Huacachina, Peru: Everything you need to Know

Surrounded by layers of sand dunes, this picturesque destination is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

With so much time spent exploring the mountains of Peru, this desert oasis is a much desired change of scenery. Sure, it’s a tourist hotspot, but despite this, we can’t shake off the fact that we had so much fun here.

Two people sat on a dune buggy in Huacachina, Peru.

The Legend of Huacachina

Huacachina isn't just your average desert oasis; it's a place of wonder.

Legend has it that the oasis was created by a beautiful Inca princess. She had wept so profusely, that her tears collectively formed the lagoon. The sand dunes then emerged as she fled from a persistent suitor.

Whether you believe the legend or not, the reality is just as enchanting.

HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO EXPLORE Huacachina?

Most travellers will spend no more than 2 days in the desert oasis, as it tends to serve as a quick stop off location.

Huacachina is a small village full of restaurants, hostels, and souvenir shops. It can be explored by foot in an hour or so.

The main attraction of course, is the dunes that surround the village. You will need to spend at least a night here if you fancy getting involved in the different activities on offer, such as sand boarding and horse riding.

It is also important to note that Huacachina is actually located next to the city of Ica, and it is here where you will be dropped off when travelling to Huacachina.

We decided to use Ica as our base for a couple of days, mainly because we wanted to have a little rest. We have to admit, that there was very little to do in Ica, but we were ok with that.

Dune buggy tours

While simply soaking in the beauty of Huacachina is an experience in itself, there's no shortage of activities to get your adrenaline pumping.

Now, let's talk about the main event - the dune buggy tours. If there's one thing you absolutely cannot miss in Huacachina, it's this exhilarating adventure through the desert.

Picture yourself strapped into a rugged buggy, tearing through the sandy terrain as your driver navigates the towering dunes with precision and skill.

One fun fact that we learnt was that the drivers actually don’t drive as fast as it seems. Despite this, it genuinely feels like you’re strapped into a fast paced rollercoaster.

As well as cruising, you will also have the opportunity to sand board down multiple dunes. We actually thought our driver was great, and allowed us to slide down dune after dune.

He also allowed us to take our time, and made various stops for photo opportunities of the desert landscape.

Towards the end of the activity, you will most likely stick around to watch sunset cast a golden glow over the dunes. It’s a beautiful and unforgettable experience (queue Star Wars music).

Two people having a photo pin the sand dunes of Huacachina, Peru.

How Much Does the activity Costs and Where to Book?

Now, I know what you're thinking – is this going to break the bank?

Fear not, fellow traveller, because dune buggy tours in Huacachina are surprisingly affordable.

Prices can vary depending on the season and the tour operator, but you can generally expect to pay around $30 to $50 USD per person for a standard three-hour tour.

As for where to book, you'll find no shortage of tour operators in Huacachina. Simply stroll around the main plaza, and you'll be bombarded with offers for dune buggy tours.

Feel free to shop around and compare prices, but rest assured that most operators offer a similar experience. It is important to do your research about a company beforehand - you want to make sure that they have experienced and qualified drivers!

We ended up booking with Guia 2 through our hotel in Ica, costing us $33 USD (121 PEN / £26 GBP) per person. This tour included a short stroll around Huacachina to learn about its history, followed by a 3-hour buggy tour, including a spectacular view of the sunset.

Where to Stay

There’s an array of accommodation options in Huacachina. From party hostels to the quieter budget friendly options.

Although most recommend staying in Huacachina, we actually stayed in the neighbouring town of Ica. There were more options within our budget in Ica, and it was only a short tuk-tuk ride away.

We stayed at the Serenity Hotel & Lodge, which ended up being the perfect little escape from the touristy centre of Huacachina. The hotel has a swimming pool and a delicious restaurant, so we’d highly recommend staying here.

We ended up staying at Serenity for a total of 6 nights - which is surprising to most. However, after being on the road for a month, we were in need of a rest.

Where to Eat?

If you’ve followed our blogs so far, or you know us personally, you’ll know good food is a priority for us whilst travelling.

Huacachina is a tourist hotspot and therefore not the place to go for an exceptional Peruvian culinary experience.

Locals even told us that Huacachina was pretty useless for restaurants.

You’ll find most restaurants in town serve the classic burger and pasta, which is more than fine when you’re starving after a day on the dunes.

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional and unique, we highly recommend checking out Serenity Hotel & Lodge.

We can honestly say that it was some of the best traditional Peruvian food we had in our month in Peru. Be sure to try the Lomo Saltado & Tacu Tacu.

Traditional Peruvian food Lomo Saltado and taku taku.

Safety

We felt extremely safe during our time in Huacachina and Ica. Take the usual precautions, such as looking after your belongings and not wandering around late at night.

So, there you have it – everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Huacachina, Peru. From thrilling dune buggy tours to tranquil moments by the oasis, this desert paradise has something for everyone. Huacachina awaits!

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