10 Amazing Things to do in Huacachina: The Desert Oasis of Peru
When people think of Peru, a desert oasis is not usually what comes to mind. Peru is known most for mountains and hikes, such as the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and Laguna 69. But Peru is also known for its long beaches and many different ecosystems. One of the most unique places to visit in Peru is Huacachina and there’s not a shortage of things to do here.
Huacachina is a desert oasis located just a few minutes outside of the town of Ica. It is a small town, but it packs a punch. This town is known for its partying, but you can also do some amazing activities like sandboarding dune buggy, and other things!
In this guide, I will review the top things to do when visiting Huacachina in Peru.
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10 Things To Do When Visiting Huacachina in Peru
Even if you only have 24 hours to be here, there are plenty of things to do in Huacachina. With its easy accessibility to Lima, you can easily add this to any part of your itinerary in Peru.
1. Climb the Dunes
When arriving at Huacachina in Peru, you often look up and notice little specs of people above. Climbing the dunes surrounding this area is a must when visiting, as it will give you an amazing view of the entire area.
It may look daunting when you first arrive, but reaching the top will only take 15 minutes. Hiking up large dunes with your foot sinking into the ground with every step is a unique experience.
2. Watch the Sunset on a Rooftop Bar
There is no better feeling in the world than being in the middle of a desert oasis in Peru, drinking a Pisco Sour, and watching the sunset. So that’s exactly what we did the first night we arrived here.
We got dinner and some drinks at the Mosquito bar for sunset. It was a great location with an amazing rooftop and workers.
3. Walk Around the Lake
Some prefer to walk around during the day or at night. I have done both and it is extremely peaceful at night. With that being said the lake is alive during the day and you will have many opportunities to find other activities to do.
Keep an eye out for the Princess, who is still known to walk these areas at night.
4. Ride a Dune Buggy
Our favorite activity by far was cruising around the vast number of dunes in a dune buggy. At times, it was scary, but that was the whole thrill of it. Many companies do it, and if you climb the dunes, you will be able to see all of them go during sunset.
If you’re interested in a buggy tour, I would ask your accommodation first to see if they already have a company that they work with. If you’d like to book one in advance, then check them out here.
5. Go Sandboarding
When looking up things to do in Huacachina, you will see many photos of people sandboarding. There are different options available if you want to participate in this activity.
If you would rather do it here, there are boards to rent around the lake. If you do decide to do the dune buggy tour, most of them will bring boards for everyone to take. These hills are much higher than the ones you can ride around the lake.
6. Party
This area of Peru is also known for its parties throughout Peru. Many backpackers come here to ride the dune buggies during the day and drink at night. The Wild Rover is known for its parties, but as mentioned above, there are many other bars/hostels to go to.
7. Enjoy a Peruvian Malbec
Peru is known for their wine and especially its malbec. This full-body wine is predominant in South American countries like Argentina and Peru.
If you stay at the Wild Olive Guesthouse, you will be next to the best Italian restaurant in Huacacahina. We enjoyed an amazing dinner here and the Malbec wine was better than I could have ever imagined.
8. Paddle Boats
If you want to get even more immersed in the natural oasis of Huacachina, then you can rent a paddle boat to go around the lake! You can rent these along the shores. While the lake is very small, it is a great way to take in the sun and kill some time.
9. Day Trip to Isla Ballestas
Isla Ballestas is often referred to as a “poor man’s Gallagapos”. This is a set of islands just off the coast of Peru. It will take around 90 minutes to get to the coast from the oasis and then a boat ride to the islands.
This is near the town of Paracas, which is an easy day trip from Huacachina or Ica. There are many things to do in Paracas, and this is at the top of the list!
While visiting these islands you will see many different species of animals such as sea lions, pelicans, Peruvian boobies, and Humboldt penguins.
10. Fly Over the Nazca Lines
Pre-Colombian geoglyphs are drawn into the sand. These drawings are spread across 1,000 square kilometers, and it is said there are over 300 different ones.
By far the best way to see these is by plane. You can take a tour to Ballestas Island, and Huacachina oasis, as well as fly over the Nazca, lines all in one tour here.
Things to Know
This is not a typical destination, especially in Peru. It’s known as the adventure capital of Peru and there are some things to know before planning your escape to Huacachina.
Is Huacachina Worth Visiting?
This oasis is worth visiting if you have time. I wouldn’t spend more than two or three days here. Since it is easily accessible from Lima, you could end your trip here before flying back home.
It is a great site to see, but it is quite small and touristy. I prefer the mountains of Peru, but this was a great and much-needed break from high-altitude life.
The History of the Desert Oasis in Peru
Huacachina stands for “weeping women.” It is a unique place in Peru as it is located in the dryest place in the world. Peru is home to some of the largest sand dunes in South America, and that’s what makes it so special.
Legend has it that this desert oasis was the name of an Incan Princess. She lost her husband and was mourning his death. Her tears are what built the oasis as we see it today.
On a more real note, the lake was formed by underground aquifers and which help to promote plant life around this beautiful town.
How to Get to Huacachina, Peru
There are many different ways of getting to here from throughout the country. Many people fly straight to Lima as it is their first stop. In order to get to here, you must first arrive in Ica. Below I will give the other options from different towns.
Lima to Huacachina
This isn’t too long of a bus ride from Lima to Ica. It will take you around 4 to 5 hours. I highly recommend paying the extra money and getting the VIP seats. These will be better for sleeping, making it a much more enjoyable ride.
- If you don’t want to go to the bus terminal, you can order your ticket on Redbus. This is the go-to for online bus tickets in Peru.
- Julio Ceasar is one of the highest-rated bus companies but they are all pretty good.
- Terminal Plaza Norte and La Victoria are two good stations
- The bus ride is around 4 hours. If you buy early you can get tickets as cheap as $9.
- Once arriving in Ica, you can take a tuk-tuk to the oasis for around ~10-20 soles. This will be around a 10-minute ride.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this desert oasis in Peru is between the months of May and November. This is the winter for Peru and so it will be cooler with clearer skies. With that being said, it is also one of the most popular times to visit, so prices could be higher in certain areas.
It’s a short and easy trip from Lima, so you can change plans easily and do it at the end of your trip if the weather isn’t good.
What is the Altitude in Huacachina?
403 meters is the altitude of this desert oasis in Peru. With many of its popular locations throughout the country being located at extreme elevations, this area of Peru is a breath of fresh air.
Where to Stay in Huacachina, Peru
- Banana’s Adventures: If you’re looking for a great place to relax, sit by the pool, and meet other like-minded travelers then this is the place for you. Great bar and free breakfast.
- Wild Olive Guesthouse: This guesthouse is also an amazing Italian Restaurant. It is great for families and travelers alike.
- Wild Rover: This hostel is a chain throughout South America. It is known for its parties and has some of the cheapest dorm prices you’ll find in the area.
Other Activities to do in Peru
My Final Thoughts
This desert oasis is a magical place and it makes sense as to why it is so popular for tourists from Peru and other countries. It is the only Oasis in South America and the pictures are more than Instagram-worthy. If you have a few extra days before flying home, I would highly suggest stopping by this area. It is easily accessible which will alleviate any stress from getting to your flight on time.
