Huacachina: The Desert Oasis of Peru

About Huacachina

Huacachina, pronounced as ‘Waka-Tjseena’, is a relaxing little town very close to Ica with year-round temperatures of 25 – 30 degrees. The wall of sand surrounding this town is jaw-dropping, to say the least, and also makes it extra hot during the day, so it’s recommended to drink a lot of water and use enough sunscreen.

Swimming in the lagoon

Swimming in the lagoon is possible. However, it doesn’t look very inviting, so you might want to take a paddleboat instead.

Restaurants in Huacachina

This desert oasis in Peru is not great when it comes to restaurants. There are basically two fine options: Casa de Bamboo and Wild Olive. Please note: there are no ATMs in Huacachina. 

Things to do in Huacachina

There is not much to do in this city. Plan to spend one or two nights here, depending on if you can still see the sunset during your first night.

Buggy Tour in Huacachina

Every day at 4 PM, the dune buggy tours leave town to fly over the large dune tops into a never-ending desert of sand. If that wasn’t a big enough adrenaline rush for you, you will be given the option to sandboard down the dunes. 

Good to know: It is best to sit during sandboarding as injuries tend to happen often while standing.

Climb the dune for a magical sunset

Experience a memorable sunset in Huacachina on top of the highest sand dunes of South America. Make your way all the way to the top by foot in a 15-minute climb. The dune behind Wild Olive Restaurant is the best option to climb as the dune buggy tours are not allowed there.

No time to read now?

No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.

Save to Pinterest

Pisco tour

Ica in Peru is just 10 minutes from Huacachina and is very well-known for its vineyards and the national drink, Pisco. Learn everything about the process of making Pisco and its history during a Pisco vineyard tour. Pisco is a sweet wine and, therefore, not that popular in countries like Italy or Spain. You have got to taste Pisco when you are in Peru. Spoiler alert: We were positively surprised!

How to get to Huacachina, Peru

There is no airport close to Huacachina. Instead, you’ll need to first fly to Lima Airport and then choose one of the public transport options to Huacachina.

Huacachina is around 5 hours by bus from Lima, and from Paracas, it is just 45 minutes. There is no public transport going to Huacachina, but you can get there via a short taxi ride from Ica. Hop-on / Hop-off bus services in Peru are the easiest and best form of transport.

Where to stay in Huacachina, Peru

There is a good selection of accommodations in Huacachina. During the high season (June to August), most hostels and hotels will be full. It’s recommended to book ahead or spend the night in Ica. Search for your hostel here.

Our favorite hotels in Huacachina 😴

View all

Banana’s Adventure Hostel

Huacachina

Hotel El Huacachinero

Huacachina

Ecocamp Huacachina

Huacachina

See available hotels in

Huacachina

Check available hotels

Check available hostels

In Huacachina, get accommodation with a nice pool so you will be fully relaxed for the upcoming overnight night bus ride to Arequipa.