Experience the 15 Best Things To Do in Huacachina Peru

Have you heard of Huacachina? If you only know Peru from Machu Picchu or Lima, you may have missed this favorite weekend destination of locals and a popular South American “oasis” among adventure-seeking travelers. We’re talking about Huacachina Peru. 

Built around an oasis near the city of Ica, Huacachina is a unique village in southwestern Peru surrounded by breathtaking sand dunes. The oasis, a small natural lake, was even featured in the back of a 50-Peruvian sol paper bill, proof positive that Huacachina is considered a significant point of pride for the country. 

Only 100 people reside in this small desert town, so tourists mostly fill the rest. From driving dune buggies to having a calm and relaxing drink on the lakeside, Huacachina has something for every traveler.

Whether you’re into hiking, sandboarding, or simply soaking up the sun, Huacachina offers something for everyone. The town is also steeped in history, with nearby archaeological sites providing a glimpse into the region’s past.

This article will give you an overview of Huacachina, the biggest sand dunes in South America – its attractions, Peruvian culture, and other important information you will need to make the most of your travel to Peru.

Best Things To Do in Huacachina Peru – Activities

1. Buggy Ride 

The buggy ride is by far the most fun activity in arid Huacachina. The entire activity in the dry land costs around 96 soles ($25), which is worth it. Views of the sand and the bumps along the way make the whole ride both fun and scary. 

Many tourists love the buggy race, but it requires a strong heart. You can book the sand buggies through a street sales associate in Huacachina. 

2. Sandboarding 

If you have done snowboarding before, sandboarding would be equally fun. Here, you hop on a board and traverse through the dunes of Huacachina. Get on the top of the dunes through a buggy ride and move downwards on a board. 

If you have never experienced sandboarding or snowboarding before, we recommend you get a belly board that is easier to handle while moving downwards at high speeds.

3. Paddleboat Ride 

If you are tired of the itinerary at the dunes, get on the paddleboat and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the oasis. The paddleboat ride is available for adults and kids, as it is quite easy to handle.

You can find plenty of paddle boats near the shore. Get one for rent and enjoy this amazing activity. The prices are highly negotiable, so make sure you don’t accept the first offer.

4. Dinner in the Cold Desert

An outdoor dinner in the cold desert is an experience you can’t miss on your visit to Huacachina. Many service providers offer such activities, so you must only cook some of the meals yourself. 

We highly recommend Viator trip advisors, providing a special dinner in the middle of the desert with a private setting for as low as S/353 (93 US dollars) per person. 

5. Enjoy the Nightlife 

Nightlife in Huacachina is never short of surprises. Many hostels provide a complete atmosphere for partying. 

Wild Rover Hostel is the best place to be for an electric atmosphere. Parties last till 1 a.m. every night. The show starts at around 9 p.m. local time, and crowds get bigger as midnight arrives. 

Once the party ends at Wild Rover, you can move to nearby nightclubs for the rest of the night. Besides Wild Rover, other good hostels for nightlife are Casa de Arena Bar, El Huacachinero, and Banana’s Adventure.

6. Camping 

Camping and hiking in the desert is every adventurous traveler’s dream. You can get a tent on rent from various service providers in Huacachina. 

For a more luxurious experience, you can try glamping for around S/841 (220 USD) – breakfast, dinner, private chef, and server included. 

Best Things To Do in Huacachina Peru – Sights

7. Sunset Viewpoint

Sunset Viewpoint is the place above the dunes overlooking the oasis of Huacachina and the sun. The view becomes more attractive when the sun starts to hide in the dunes behind the oasis. 

The best part about this place is that you won’t need a ride to get there. Just walk for 98 feet (30 meters) on your own in the desert and reach the point to enjoy the view. 

You can also take a sand buggy if you prefer to avoid walking. 

8. Pisco Tour 

If you are visiting Huacachina, we advise you to get a day tour of the province of Pisco. The place is a dream come true for lovers of wine and stronger spirits, such as the popular pisco, a colorless or yellowish-to-amber type of unaged brandy, which sailors named after the port city. 

On your tour, you will experience many different vineyards and distilleries. The best part is that you can sample a Pisco sour and many wine varieties at various places. 

The whole-day tour would cost you around S/117 ($31). 

9. Tacama Winery 

If you don’t want a full-day tour to Pisco, just visit Tacama Winery to taste the local Pisco and various wines. It is one of the first vineyards in Pisco and a great spot to visit for a few hours. The whole place is decorated with water fountains, colonial architecture, and gardens. 

A taxi to Tacama winery would cost only around S/19 ($5). 

10. Ballestas Boat Tour

Ballestas island is located near the coast of Ica. These are quite close to Huacachina and a must-visit if you are there. The boat tour will allow you to experience the true beauty of nature. 

The blue-footed boobies hanging around the cliffs with sea lions on the shore are a sight to behold, similar to the wildlife scenery in Peru’s neighbor Ecuador with its enchanting Galapagos Islands. 

11. Nazca Lines 

Nazca Lines are one of the main things to do in Peru. The lines are carved into the surface of the desert and are a beautiful sight to see from the sky. 

You can head to the nearby airport located only 2.5 hours away and get a tour for as low as S/382 to 573 ($100 to $150). 

Best Things To Do in Huacachina Peru – Food and Restaurants

12. La Casa de Bamboo

La Casa de Bamboo is famous for its vegan options. The overall service and food quality are great. 

The best dishes on the menu are Thai curry, vegetarian spaghetti, and falafel. You can also try some local Peruvian culinary specialties, such as ceviche. 

13. Wild Olive Trattoria 

If you love Italian dishes, there is no place better than wild olive Trattoria. We highly recommend trying their pasta, pizzas, and lasagna. 

Pasta varies in price, while pizza and lasagna cost S/21.82 ($5.72) and S/31.76 ($8.33), respectively.

14. Nuna Cocina Bar

Nuna Cocina is a great bar for nightlife and Peruvian cuisine in Huacachina. The food here is quite affordable and healthy. 

The overall atmosphere makes the whole experience even better.

15. Coffee at Jaku

Jaku has some of the best cold coffees in Peru. We highly recommend you try an iced vanilla latte and cappuccino. 

You can also get some other food items here, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. 

How To Get to Huacachina, Peru

Huacachina is only a 5-kilometer drive (3.1 miles) from the city of Ica. Most people love to visit this town during weekends, mainly because it takes hardly 4 hours to reach the place, even from the capital of Peru, Lima. 

Route By Plane

The Huacachina oasis is in the desert, so there is neither an international airport nor direct flights to this destination. 

You can fly to Pisco, the closest airport to Huacachina. You can also take a bus to the town of Ica, around 48 mi (76 km) away, and arrive there in about an hour and 23 minutes.

Route By Bus 

Since there is no direct bus route from Lima to Huacachina, the best way to travel is through a bus ride to Ica. 

The 193 mi (311 km) bus trip from Lima would take roughly 5 hours; tickets would cost around S/38 to 57 ($10 to $15). Bus trips to Ica leave from many stations in Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, and Arequipa. 

Once in Ica, you have to book taxis that are readily available for the next leg of your trip. A taxi ride that costs around S/19 ($5) will take you to the beautiful Huacachina oasis. 

Two of the best public bus services to use in Peru are Cruz del Sur and Oltursa. 

Get To Huacachina With Tour Operators

A day trip from Lima, Peru, is what most tourists choose to visit Huacachina. 

A full-day trip includes a visit to nearby Ballestas island and Pisco. This option can be a bit more expensive than the rest mentioned above, but the expert transport service guidance is worth it, ensuring smooth travel plans and pleasant itineraries. Make sure you ask your tour operator for details on the inclusive plans of the trip.

We advise you to go for a 2-day trip from Lima to get the best experience. A day hike will only leave you wanting more.

Where To Stay in Huacachina, Peru?

Huacachina is small but has plenty of good accommodation options for spending your night well. Here are some of the best hotels and hostels in this area:

• Budget-friendly: Wild Rover Huacachina
• Middle: Ecocamp Huacachina
• Luxury: Hotel El Huacachinero 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Important Tips To Stay Safe In Huacachina Peru

Here are some expert tips to keep your trip memorable:

• Huacachina is pretty safe to visit, but price scams can be something you need to deal with. If you exchange dollars for soles, make sure that you’re getting the right amount.
• Make sure to bring cash, as most businesses don’t accept cards. 
• Spend at least 2 days in Huacachina to get the most out of this paradise in the desert.
• The desert climate can be extremely dry and hot. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• When exploring the surrounding dunes and remote areas, it’s safer to travel in groups rather than alone.
• Follow any guidelines or directions provided for your activities to avoid accidents or getting lost.
• Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and dress in light, long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin from harsh sun rays.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Huacachina Peru

What Does Huacachina Mean in English?

Huacachina is a village in southwestern Peru. The word Huacachina means “weeping woman” in English. 

According to the legend, the lake was formed by the tears of a beautiful green-eyed woman who wept for the loss of her beloved.

Is Huacachina Worth Visiting?

Huacachina is a great place to experience the cold desert. It has some great accommodation options for spending some days in the desert. 

It is recommended to stay at least 2 days to get the most out of Huacachina’s paradise.

Why Is Huacachina Famous?

Huacachina is famous for its amazing views and location. However, many tourists love to visit this place for sandboarding, which makes their visit to Peru unique and memorable.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Huacachina?

Depending on the number of days or hours you visit, Huacachina would cost around 38 PEN ($10) for an hour-long tour. The transport you choose to visit also affects the overall cost of the tour. 

Conclusion – Huacachina Peru

When you travel to South America, we recommend embarking on an unforgettable journey to Huacachina and discovering the breathtaking scenery of Peru. Huacachina is a must-see for adventurous travelers, with plenty of treks to explore the high-altitude mountains and archaeological sites to discover in Cusco. 

You can even go on an excursion to raft through the rapids of the lush rainforest. The diverse range of flora and fauna in Peru, from the lost city of Machu Picchu to the expansive Amazon basin, will amaze you.

For those who love surfing, the unique geography of Huacachina is a must-see. Imagine a natural lake oasis surrounded by vast desert dunes, a true paradise for surf enthusiasts. Take a break from the wilderness and explore the local village of 100 “guardians of the lake,” where you can find unique souvenirs to bring home.

Whether you choose to hike, explore archaeological sites, or surf in Huacachina, this destination should not be missed. Departed travelers will always remember the stunning views and exhilarating adventures that await them in this magnificent country.

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, be sure to include Huacachina on your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

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