend of Huacachina
La Sirena of Huacachina
Besides tropical rainforests and lush coasts, Peru is home to the huge Atacama Desert to its south, filled with sand dunes that could rival those of the Sahara if not in size, then in grandeur. In the heart of the desert, about 300 kilometers south of Lima, lies Huacachina, a large lagoon that forms the continent’s only oasis, also known as “the oasis of America”. The name of the lagoon is derived from Quechua, an indigenous language, where “wakachina qucha” roughly translates to “hidden lagoon”.
Local legend says that the lake sprung into existence when a beautiful tribal princess undressed herself to bathe but, by chance, glimpsed a male hunter in her mirror’s reflection. As he pursued her from behind, she was frightened into fleeing from the scene, dropping her mirror which then transformed into the lake.
Contrastingly, another version of the tale says that the lake was created by the pool of water that she was using to bathe while the folds of her mantle as she fled whipped into the sand dunes. In the end, the woman transformed into a mermaid who still resides in the lake to this day and you can spot a statue dedicated in her honor placed by the locals on the edge of the water.
Also according to local legends, the waters and the mud in the lagoon contain therapeutic properties and have become popular commodities with locals and tourists alike. Don’t be surprised if you spot people bathing in the lake or slathering themselves with mud to treat physical illnesses like arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, or rheumatism.
In actuality, the lake is generated by the presence of underground aquifers as they seep upward from below. Sadly, however, the lagoon has slowly been shrinking over the years due to well-drilling in the area that has been stealing from its supply since the early 2000s.
Thankfully, there has been some initiative by locals in recent years to keep pumping water into the lake to preserve it for tourists and natives alike. Moreover, in 2016, the Peruvian-Japanese scientist Marino Morikawa -the same who organized the nanobubble system that decontaminated Lake El Cascajo to the north of Lima- was tapped to lead a project to restore Huacachina’s lagoon.
Currently, the village around Huacachina’s lagoon sports a population of about 100 people but happily hosts thousands of visitors per year, and you could be among their lucky numbers too!
How To Get There
Huacachina is located just about 300 km southeast of Lima, Peru's capital and largest city. Lima is a wonderful, sprawling metropolis that you should definitely take time to explore but I would definitely recommend staying a minimum of one night in Huacachina. You won't regret getting to watch the sun come up and go down over the sand dunes at least one time each.
If you're not already in Peru, you can fly into Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport. From there, you can choose to either spend a night to recuperate or continue on to Huacachina directly, depending on your itinerary.
Kilometres of endless sand…
Getting Around Lima
Taxi Hire
Taxis are the easiest and fastest way to get around the city and they are relatively inexpensive, particularly if you know how to haggle. However, taxis in Peru typically aren’t metered so make sure to always agree to a fare before you jump in the car to make sure they don’t try to price-gouge you, especially when you look out of place. If you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, be sure to ask them to order a cab for you as they might be able to help you negotiate your fare.
You can alternatively order a taxi yourself if you have access to a phone, via local taxi services like Lima Cabs or Taxidatum. Uber has also come to Lima so you can call a cab to take you anywhere, including to and from the airport. There’s no need to tip your cab driver as the custom is not expected in Peru but feel free to if you would like.
The fare should cost you no more than 60 Peruvian Sols (PEN) to get from the airport to your accommodation of choice if it’s near the city center, which is the equivalent of around $14USD or 13€. Any more and you should probably move on to another cabbie who might be less shady. Whether or not you decide to stay in Lima, you’ll still have a couple of bus options that range in terms of price and amenities.
Getting From Lima To Huacachina
Option 1: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus
You can take the touristy Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus if you don't mind paying extra for some added conveniences. The tour comes with:
Bilingual guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Lima
Exclusive stops along the way
Luxury coach bus
On-board bathroom
The bus actually works its way through quite a bit of southern Peru from Arequipa to Cusco, with a flexible bus pass for long-distance trips or short ones with over 40 different options. The great thing about the bus pass is that it allows you to stay as long as you want in one destination before moving on to the next at your own pace, without losing value.
The tour service started in 2013 and has been highly-rated on TripAdvisor for its service record. It's probably the best way to travel for those who don't want to worry about petty thieves and can spare the expense for more comfort. All things considered, this route takes longer than public transportation, thanks to the frequent sight-seeing stops that the bus makes along the way. If you don’t mind the travel delays, arrange pickup from your accommodation with them.
Sunrise over Huacachina (spot Ica in the distance)
Option 2: Local Public Bus
Alternatively, you can opt to travel like a local and take a public bus for a fraction of the cost of the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus, as I did in September 2018. Most tour operators in the area will try to scare you off taking public transportation, marketing it as dangerous and filled with scammers and thieves who live to prey on suspecting tourists.
Useful Tips for Public Transportation
I personally prefer to always travel like a local, not to put myself at unnecessary risk, but to experience the country like a proper backpacker. If public transportation is safe enough for Peruvian tourists, then it was good enough for me and anyone else as long as you exercise some common sense, such as:
Always travel during the day when possible
Always keep an eye on your valuables
Never trust a stranger to watch your belongings
Don’t flash anything that could draw the wrong type of attention, like money or electronics
Wear normal clothing that doesn’t stand out
All of these points are good tips to follow, even by local travellers, no matter where you go in the world. I live in Madrid, one of the safest capitals in the world and I would still advise travellers to pay attention to their surroundings as the city center is lousy with pickpockets.
So as long as you don’t engage in reckless behavior, nothing untoward should happen while on the road in Peru.
Finding the Bus Station to Get to Ica
You’ll have to catch the bus at Lima’s Terminal Terrestre de Plaza Norte, appropriately located to the north of town. Your taxi fare should be around 20 PEN ($4USD/4,50€) from the city center and the ride shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes in light traffic.
From there, exit the taxi and make your way to the ticket office and ask for “un viaje para Ica”, which is where you’ll need to transfer to get to your final destination, Huacachina. You can alternatively buy your tickets online through a few vendors but I would suggest getting the tickets directly at the station instead.
A one-way ticket to Ica is about 60-65 PEN ($13-14USD/14-15€) and the journey takes about 5 hours, ending close to Ica’s Plaza del Sol in the city center. Flag down any of the taxi sure to be lining up for tourists close by to continue on directly to Huacachina, a taxi ride of about 15 minutes for 10 PEN ($2-3USD/2-3€). You’ll be jetting through the sand dunes on your way to the oasis in no time!
Where To Stay
Huacachina is a small enough city that you can quickly walk around the entire place within a half-hour, allowing you to find accommodation upon arrival. It took me about 10 minutes of price-comparing at the front desks of various locales before I settled on a place, and I’m glad I did.
I ended up staying two nights in Huacachina in two different lodgings, each of which had a distinct perk depending on the price point.
Still, if you’d rather not wait until you get there to pick a place, here are a few establishments where you won’t be upset about spending your hard-earned cash.
Beating the desert heat at Desert Nights EcoCamp’s swimming pool
Most Budget-Friendly Hostels
Desert Nights Hostel
This large yet modest hostel offers both private and dorm rooms for the most affordable prices that you’ll find in town. The private rooms come with one to three beds for up to four travellers, all with ensuite bathrooms. Guests who prefer to stay in dorms can use the large communal showers, knowing that there’s plenty of hot water for everyone.
Amenities:
Free WIFI
Free public parking
Communal kitchen
Air-conditioning
On-site bar
24-hour reception
Hostel Boulevard
Hostel Boulevard is the ideal option for those who want a dash of opulence without the immense expense. The hostel features private rooms either double beds or bunk beds, ensuite bathrooms, and flatscreen TVs. Hang out on the hotel’s wide terrace to catch some sun before jumping into its pool to cool off, or grab a bite at its locally-run restaurant. You won't regret either choice.
Amenities:
Complimentary breakfast
Free WIFI
Swimming pool
Cable television
Air-conditioning
On-site restaurant
Liveliest Lodgings
Banana’s Adventure Hostel Huacachina
If you’re looking for a place with a lot of ambiance and where you’re sure to have a good time, Banana’s Adventure is calling you! Each night you book comes with breakfast included along with a tour or local activity such as dune-buggying or a wine tasting from Ica’s finest vineyards. Stay here to meet other party hounds by the poolside or take in the panoramic views from either of its rooftop bars while having a drink. What more could you ask for?
Amenities:
Complimentary breakfast
Free WIFI
Included tours
2 rooftop terraces
Exercise machines
Swimming pool
Air-conditioning
On-site bar and restaurant
Desert Nights EcoCamp
Go green when you camp out at this eco-friendly establishment where the guests reside in tents with two double beds and share the commune from its bathrooms to its kitchen. The rooms don’t come equipped with AC (gotta keep that carbon footprint down, folks) but every tent does sport a fan to help ventilate your sleeping area. Beat the heat by lounging out by the pool under a parasol or take a dip in its cool waters before swimming over to the poolside bar to order a cocktail. You’ll be glad you did!
Amenities:
Complimentary breakfast
Free parking
Free WIFI
Communal kitchen
Swimming pool with swim-up bar
On-site restaurant
Swankiest Digs
DM Hotel
If you prefer to stay in the lap of luxury, then it doesn’t get any ritzier than DM Hotel. This place has everything from room service to mini-bars and flat-screen TVs in every suite so if you want a taste of the good life, stay at DM Hotel. The hotel offers rooms with single beds or space for up to 4 travellers, all with ensuite bathrooms with garden views. Roam the halls of the grand, colonial-style hotel or sunbathe by its gigantic swimming pool like a boss.
Amenities:
Free WIFI
Free public parking
Complimentary breakfast
Cable television
Room service
Air-conditioning
On-site bar and restaurant
24-hour reception
Hotel El Huacachinero
Partake in some fine dining when you spend a night at this majestic hotel, located in the heart of Huacachina. Hotel El Huacachinero has everything you need to soak up some extravagance, from one of the biggest pools that you’ll find in the area to their opulent restaurant where you can sample some authentic cuisine. If you fancy a resort experience in the middle of the desert, stay at Hotel El Huacachinero.
Amenities:
Free WIFI
Free public parking
Complimentary breakfast
Cable television
Swimming pool
Air-conditioning
On-site bar and restaurant
24-hour reception
What To See & Do
Walking up the dunes with some fellow travellers
Thankfully, in Huacachina, there are just as many things to do as there are to see so you’re sure not to get bored in this oasis. Depending on how much time you have there, you can try a range of activities like adventure sports or even go for a swim.
Huacachina is truly a paradise for both thrill-seeking and more laidback travelers so there’s always something for everyone. Here are the 5 best things to do in Huacachina which are sure to keep you busy until dawn, just in time to watch the sun come up over the sand dunes.
1. Sandboarding
One of the best activities to do in Huacachina is going sandboarding in the desert, the dry equivalent to snowboarding in the mountains. For fans of the slopes, sandboarding is an excellent choice as many rental suppliers would be glad to provide you with a board for a few hours. Alternatively, for a higher fee, you can also hire a guide to teach you how to sandboard who will also take pictures of you if you’ve never been snowboarding, let alone sandboarding.
While sandboarding in Huacachina, get your fill of sliding down the massive sand dunes but bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Such vigorous physical activity combined with the intense midday desert sun can be exhausting so make sure to go prepared!
Long sleeves, long pants, eye goggles, and sneakers are highly recommended as the attire to better protect your skin from the scalding sand. For those sandboarding newbies, a good tip is to also wear eye goggles and a scarf can also prevent sand from getting in your eyes, ear, and mouth during your frequent wipe-outs.
2. Sand dune buggying
In addition to sandboarding, you can also go dune-buggy riding across the desert in a reinforced off-roading 4x4. You can’t operate the dune buggy yourself since there’s a high risk of possibly hitting other sandboarders while out on the dunes so you must have a professional driver. However, you can readily book a dune buggy tour in Huacachina at one of the multiple operators who would be more than happy to take you out for a spin across the desert.
If you’re really looking for an all-inclusive package, there are also day-trips and 2-to-3-day trips offered directly from Lima or Ica. The up-sell is a big price difference but for those who can swing the price and would rather avoid making travel arrangements themselves, these tours are a great option.
3. Go day-drinking in at a local vineyard
Although Peru’s national drink might be a Pisco sour, this South American nation also produces amazing red wines from its vineyards in Ica. For wine connoisseurs, Peru is a top destination to sample some delectable reds and rosés and there’s no better place in the region to try some sumptuous selections. You can book a wine tour which usually involves going to at least two different wineries where you can get a taste of some of the best artisan wines in the region.
4. Go on a boat tour to the Islas Ballestas (The Poor Man’s Galapagos Islands)
While Huacachina might be smackdab in the middle of the Atacama desert, it’s only ## kilometers from Peru’s coast and the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, why not do yourself a favor and hitch a ride there to then visit the Islas Ballestas while already in the area? Sometimes referred to as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos Islands”, the Islas Ballestas are a small group of islands, near the coast of Paracas, Peru.
Like Huacachina, these islands are a paradise that is often overlooked for their more popular rival, yet the Ballestas Islands offer all the same aquatic thrills at a fraction of the price. If you’re looking to go snorkeling or diving while swimming with giant sea turtles in Peru, this is your perfect destination.
5. Hike up a sand dune to watch the sunset or sunrise
While it might not initially seem worth the hassle, taking the time (and extreme effort) to climb up one of the massive sand dunes surrounding the area, watching the sunset or sunrise from the up top is certainly worth it. Not only is this outdoor activity entirely free, but you can do it twice a day, depending on whether you’re more of an early riser or a night owl.
For my early birds, you can be sure to be treated to a gorgeously calm morning as the dawn breaks, with little to no other travellers in the vicinity. Experiencing a more intimate show as the sun rises over the oasis is just as about as magical a way to start your day as anything else. I’d definitely recommend hitting the slopes earlier to avoid the crowd that sunset typically attracts but it’s definitely a fantastic way to spend the sunset, too.
Where To Eat & Drink
Nightfall in Huacachina
Along with offering a myriad of activities, Huacachina is also chock full of venues serving the best Pisco sours, and Ica cuisine. Not only is this desert oasis a unique geographical phenomenon but additionally boasts some great nightlife around nearly every corner.
You can try everything from mouthwatering, traditional Peruvian cuisine, or delectable from elsewhere around the globe. The establishments in Huacachina serve everything you need from shots to ceviche for affordable prices mixed with a fantastic atmosphere.
If you’re a foodie, why not take yourself on a food tour of the best restaurants? Better yet, party hounds can always bar-hop the night away as they won’t be short on places to choose from.
Whether you’re tempted to eat out, throwback a few drinks, or dance until you drop, you’re practically guaranteed a great time at any of these locations below.
Best Places to Eat
Runner-up: Restaurant Hospedaje MAYO
This traditional Peruvian eatery should be one of your first stops for authentic cuisine at affordable prices. While reasonably-priced food is becoming incredibly hard to come by in Huacachina these days, the portion sizes will be more than enough to satisfy your appetite. Order their ceviche and be glad you did.
Runner-up: La Casa de Bamboo
If you’re looking for a taste of the Middle East or the Orient while in Peru, this establishment serves the best Asian fusion in Huacachina. Feast your eyes on its posh decor before chowing down on a plate of Pad Thai to really wow your tastebuds. Do you need anything more?
Winner: Wild Olive Trattoria & Guest House
If you’ve been craving Italian like your nonna used to make it, then you must try the alfredo at this venue. Undoubtedly Huachachina’s best Italian restaurant, this locale serves everything from pasta to pizza, as close to perfection as your palette prefers. Sit on their elegant terrace to take in the view of the lagoon and the sand dunes while you eat for the ideal sensory combo.
Best Places To Drink
Runner-up: Casa de Arena
While this venue also doubles as a BBQ restaurant roasting up the tenderest meats, it also doubles as a hostel so it’s always packed. Soak up the rowdy atmosphere in the air as you order a Pisco Sour and people-watch. You never know just who you might run into in the meantime!
Winner: Nuna Cocina Bar
Not only are the set menu prices unbeatable at this establishment, but their drinks are, too. Order some chaufa (fried rice) to go along with your cerveza (beer) and marvel as the delectable combination of flavors plays on your palette. Then, stay until after nightfall to see the crowd really liven up.
Best Places To Party
Runner-up: The Silva House
While this venue might initially appear as more subdued as its rivals, they have a 2-for-1 Happy Hour that has no other competition in Huacachina. Make sure to order while the offer is available to start the night off right at this cool, little bar.
Winner: Huafuckingchina Restrobar
If you want to go HAM and party like it’s 1999, there’s no place more rocking than this restaurant-by-day, disco-by-night. Watch the venue transform from a lively restrobar into a wild fiesta, playing a mix of Latin and Western pop tracks while the alcohol keeps flowing in the background.
If that’s not enough to get you on the dancefloor, a few more Pisco cocktails just might do the trick, so throw a couple back to keep you dancing until sunrise. You won’t regret it!
Final Thoughts
Waiting for sunset in Huacachina’s desert oasis
Huacachina is a desert wonderland with a lot to offer travellers of Peru, whether they’re heading through the Atacama desert north to Lima or southeast to Cusco. The desert landscape is filled with wonder and makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Head to Huacachina to tick it off your bucket list while this gem is still relatively undiscovered to make the most of it before everyone else. Who else do you can say they’ve been to the only desert oasis across South America’s 17.84 million kilometer-squared surface?
You, that’s who!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M