Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian desert, Huacachina is a dreamlike oasis that feels plucked from a storybook. Surrounded by towering golden sand dunes, this tiny village is built around a tranquil, palm-fringed lagoon, once believed to have healing properties. Known as the “Oasis of the Americas,” Huacachina offers a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Visitors can race across the dunes in high-speed sand buggies, try their hand at sandboarding, or simply unwind with breathtaking sunset views. It’s a unique destination where the stark beauty of the desert meets the charm of a hidden retreat. Before you travel here, be sure to check out our ultimate guide about Huacachina below!
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How do I get to Huacachina?
Our recommended way of getting to Huacachina is by bus as there is no major airport at Ica.
From Lima or Paracas
The best way to get from Lima or Paracas is by bus. The most recommended company is Cruz Del Sur, which is the flagship long-haul bus company in Peru. To understand all your options, look at BusBud for all your Peru bus travel needs. The travel time is approximately 4-5 hours in length and costs 45-60 Peruvian Soles.
From Arequipa
The best way to get from Lima to Huaraz is by bus. The most recommended company is Cruz Del Sur, which is the flagship long-haul bus company in Peru. To understand all your options, look at BusBud for all your Peru bus travel needs. The travel time is approximately 12 hours and 50 minutes in length and costs 100 Peruvian Soles. To save money and avoid wasting a day we would recommend taking an overnight bus so you can spend the bulk of your time sleeping.
What is the best time to travel to Huacachina?
The best time to visit Huacachina, is during the dry season, from May to September. This period offers warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like sandboarding, dune buggying, and exploring the oasis. Temperatures are comfortable, especially in the afternoons, and the desert nights are cool but pleasant. While Huacachina can be visited year-round, the shoulder months of April and October are also good options, with slightly fewer tourists and still enjoyable weather.
Where should I stay in Huacachina?
Hostels
Our recommendation is to book through HostelWorld. HostelWorld is the most popular platform for backpackers to book hostels on, with a comprehensive list and hundreds of thousands of reviews, you will find a community that fits with you easier than anywhere else.
Hotels
Huacachina is not just a backpackers destination, there are also plenty of hotels that you can book for yourselves or your family.
If you’re looking to book a hotel, you will find the most comprehensive list of hotels on booking.com.
Where are the best places to eat in Huacachina?
Please note as the Oasis can be considered extremely touristy (it is not a place where locals live, unlike Ica) and as such please note the prices will be closer to western prices than what you might see in other areas of Peru.
What are the activities I can do in Huacachina?
Huacachina is a paradise for adventure seekers and those looking to soak in the desert’s serene beauty. The main draw is sandboarding, where visitors can glide down the towering dunes on boards, from beginner-friendly slopes to heart-pounding drops. For an adrenaline rush, hop into one of the iconic sand buggies for a wild ride across the vast, undulating dunes. These powerful vehicles zip up steep slopes, plunge down dramatic inclines, and provide a roller-coaster-like experience in the desert, making it a must-try for thrill-seekers.
For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll around the picturesque lagoon, said to have mythical healing properties, or enjoy a paddleboat ride to soak in the oasis ambiance. Don’t miss the sunset views from the top of the dunes, where the golden sands and vibrant skies create an unforgettable panorama. In the evening, unwind at local restaurants or around a campfire with starry skies above. Whether you’re chasing thrills or tranquillity, Huacachina delivers a unique blend of both.
What would be a good itinerary for Huacachina?
While Huacachina has so much to offer, so does the rest of Peru! We don’t want you to overstay here as you can really get the big ticket items out of the way in over 2 days. Our 1-night recommendation is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive at Huacachina
As we have said previously, you’re most likely going to be travelling from Paracas or Lima to Huacachina. Its recommended you get here by mid-morning to give yourself plenty of time to explore!
You will arrive at the Ica bus station where you can get a taxi (they might be forward in trying to get your attention but they are totally safe). Remember, always get the price of the trip before getting in the car. After a 15 minute or so taxi ride you will come around a bend and there will be Huacachina seated between 2 massive dunes!
Spend the day around the lagoon
Once you have arrived and had a chance to put your bags down, make sure you spend some time walking around the Oasis and get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants lining the water. Just as a note, if you are used to eating at local eateries in places like Lima or other cities, expect to pay a tourism tax at these establishments, nothing comes cheap in this tourist hotspot!
If you want to do a bit more than walking around the Oasis, then you can also take a peddle boat ride for about 20 Soles ($5.46) for two people.
Sandboarding and Buggy Rides for Sunset
The must do activity in Huacachina. Coming on to the late afternoon, you will be ready for you buggy ride and sandboarding! We recommend booking this before hand in the link for peace of mind but you can also book at your accommodation as soon as you arrive. You’ll meet at the agreed upon point with your group before heading up the dunes to your buggy, where you will also be given a toboggan (or if more experienced a Sand board).
Once your group is ready, you’ll be off on an adrenaline filled adventure going over the dunes at a blistering pace. The thrills of the buggy ride will be broken up with dunes to sand board down, and they will get progressively larger as you go. Once you have had your fill of sand boarding, you’ll make your way to a lookout for a stunning sunset over the desert.
Arrive back at Oasis for more views
After your sunset, you’ll be treated to one last rollercoaster of a buggy ride back to Huacachina. By this time there will be a bit of light left to take in some views over the Oasis at twilight. When you’re ready, make your way back into the town for dinner, drinks and depending on how you feel, bedtime or party time.
Day 2: Paragliding (Optional)
Depart from Ica Bus Station
As it is time to say goodbye to Huacachina, take a taxi from where you were dropped off to the Ica bus station and from there you can continue on your next adventure!
We hope you enjoyed our article about Peru’s most stunning Oasis and gained some ideas for your own itinerary. If you’re travelling to Peru, make sure you check out some of our other articles below:
The Hard Truth About the Salkantay Trek
Our Essential Guide to the Colca Canyon
Ultimate Guide to Huaraz: The Latin America’s Hiking Capital