Huacachina: Peru’s Desert Oasis
You’ve probably seen pictures of this tiny village all over Instagram. Surrounded with the highest sand dunes in South America, centred by a green lagoon and palm trees. Huacachina is a great place to slow down and recharge but it’s unique landscape also offers adrenaline seekers some unique experiences.
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Things to do in Huacachina
Sandboarding
How many places can you go and say you have boarded down a sand dune?
There are two ways to go about sandboarding in Huacachina: hiring equipment from a rental company or going on a sandboarding tour.
There are three different types of equipment available to rent:
- Sandboard: best for sitting on or laying on your stomach.
- Snowboard with boots
- Sand skis with boots and poles
The equipment can be rent by the hour or for a (half) day. With tours only operating for a limited amount of time, renting equipment will allow you to board as long as your heart desires.
Top tip: You can also go on a sandboarding and dune buggy tour… perfect for those who do not want to have to walk back up the dune after boarding down!
Dune Buggy Tour
The Dune Buggy’s are not for the faint-hearted, but it was one of my highlights of Peru.
The best way I can describe riding in the buggy is it is like a roller coaster. Speeding over the dunes will get the adrenaline pumping and with drops appearing out of nowhere, you will be screaming the whole way round.
Top tip: Make sure you choice a tour that departs in time to watch the sunset.
Boating
As beautiful as the lagoon is, I would not recommend swimming in it. However, there are pedalos available to rent.
Pisco Tasting
The home of Pisco, Peru’s national drink is made in Ica, just outside Huacachina.
Pisco is a brandy made from distilling grape. With a tour you can learn about how Pisco is made and then have the opportunity to taste it!
We went to Pisco Nietto and were able to try a few different wines and piscos, including different flavoured “crema”.
How to get to Huacachina
By Bus
There is only really one way to get to Huacachina and that is via bus:
Peru Hop is the only bus company that runs a bus service directly into Huacachina.
Alternatively you need to get a bus to the town of Ica and then take a taxi into Huacachina.
Where to Eat in Huacachina
Honestly I was disappointed with the food options available, however there are a couple of places worth going to:
- Wild Olive: Italian restaurant with excellent pizza.
- Desert Nights Hostel: serves a variety of food with a lovely view of the lagoon.
- La Casa De Bamboo: good burgers and plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.
Where to Stay in Huacachina
- For a unique experience: Ecocamp Huacachina, with your own tent (think glamping) and pool complete with a swim-up bar.
- For the party goers: Wild Rover Huacachina, with a pool and bar playing music late into the night.
- For couples: DM Hotel Mossone, centrally located with a nice pool, enormous beds and a great breakfast.
Top tip: being a desert the weather is always warm (it was in the high 20s when we were there in the winter!) so I highly recommend you book somewhere with a pool if you are choosing to stay the night.
