This desert oasis in Peru circles a natural lake, where palm trees grow against 500-meter sand dunes. Visitors come for sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and to see the lake locals believe was formed by an Inca princess.
Huacachina, a village in southwestern Peru, centers around a desert lagoon edged with palm trees and encircled by sand dunes that rise up to 500 meters. Natural springs feed this oasis, located just outside Ica, where visitors try sandboarding, race across dunes in buggies, and paddle small boats on green-tinted waters. Stories tell of an Inca princess whose mirror shattered to form the lagoon, with a mermaid statue near the shore referencing the tale. The area’s dry weather and unusual terrain create a distinct destination for those traveling through Peru’s coastal desert. Watch for paragliders above the dunes or join evening walks where locals recount the lagoon’s legends.
Sandboarding and Dune Buggy Adventures
Strap into a dune buggy as drivers speed over steep slopes, creating sharp drops that feel like a rollercoaster. After the ride, grab a board to slide down the sand slopes—choose between standing upright or lying on your stomach. Tours typically include both activities, so you won’t need to climb back up the dunes manually. Plan to go late in the afternoon when temperatures drop and the light softens. Operators supply boards and helmets, but wear sturdy shoes to avoid burns from hot sand.
The Huacachina Mermaid Story
According to local tales, the lagoon formed when an Inca princess dropped her mirror while fleeing a hunter, shattering it into water. Others say her tears filled the basin after losing her lover. A mermaid statue near the water’s edge symbolizes the story, and some claim to hear whispers over the lagoon during full moons. These myths influence the area’s colonial buildings and the belief that lagoon mud has healing properties. Evening guided walks often highlight these legends as you circle the lagoon’s perimeter.
Paddle Boating and Desert Hikes
Rent a paddle boat to drift across the lagoon, passing hotels with faded pastel walls and clusters of palm trees. For sweeping views, hike the dunes at sunrise or sunset; the climb challenges your legs, but you’ll see the oasis shrink below as you ascend. Skip swimming here—the water’s stillness and algae growth make it uninviting. Photographers aim to capture the dunes when sunlight turns the sand golden and reddish-brown. Look up to spot paragliders riding thermal currents above the desert.
Local Vineyards and Pisco Production
The Ica region specializes in pisco, Peru’s grape brandy. Visit Tacama Winery, 30 minutes from Huacachina, for English-guided tours explaining how grapes ferment and distill into liquor, followed by samples of pisco and dessert wines. Smaller family-run bodegas in Ica demonstrate older production techniques. Try regional dishes like carapulcra, a spiced pork and potato stew, alongside your drinks. Hotels in Huacachina can book these tours, which often include transportation.
Visiting Paracas and the Nazca Geoglyphs
Drive one hour from Huacachina to Paracas, where boats take you to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins. Further south, the Nazca Lines—giant desert drawings of animals and shapes—require a flight from nearby airstrips for clear views. Schedule these trips early to avoid windy afternoons. If prone to nausea, take motion sickness pills before flying, as planes dip low for better visibility. These excursions reveal the varied landscapes of Peru’s coast.
Bus and Car Travel to Huacachina
Most visitors take buses from Lima to Ica (4–5 hours), then a 10-minute taxi to Huacachina. Direct services like Peru Hop stop at the oasis entrance, skipping the transfer. Renting a car lets you explore nearby areas freely, though some desert roads lack clear signage. Overnight buses from Cusco or Arequipa arrive in Ica by dawn, giving you a full day for activities.
Where to Stay Close to the Lagoon
Affordable hostels such as Wild Rover and Desert Nights Ecocamp have pools, social bars, and dorm beds near the lagoon. Mid-tier options like Hotel Curasi include private balconies facing the dunes. Reserve early between June and August for rooms with air conditioning, as nights stay warm. Many lodgings help book tours, rent sandboards, or serve breakfast before dawn excursions.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
Bring cash—few ATMs exist here, and most places don’t take cards. Use sunscreen repeatedly, even when overcast, and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Pack light clothes for daytime but add a jacket for cooler evenings. Carry a water bottle to refill at hotels, as dehydration risks are high. Stay two to three days to cover key activities without haste. Follow local rules by not entering the lagoon and sticking to designated trails during hikes.
