The Huacachina oasis, whose name in Quechua means “crying woman”, is one of the most surprising destinations in Peru. Located just 5 hours from Lima and only 15 minutes from the city of Ica, this place is famous for being the only natural oasis in South America. Its waters are surrounded by tall dunes, considered the largest on the continent, and a natural environment where palms, huarangos, birds, and small animals live together, who have been able to adapt to the desert conditions.
In addition to its landscapes, the Huacachina Lagoon also has a wide variety of activities for travelers. Among the most popular are sandboarding and dune buggy rides, which allow you to slide at high speed down the dunes and have an experience full of adrenaline. It is also an excellent starting point to visit other tourist attractions in the Ica region, such as the Nazca lines, the Paracas National Reserve, or the wineries where Peruvian pisco and wine are produced.
This oasis has also been declared a Regional Conservation Area, as its biodiversity requires protection: from the fish that live in the lagoon to the migratory birds that rest on its shores. Today, Huacachina is considered an essential destination for those traveling to the south of Peru.
History of Huacachina
This oasis was formed thanks to a current of underground water, which generated the growth of plants and trees in the middle of the Ica desert. Efforts are currently being made to preserve the oasis and help conserve vegetation, such as palm trees, eucalyptus and carob trees. Huacachina, as the only natural oasis in the region, has been one of the favorite tourist destinations of Peruvians and foreigners for decades. In the 1960s it was a famous spa, it had houses, hotels, a boardwalk around the lagoon and even a spa. Today, Huacachina is visited by hundreds of travelers who come to enjoy sand dune tours, sandboarding, and experience Huacachina's famous nightlife. It's a very small town but it has a fantastic vibe. It has a warm climate, friendly people, dreamy sunsets and is also fortunate to have a beautiful oasis in the desert.
The Legend of Huacachina
It is said that the oasis originated from the tears shed by a maiden from the town of Tacara who mourned the death of her lover, a young Inca warrior. After crying for days and nights, the lagoon was created, until one day before nightfall a warrior passed by the lagoon and witnessed the woman. Feeling watched, the young woman threw herself into the water to hide for hours. When the warrior left her, she tried to get out of it and soon realized that she had transformed into a mermaid. The young maiden's name was Huacachina. Legend has it that every night of the Full Moon, the young woman leaves the lagoon to continue mourning her loved one who died in war.
How to get to Huacachina?
Where Huacachina is: It is located in Ica, 5 hours from Lima, and can only be accessed by traveling by land. To find the perfect bus company for your trip, check out our How to Get to Huacachina page! Alternatively, you can take short trips from Lima that allow you to enjoy the best of Huacachina for 1, 2 or 3 days, with an included trip back to Lima.
What to do in Huacachina?
Huacachina is a beautiful oasis with much to do and visit in the surrounding area. Beyond the lagoon, there are truly unforgettable activities that you should not miss on your visit to Huacachina. Below, we present some of the activities you can do in this magical place.
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Sandboarding or sandskiing
This activity is the most requested by visitors. It consists of getting on a board and jumping from dunes of up to one hundred meters. An experienced instructor will always be present providing the necessary instructions and the appropriate equipment. You can sit, lie down or, if you are someone with an adventurous spirit, you can do it standing up on the board. For those who don't feel safe, there is even the option of sliding accompanied by someone else.
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Boating
While you row or pedal, you will enjoy the calm of the place and the gentle breeze of the wind. In addition, you will appreciate the biodiversity that surrounds this oasis, the different types of trees and the various species of birds that live in the area, such as, for example, the huaco heron, which in recent years has significantly increased its presence in Huacachina.
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Picnic in the desert
A very particular activity that offers the possibility of enjoying a relaxed day in the middle of the beautiful dunes and the oasis. It is essential to bring a picnic basket with your favorite foods and drinks. You can also bring some games or activities to entertain yourself while you relax and enjoy the moment.
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See the sunset from the dunes
Watching the sunset from the dunes of Huacachina is an unmissable experience. Watching the sun set as the sky turns warm colors produces a feeling of peace and tranquility, creating the perfect atmosphere for a moment of relaxation, reflection and even romance.
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Horseback riding
This is a lovely and relaxing experience. It is an ideal activity for those who want to explore the beautiful landscape of the dunes and the oasis in a calmer and more leisurely way and seek to be in direct contact with nature. As the sun disappears, the lights in the venues around the lagoon come on and the scene is completely transformed. Mysticism and mystery are left aside for a moment to give way to party and hubbub. The nightlife that exists in the Huacachina lagoon is also a must for visitors.
