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Oasis · Ica, Ica
Huacachina
Oasis with a lagoon surrounded by palm trees and dunes over 100 m high, 5 km from the center of Ica, from where buggy and sandboard tours into the desert depart, with the sunset from the top of the dunes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Huacachina
Huacachina is a small oasis about 5 km from the center of Ica, in the middle of a field of sand dunes. Around the lagoon, with green waters, there are palm trees, a boardwalk and a small village of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants that can be walked in a few minutes. The surrounding dunes exceed 100 meters in height.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Huacachina was a resort frequented by the Peruvian elite, who attributed healing powers to the waters and the lagoon's mud. From that time some mansions and the boardwalk remain. The lagoon, which nearly dried up, is now maintained with pumped water. Local legend says it was born from the tears of a princess, who lives at the bottom transformed into a mermaid.
The most popular excursion is the buggy ride across the dunes, with stops to go down on a sandboard, a board that slides on the sand, lying down or standing up. Tours usually depart in the late afternoon to finish with the sunset from the top of the dunes, with the oasis and Ica in the background. It is also possible to climb the nearest dune on foot, about a 20-minute ascent through sand.
The sun is strong and the sand gets very hot in the middle of the day. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water, and wear clothes that can get filled with sand.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours with the buggy and sandboard tour; longer for those who stay overnight at the oasis.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with the buggy tours that end at sunset, and early in the morning to climb the dune on foot before the heat. From December to April the heat is strongest around midday.
How to get there
It is about 5 km from the center of Ica, 10 minutes by taxi or mototaxi. Buggy tours depart from agencies around the lagoon.
Tip
Choose the late-afternoon buggy tour and ask the driver to go slowly if you're afraid of heights. Those who prefer no engine can climb the dune behind the lagoon on foot early in the morning.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Huacachina
Is the buggy ride in Huacachina extreme?
It's bumpy, with steep ups and downs on the dunes. Tell the driver if you want a calmer ride. Those who prefer no thrills can climb the dune on foot.
Can you swim in the lagoon?
In general it is not allowed or recommended. The lagoon is kept with pumped water and serves mainly as scenery. Some hotels have pools.
Is it worth staying overnight in Huacachina?
It's worth it for those who want the sunset and sunrise on the dunes. At night, the oasis has bars and activity, especially on weekends.