Huacachina is one of those places that became world-famous thanks to social media. The contrast between the palm-fringed oasis and the giant dunes that protect it in the middle of the Ica desert makes it look like something out of a postcard.
However, visiting the oasis was interesting and quite different from what I expected. It's a very touristy place with a unique atmosphere.
In this post I'm going to tell you how to get there from Lima, what to do, and why it's a place I wouldn't return to many times, although I did find it interesting to visit.
Table of Contents
Where is the Huacachina oasis located?
The Huacachina oasis is located in the Ica region, south of Lima, on the desert coast of Peru. It is only 5 km from the city of Ica, which makes most travelers first arrive in Ica and from there take a taxi or motorcycle taxi to the oasis.
The oasis is surrounded by giant sand dunes, which form a small valley where the palm-fringed lake is located. This location in the middle of the desert, next to the city of Ica, creates a unique contrast: on the one hand, the natural beauty and tranquility of the desert, and on the other, the proximity to urban infrastructure, which includes hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies.
Thanks to its strategic location, Huacachina has become a highly accessible tourist destination from Lima and other cities in southern Peru, and is a common stopping point on routes to Arequipa or Paracas.
How to get to Huacachina from Lima
To get to Huacachina from Lima, the first thing you need to do is travel to Ica, the closest city to the oasis. Huacachina is only 5 km from Ica, about 10 minutes by taxi or motorcycle taxi, so there are no direct buses from Lima to the oasis.
From the capital, several buses leave daily for Ica from the terminals of the main companies:
- Cruz del Sur: they depart from their terminal in Javier Prado (see on map) and also from the Atocongo station. They are the most comfortable and safe, with 1st and 2nd class services.
- PerúBus: departs from the Av. México station in La Victoria (see on map), with more daily frequency and cheaper prices, although less comfortable.
The journey takes between 4 and 5 hours, depending on traffic and the company chosen. Once at the Ica terminal, it's easy to take a taxi or motorcycle taxi to Huacachina for a low cost (about 8–10 soles).
In my case, I made Huacachina a stop on the way to Arequipa. This combination is quite practical since buses depart from Ica to several cities in the south of the country.
What to do in Ica?
Ica isn't typically a city that attracts many travelers, as most pass through solely with the intention of reaching the Huacachina Oasis. However, if you want to take advantage of your stopover and discover a little more of what the area has to offer, the highlights include:
- The wine and pisco cellars, where you can learn about the production process and sample Peru's national drink.
- You can also visit the Ica Regional Museum, which exhibits archaeological pieces from the Paracas, Nasca and Chincha cultures.
What to do in the Huacachina oasis
Buggy and sandboarding tours
The Huacachina oasis is famous for its buggy tours and sandboarding. These rides zoom up and down the dunes, an experience more like a desert roller coaster than a leisurely stroll.
Most tours include several stops for sandboarding, which can be done standing up like a snowboard, or lying face down, which is the most common and easiest way.
Tours usually last around 1.5 to 2 hours, and the most recommended departure is in the afternoon, because it ends at the top of the dunes to see the sunset over the desert, one of the most magical moments of the place.
Free activities at the Huacachina Oasis
Besides the buggy tours and sandboarding, one of the best things to do in Huacachina is simply to hike the dunes that surround the oasis.
Although the climb can be somewhat challenging due to the loose sand, the reward is spectacular panoramic views of the desert, the small lake, and the village from above.
You can also take advantage of the opportunity to watch the sunset, when the sky turns orange and the landscape becomes even more photogenic.
Another quieter option is to walk around the oasis, relax on its shores with a picnic, or have a drink on a terrace overlooking the dunes.
Of course, when you are walking on your own it is important to be very cautious. The buggies that travel through the area tend to travel at high speed and without a clearly defined route, so they can appear from any direction. So it's a good idea to be alert and keep an eye on where vehicles are traveling to avoid accidents.
Tour prices
The price of buggy and sandboard tours varies, but averages around 15 to 25 USD per person. It's a good idea to ask around, as there are plenty of agencies in the oasis itself, and the difference between them is usually minimal.
There is also a small conservation fee to enter the dune area, which on my visit was 4 soles.
My experience at the Huacachina oasis
My visit to the oasis left me with mixed feelings: on the one hand, it's undeniable that the place is very photogenic, especially if you climb to the top of the dunes and look down on the oasis and the desert. However, the atmosphere itself wasn't so pleasant.
The constant noise of the buggies, which travel the dunes all day long, along with the concentration of tourists in such a small space, greatly detract from the charm one imagines when looking at the photos on Instagram.
Furthermore, the oasis is right next to the city of Ica, which isn't pretty, which somewhat breaks with the romantic idea of the "isolated oasis in the middle of the desert."
Therefore, I think Huacachina is worth it if you are just passing through or if you want to ride the buggies and sandboard, but I don't consider it a destination to stay for a long time.
Tips for visiting the Huacachina oasis
- Visit time: Half a day is enough to explore the oasis, climb the dunes, and take a buggy tour.
- Best time: I recommend the afternoon to enjoy the sunset from the dunes.
- Where to sleep: Although there are hostels and hotels around the lake, many travelers prefer to stay in Ica and only go to Huacachina for the day.
How to combine Paracas and Huacachina in the same getaway
If you're traveling from Lima and want to make the most of your time on the south coast, Paracas and Huacachina can easily be combined into a 2-day trip or even a quick 1.5-day getaway, depending on your priorities.
Day 1: Paracas and National Reserve
An early departure from Lima allows you to reach Paracas in about 3 to 3.5 hours by bus. Once there, the ideal thing to do is visit the Paracas National Reserve, where you can see desert landscapes by the sea, impressive cliffs, and reddish sand beaches.
You can also take excursions to the Ballestas Islands to observe sea lions, penguins and birds. The afternoon can be spent strolling through the small town of Paracas and enjoying the coast.
Day 2: Huacachina
From Paracas, Huacachina is about 60 km away (approximately 1 hour by bus or taxi), so it's easy to get there early in the morning. As I mentioned before, the experience is very photogenic, although more touristy and noisy than it appears in photos.
After touring Huacachina, you can return directly to Lima by bus from Ica, which completes the getaway.
Tips for organizing your getaway
- If you only have one day, it's best to choose one of the two destinations: Paracas for nature and marine life, Huacachina for desert landscapes and dune adventures.
- Book buses or transportation in advance, especially during peak season (December to March).
My thoughts
Huacachina was interesting and photogenic, but my impressions were mixed. The oasis is beautiful, especially from the top of the dunes, but the noise of the buggies and the crowded tours detract from its charm.
Furthermore, being close to the city of Ica, it loses some of the desert magic one imagines when looking at photos. Still, if you're passing through to Arequipa or the south, it's worth a visit, even if it's just for half a day.
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