Huacachina
A Small Natural Lagoon In The Ica Desert Surrounded By Dunes Up To About 100 M High, Known For Dune Buggy Rides And Sandboarding. A Popular Stop On The South Coast Route Between Paracas, Ica And Nazca; Dune Tours Leave From The Village. · Ica, Ica
Huacachina is a small desert oasis village on the south coast of Peru, about 5 km from the city of Ica, built around a green lagoon and ringed by sand dunes up to about 100 m high. It is a backpacker stop on the route between Lima, Paracas and Nazca, and most people come for dune-buggy rides, sandboarding and a sunset walk up the dunes. Be honest with yourself about what you are getting. The village is tiny and touristy, with hostels, pools, bars and restaurants, and it is not an authentic Peruvian town. The lagoon is a small pond with pedal boats, and it is shrinking because groundwater is pumped nearby, so the oasis is now partly kept up by people. The dunes themselves are the real draw, and they are impressive. Buggy rides are fun but rough, and accidents do happen, so choose your operator with care. Plan one night or a long afternoon, bring sun protection and keep sand out of your camera. Go in the cooler months if you can, and do not expect solitude, since sunset on the main dune is shared with many people.
Desert oasis village ringed by tall sand dunes, about 5 km from the city of Ica on the south coast, Ica, Ica, Peru
The village and the dunes are open all day, every day of the year, and walking up the dune for sunset is FREE. Buggy and sandboarding operators run tours mainly in the morning and afternoon, with a late-afternoon departure for sunset. Offices and restaurants keep their own hours, and many bars stay open late. Confirm times with your operator.