How to Visit Huacachina Desert Oasis, Peru

How to Visit Huacachina Desert Oasis, Peru

Huacachina is a unique desert oasis in Peru, surrounded by the highest sand dunes in South America.

Wondering what to do in Huacachina, Peru?

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and sunrises, discover the sand dunes, join a buggy tour, or go sandboarding. Huacachina is one of the best tourist destinations in Peru, so you can’t miss it on your Peru Itinerary.

This ultimate guide to visiting Huacachina includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Huacachina, Ica, Peru.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Huacachina

Huacachina is a village built around a small oasis surrounded by sand dunes in southwestern Peru.

Huacachina is just 15 minutes from the city of Ica, about 5 hours from Lima, and 1.5 hours from Paracas.

Best Time to Visit Huacachina, Peru

Huacachina has a desert climate, and the weather is generally hot and sunny with little rainfall.

Huacachina can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit Peru is from May to October.

During the day, temperatures can be between 25-30°C, and the night/early morning temperatures can fall to around 10°C, so it is recommended to bring layers!

TIP
We suggest you choose accommodation with a pool in Huacachina.

See also → What to Do in Lima

How to Get to Huacachina, Peru

There is no airport in Huacachina and Ica. The nearest airport is in Lima, the capital of Peru, the Jorge Chavez International Airport (airport code LIM).

Most international flights arrive in Lima, where you can start your Peru Itinerary.

TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Lima, Peru.

We traveled from Paracas directly to Huacachina by Peru Hop (hop-on, hop-off bus system).

Keep reading → Best Places to Visit in Peru

The easiest way to get to Huacachina, Peru, is by bus. Most people travel to Huacachina from Lima, Paracas, Ica, or Nazca. You can easily book your bus tickets online!

Getting around Huacachina is easy as all the attractions are a short distance away.

Good to know
If you want to reach Huacachina by public bus from Lima, we recommend the Cruz del Sur bus company. Get Bus Tickets here.

But since there is no direct bus, you will need to take a taxi from Ica to Huacachina after arrival.

Is Huacachina Safe?

Yes, Huacachina is generally safe. However, always keep an eye on your valuables and beware of pickpockets!

When climbing the sand dunes, especially during the day, bring enough water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen.

Good to know
There are only 2 ATMs in Huacachina, and some places do not accept bank cards or charge from 8% to 12% extra. So we recommend that you bring enough local cash (Soles)!

Best things to do in Huacachina, Peru

1. Enjoy a Sunset over Peru’s Desert Oasis

Huacachina is famous for its beautiful sunsets and dune activities. Finish your first day in Huacachina with a perfect sunset experience.

The viewpoint offers the most beautiful view of the desert oasis of Huacachina. It takes 15-30 minutes to reach the viewpoint, and the way down is even faster.

GPS coordinates: ( -14.084758, -75.766156 )

TIP
Bring enough water with you! As small sand storms may happen, you should take sunglass and a light scarf to protect your eyes and mouth.

Make the most of your visit and book a combined tour of Huacachina and Paracas through Viator. This tour is one of the most reviewed, so you will not be disappointed.

Recommended post → Ultimate Peru Itinerary

2. Take a Dune Buggy Tour

Are you looking for an adventure activity in Huacachina, Peru? The most popular things to do in Huacachina are the dune buggy tours and sandboarding.

Because you can easily get injured while sandboarding, ask for advice on how to sit or stand (safely) while sliding.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

In Huacachina, dune buggy tours usually start at 4 PM! You can easily book a 2-hour sandboarding and buggy tour via GetYourGuide.

3. Climb up the Sand Dunes

The highest sand dunes in South America offer the perfect backdrop for creative content. We recommend you start your day early in the morning and hike up the sand dunes.

As sunset watching is a popular activity in Huacachina, you can avoid the crowds at sunrise and enjoy a walk on the sand dunes without the heat.

Keep reading → Best Things to Do in Paracas

Good to know
In the mornings, the weather is cool and windy in Huacachina, and walking on the sand is cold.

If you have a drone, bring it with you because the views from above are stunningly beautiful.

See also → How to Visit Machu Picchu

4. Rent a Paddle Boat

Take a walk around Huacachina Oasis. It is allowed to swim in the lagoon in Huacachina. But we recommend swimming in the pools of your hotel or renting a paddle boat and spending some time on the lake.

Renting a paddle boat is one of the best things to do for families or couples in Huacachina. Boats are available for rent on the lake shore.

Good to know
Huacachina is the perfect place for paragliding.

More about Peru → Cusco Itinerary

5. Take a Pisco Vineyard Tour

One of the best things to do in Peru is take the Pisco Vineyard Tour, just a 20-minute drive from Huacachina.

We enjoyed this experience, learned more about how Pisco is made, and sampled different flavors of red wines and Peruvian liqueurs.

Did you know that Pisco is the national drink of Peru?

TIP
Book a full-day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina, which includes the Pisco Vineyard tour HERE.

Where to Eat in Huacachina

There are not a lot of good places to eat in Huacachina, but these are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Huacachina, Peru

• Wild Olive Trattoria & Guest House (Italian restaurant with delicious pasta and pizza)
• Bananas Adventure Hostel Huacachina (The best falafel, hamburger, and fruit salads)
• La Casa de Bamboo (Fantastic cocktails during happy hour and tasty food)
• Harvest Coffeehouse (One of the best restaurants with healthy food in Ica) – If you have a rental car or stay in Ica, Peru.

Where to Stay in Huacachina

Although Huacachina is a small village, accommodation options are available for all budgets.

If you have a rental car, you can stay in Ica, 15 minutes away, but we think Huacachina is a better choice.

TIP
In high season we strongly recommend booking accommodation in advance.

Best hotels in Huacachina, Peru

• Luxury: Ecocamp Huacachina
• Mid-Range: Banana’s Adventure Hostel Huacachina
• Budget: Wild Rover Huacachina

How many Days do you Need in Huacachina, Peru?

Most people only spend 1 day in Huacachina, but we recommend you stay at least 2 days. Because this will give you enough time to explore the sand dunes at your own pace, try the adventure activities, and enjoy the magnificent sunrises or sunsets.

Are you spending limited time in Peru but want to make the most of your visit? Book the best 6-day Peru Tour, including a visit to Machu Picchu.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Huacachina will help you plan your next trip to Peru. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

RECOMMENDED POSTS

7 Best Things to Do in Paracas, Peru

In this post, you will find the best things to do in Paracas, as well…

Read More

Where to Stay in Cusco: Best Areas and Hotels

Wondering where to stay in Cusco? In this post, we’ll show you the best areas…

Read More

Where to Stay in Lima: Best Areas and Hotels

Wondering where to stay in Lima, Peru? In this post, we’ll show you the best…

Read More