What is Huacachina?

Huacachina is the only natural oasis in South America, located in the desert of Ica, Peru, just 5 km from the city of Ica. This small town has formed around the Huacachina lagoon, surrounded by high dunes and palm trees, creating a perfect setting for sandboarding, buggy rides and unforgettable sunsets.

The town of Huacachina offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere with hotels, restaurants and bars distributed around the oasis, attracting travelers from all over the world seeking adventure and tranquility in one place.

What does Huacachina mean?

The name Huacachina comes from two Quechua words: “Huacca” and ‘China’, which together mean “the woman who cries”.

History

The Huacachina oasis was formed thousands of years ago thanks to a subway water flow, which allowed plants and trees to grow in the middle of the Ica desert.

Today, constant efforts are made to preserve this oasis and its vegetation, composed of palm trees, huarangos, eucalyptus and carob trees, as well as the fauna that inhabits its waters and the birds that surround the lagoon.

Huacachina began to gain popularity in the 1960s, when it became a resort known for being the only natural oasis in South America. Its waters, considered medicinal, attracted those seeking health and relaxation, and over time it became today's tourist destination, ideal for those seeking nature, unique landscapes and adventure sports.

Local merchants built houses and hotels along a boardwalk around the lagoon, with railings, walkways and changing rooms for bathers. To facilitate access, the road connecting the lagoon to the city of Ica was paved.

Although its natural origin may seem simple, the legends surrounding Huacachina give it a mythical air that captivates visitors.

Legend of the Huacachina

According to legend, a beautiful Inca princess was combing her hair when she saw in the reflection of her mirror a young warrior watching her. Frightened, she tried to flee, dropping the mirror, which became the Huacachina Lagoon.

As she ran, her clothing became entangled in a tree, forming the dunes surrounding the lagoon. Seeing herself cornered by the warrior, she decided to dive into the water to hide and was transformed into a mermaid.

It is said that on full moon nights, the princess appears swimming near the shore, weeping for her fate, and that, upset by her fate, she comes out during the night to enchant strangers and take them to the bottom of the lagoon, where they meet their death.

Over the years, several travelers have been found drowned in the lagoon during the night, fueling the belief in the veracity of this legend.

There is another version that tells that Huacca China was a maiden from the town of Tacara who, upon learning of the death of her beloved, cried for days and nights, forming the lagoon with her tears. One evening, before nightfall, a warrior passed by and watched her. Feeling watched and believing she had no escape, the maiden jumped into the water to hide.

When the warrior left, she tried to get out, but noticed that instead of legs she had a fish tail. Realizing that she had become a mermaid, she decided to stay in the water forever.

The villagers who claim to have seen her swimming on full moon nights decided to name the lagoon in honor of the maiden, so today we know it as the Huacachina Lagoon.

How to get to Huacachina?

The dunes of Huacachina are located only 4 hours south of Lima. The only way to get there is by land, since the city does not have an airport.

Here we leave you a practical guide to get to this oasis from different cities in Peru, considering that many travelers usually make a stop in Huacachina before continuing their adventure.

From Lima and Ica

Bus

The easiest way is to take a bus from Lima to Ica (4 to 5 hours) with companies such as Cruz del Sur or Oltursa, which will drop you off at the bus terminal in the city of Ica.

We recommend traveling with these companies for safety and comfort. If you choose another company, make sure that they do not pick up passengers on the road, as there have been reports of robberies by people getting on during the trip.

Once in Ica, you can take a cab (15 minutes) to Huacachina.

Car

You can rent a car in Lima and drive along the Panamericana Sur (5 hours) to Ica. Then, drive an additional 15 minutes to Huacachina. This option allows you more flexibility to stop in Paracas or Pisco en route if you wish.

From Paracas

Bus

From the Paracas bus terminal, take a bus to Ica (1 hour and 30 minutes approximately). When you arrive in Ica, take a cab (15 minutes) to Huacachina.

Car

You can rent a car in Paracas (preferably with a driver, as the roads can be confusing) or use GPS with precise directions. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

From Cusco

Bus

There are no direct buses to the oasis, so you must first travel to Ica. You can take a night bus from Cusco to Ica (17 to 18 hours) with companies such as Cruz del Sur.

Plane

Take a flight from Cusco to Lima (1 hour and 15 minutes) and then follow the route Lima - Ica by bus or car.

From Arequipa

Bus

Take a direct bus from Arequipa to Ica, with a travel time of 12 to 14 hours.

Plane

Fly from Arequipa to Lima and continue the land route from Lima to Ica.

Tours to Huacachina

One of the safest and most comfortable options to visit Huacachina is to take an organized tour, which includes transportation and additional services, allowing you to enjoy without worries.

There are full day tours to Huacachina and more complete tours that include visits to the Nazca Lines, the Paracas National Reserve, Ballestas Islands and even Machu Picchu.

If you wish to travel with us, we offer you the tour “Peru Highlights 12D/11N with Short Inca Trail”, which includes unmissable destinations such as Huacachina, Paracas, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Colored Mountain and Lake Titicaca.

What to do in Huacachina?

This beautiful oasis offers a wide variety of activities that you can enjoy in the same place or in its surroundings. Beyond its imposing natural scenery, Huacachina invites you to live unique experiences, either in tour packages or on your own.

Sandboarding in the dunes

One of the most popular activities in Huacachina is to slide down the dunes on a sandboard, an experience full of adrenaline and fun.

The best part is that you don't need any previous experience. Local instructors will teach you how to position yourself according to your level of balance. If you have no experience, you can lie face down on the board and slide down the dunes safely.

If you have good balance or previous experience, you can sandboard standing up, as if you were surfing, but on sand, feeling an out-of-this-world experience.

Dune buggy rides

Buggies, also known as tubulars, are 4x4 vehicles designed to travel through the dunes at full speed. Riding in one of them and feeling the adrenaline rush as you cross the desert is an experience not to be missed.

During the tour, you can stop at viewpoints to enjoy the sunset, take spectacular photos or sandboard from the highest dunes.

Boat ride on the lagoon

You can rent a paddle or pedal boat to take a ride around the Huacachina lagoon while enjoying the palm trees and dunes reflected in the water.

This activity is perfect if you are traveling with small children or if you are looking for a moment of relaxation and calm. In addition, you will be able to observe local birds such as the huaco heron, a species native to the area.

Enjoy the sunset

Climbing a dune at the end of the day to watch the sun set behind the desert is one of the most magical experiences in Huacachina.

We recommend climbing the highest dunes during sunset to enjoy the most impressive views of the desert illuminated by the last rays of the sun, creating an unforgettable postcard.

Huacachina Night Tours

There are tours that allow you to camp in the desert dunes, where you can enjoy the starry sky and the tranquility of the night in the desert.

There are also tours that include a tour of local bars, perfect if you want to get to know the nightlife of Huacachina in a safe way.

Visit the Ballestas Islands

Just an hour from Huacachina is the port from where boats depart to the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Mini Galapagos of Peru”.

During the tour, you will be able to observe penguins, sea lions, turtles and a great variety of sea birds resting on the rocks.

If you are looking for an additional experience, some agencies offer diving tours in these crystal clear waters to explore the marine life, where you can see tropical fish, octopus, dolphins, sharks and more, without previous diving experience.

Fly over the Nazca Lines

You have probably heard of the Nazca Lines, giant geoglyphs drawn in the desert with figures of monkeys, spiders and hummingbirds that, despite the passage of time, remain intact, generating mystery and amazement.

From Huacachina, you can take a flight tour to appreciate these enigmatic figures from the air. The lines are located about 2 hours from Huacachina, which makes this activity an excellent complementary excursion.

Visiting a pisco vineyard

If you are a lover of a good drink, you cannot miss a visit to a pisco vineyard, Peru's flagship drink.

During the visit you can tour the vineyards near Huacachina, learn about the process of making pisco and enjoy a tasting of different types of this drink in a warm and authentic atmosphere.

Climate and Seasons of Huacachina

Huacachina has a dry, arid and sunny climate almost all year round, since it is located in the middle of the Pacific desert. Temperatures during the day range between 25°C and 35°C, while at night they drop, offering a cool environment to rest.

The days are usually clear and it rarely rains, which makes Huacachina an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.

What is the best time to visit Huacachina?

Any day of the year is perfect to visit Huacachina! Thanks to its stable and sunny weather, with almost no chance of rain, you can plan a weekend getaway or take advantage of a long holiday to enjoy this oasis at any time of the year.

Where to eat in Huacachina?

Huacachina has several restaurants and cafes for all budgets and tastes, from local food to international and vegetarian options:

• Nuna Cocina Bar: It offers an inexpensive menu of the day with Peruvian and international specialties, as well as vegetarian options. It is a place valued for its quality and price (4.1/5).
• Desert Nights Restaurant & Bar: With a terrace overlooking the oasis, it is ideal for a sunset dinner. Its cuisine is varied, with options such as pizzas, hamburgers, ceviche and lomo saltado. It is very popular among tourists.
• The Bamboo House: Affordable restaurant with international and vegetarian options. Its menu includes dishes such as curry, falafel and stir-fry, ideal for those looking for healthy and varied food.
• Wild Olive Trattoria & Guest House: Specializing in Italian cuisine, it offers thick-crust pizzas, lasagnas and pastas. Its terrace overlooking the lake creates a perfect atmosphere for a relaxed dinner.
• Huacafuckingchina Restobar: Offers a relaxed atmosphere during the day and turns into a party space at night. Serves pizzas, seafood with rice and drinks in a modern atmosphere.

What dishes to try in Ica?

Being on the Peruvian coast, Ica offers you a variety of dishes that you can't miss:

Main dishes:

• Ceviche
• Tiradito
• Lomo saltado
• Anticuchos
• Sopa seca
• Carapulcra

Typical desserts:

• Frejol colado
• Mazamorra de uva
• Chocotejas
• Chapanas

Traditional drinks:

• Pisco sour
• Chilcano
• Cocktails based on pisco
• Chicha morada

These flavors are part of the experience of visiting Ica and Huacachina, and will allow you to enjoy the rich Peruvian gastronomy while exploring the oasis and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Huacachina? 

In Huacachina you will find accommodations for all tastes and budgets, from budget options for backpackers to luxury hotels with pool and oasis views. 

• Banana's Adventure Hostel: Very popular with backpackers and solo travelers, it has outdoor terraces, bar, restaurant and swimming pool, offering a social and relaxed atmosphere to meet other travelers.
• Hotel Mossone: Located within the regional conservation area of the Huacachina Lagoon, this hotel of original and elegant architecture offers views of the oasis. Its services include a restaurant with terrace, swimming pool, parking, bar, event room and business center.
• Curasi Hostel: Ideal for those looking for a quiet place with good facilities and a relaxed atmosphere. It offers a beautiful view of the oasis, swimming pool and an excellent breakfast included.
• Wild Olive Guest House: Located near the lagoon, this colonial family house has an Italian restaurant and cozy common areas, perfect for travelers looking for a quiet and homey atmosphere.
• Wild Rover Hostel: Considered by many travelers as the best accommodation in Huacachina for those who enjoy partying. It has an active bar until 1:00 a.m., swimming pool and food options, creating a fun and social atmosphere. 

In Huacachina, you have lodging options for all travel styles, whether you are looking for tranquility, comfort or a festive atmosphere. 

Special events and local celebrations

Know the main celebrations near Huacachina during your visit: 

Anniversary of the creation of Nasca

This celebration honors one of the main tourist attractions of Ica: the Nasca Lines. It is organized in the Plaza de Armas of Ica with a pisco festival, serenades, beauty contests, craft fairs and photographic exhibitions of drinks and typical dishes of the area. 

• Date: January 21 to 23 

Huacachina Mermaid Festival 

It is one of the most emblematic festivals in Ica, promoted by Mrs. Alicia Gomez to honor the Huacachina Lagoon. During the festival there is a staging of the legend of its creation, in which a maiden becomes a mermaid in the lake formed by her tears. The main character is always played by a former beauty queen of Ica. 

• Date: February 23 

Black Summer Festival 

This festival attracts thousands of tourists, offering the opportunity to experience Afro-Peruvian culture through music, typical dances, sports and gastronomy. Admission is free, and national artists perform in a program full of art and tradition. 

• Date: February 19 

International Grape Harvest Festival 

Considered one of the most important festivals in the region, it has been held continuously since 1958 in early March. During this festival, the vineyards gather for the harvesting and treading of grapes, with tastings of typical desserts, tours of wineries and sandboarding competitions in Huacachina. The central day is March 8, declared a local holiday in Ica. 

• Date: March 7 to 17 

Patronal Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe 

This religious celebration takes place in Nazca at the end of August and beginning of September, gathering faithful from all over Peru to participate in processions and novenas in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe. 

• Date: September 8 

Pisco Tourist Week 

This festival honors pisco, Peru's flagship drink, and commemorates the landing of Jose de San Martin in Pisco, marking the beginning of Peruvian independence. It includes concerts, cultural activities, gastronomic tastings and diverse artistic expressions. 

• Date: August 31st to September 7th 

Festival of the Lord of Luren 

One of the biggest religious festivities in Ica, where thousands of the faithful accompany the procession of the sacred image of the Lord of Luren, traveling through the city of Ica for almost 20 hours in an atmosphere of deep devotion. 

• Date: Second or third week of October (around October 15).

Tips and recommendations to visit Huacachina 

What to bring to Huacachina? 

Here are some essential items for your trip to the oasis: 

• Identity documents or passport.
• Light and comfortable clothes for the day.
• Light jacket and a sweater for the evening.
• Lightweight shorts or jeans for sliding in the sand.
• Bathing suit (optional if you are staying in a hotel with a pool).
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking on the dunes.
• Comfortable sandals to rest in your lodging. Sunscreen and hat.
• Sunglasses (will protect you from the sun and sand).
• Reusable water bottle.
• Cash, preferably in Peruvian soles.
• Camera to keep memories. 

Important: It is forbidden to swim in the waters of the Huacachina Lagoon. 

Tips for maximum enjoyment 

• Book your buggy and sandboarding tours in advance, especially in high season.
• Bring cash, as many locals do not accept credit cards.
• Wear clothes that you don't mind getting sand on them.
• To avoid crowds, visit Monday through Thursday.
• Combine your visit with a vineyard tour in Ica or an excursion to Paracas.
• Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use only authorized cabs, as some drivers try to overcharge or take you to hotels with which they have agreements.
• Always carry a bottle of water or cold drinks to avoid dehydration in this hot climate.
• Hire buggy rides and sandboarding with certified operators who keep their vehicles in good condition.
• Avoid climbing the dunes alone at night, as it is easy to become disoriented. 

Is Huacachina worth a visit? 

If you are looking for a unique experience in Peru that combines nature, adventure and landscapes different from the Andes or the Amazon, Huacachina is definitely worth a visit. 

Its impressive dunes, the magical sunset and the feeling of walking in a real desert oasis make Huacachina a must-see stop on your travel route in Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days to stay in Huacachina? 

1 or 2 days is enough to enjoy the main activities in Huacachina, especially if you plan to combine your visit with Ica and a tour to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas. 

Who drives the buggies around the oasis? 

The buggies are driven by professional drivers for safety reasons, so even if you rent a tour, you will not be able to drive the buggy yourself. 

Because Huacachina is a popular destination, the buggies cannot go at full speed, as many people practice sandboarding in the dunes and an accident could occur. 

Drivers have months of training to operate these vehicles safely, avoiding accidents and taking care of the experience of all visitors. 

Is it possible to swim in the Huacachina lagoon?

No, currently it is not allowed to swim in the Huacachina lagoon, as the water is not suitable due to contamination and lack of constant maintenance. 

Is Huacachina safe for travelers?

Yes, Huacachina is safe for national and international travelers. However, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance and hire authorized agencies for tours and transfers. 

Avoid hiring services at random, since in tourist areas there are often scammers who offer inflated prices or poor quality services to tourists without reservations.