If you think that exotic oasis only exist in Arabian deserts, so think twice! We invite you to know the only natural oasis in South America; we refer to Huacachina. And you have a reason; it is in the same country as Machu Picchu.
Its visit is one of the best things to do in Peru. Exotic palm trees, mansions, hotels, and exquisite restaurants surround it. Of course, a day trip from Lima will be enough. However, we recommend two days to enjoy it.
Thus, together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru, we have prepared an article about this wonderful place.
All about visiting Huacachina Oasis in the best form
- Overview
- The legend
- What to do
- What to wear
- How to get to Huacachina
- Best time to visit
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
Overview
Huacachina oasis is in the middle of a desert. 307 Km from south of Lima and 5 km to the west of Ica city. This is a small lagoon (oasis) fed by subway aquifers that seep through the sand. This fact promotes the growth of carob trees, eucalyptus, and palms around it.
The oasis water has temperatures around 25 – 30 degrees during the year. In addition, its extension is about 2 acres.
Its name has two possible derivations of Quechua words. Huaccac Cachi (The one who cries salt). The other meaning can be Huaccacchine (I make you cry).
Of course, the desert oasis has become one of the best destinations for enjoying summer in Peru.
The legend
At the main entrance to the Oasis, there is a statue of a mermaid and a wishing well. This reminds us of the story in ancient times.
One day, an Inca princess appreciated her beauty in her mirror. But when she noticed the reflection of a hunter who was observing her, she fled from him. So, she threw away her mirror, and the broken pieces formed an oasis.
Next, she dropped her dresses and created dunes around the oasis. She uses the oasis water to hide, eventually transforming into a mermaid with a huge fin. Legend says she comes out on full moon nights to make singles fall in love and take them to her lagoon depth.
Others affirm that an Inca princess mourned the death of his beloved warrior. Her tears fell on the sand and quickly became a small pool (oasis). When she noticed that a hunter spied on her, she plunged into an oasis, hiding from him and becoming a mermaid.
What to do
1. Sandboarding
Many consider it a variant of snowboarding. The only difference is that instead of sliding on snow, we slide down the sand. And depending on your experience on the board, you can enjoy different levels of difficulty.
Even the little ones can slide their own if they wish. The more basic form consists of sliding and lying face down over the board. Either way, as long as you follow your travel agency’s safety guidelines, you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself.
The cost of a sandboarding activity can go from $35 to $50, and the experience lasts 01 hour.
2. Dune Buggy
This dune buggy tour consists of a wonderful four-wheel buggy ride through a vast Huacachina desert, climbing giant sand dunes, and then speeding down. The dune buggy rides combine sandboarding and dune buggy!
Most of these tours last approximately 1 hour and are fairly accessible. In the last lap, you reach the top of a dune. Then, you throw yourself onto your board at full speed, enjoying the thrill of sandboarding! Finally, the buggy pick up you to return to the town.
3. Paddle Boat
For a more relaxed way to spend the afternoon, you can choose to enjoy the lagoon on a Paddle Boat. You will find that there are boat rental options on the shore of the lake.
However, if you were wondering, you can’t swim in the oasis. Unfortunately, the local municipality prohibits it.
4. Enjoy a sunset on a dune
If you are on a tight budget, a hike to the top of the dunes can give you incredible views of the place. Enjoying the beautiful and the best sunset in Peru on top of the dunes. It is one of the best things to do. Make sure to bring your camera, hat, water, and sunscreen for those amazing sun sets!
5. Cerro Blanco
Cerro Blanco is just about 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Nazca. Within the Nazca Valley, to be more specific. The experts call it the “Everest of the desert”. And they also consider it one of the highest dunes in the world.
Its height is about 2,080 meters above sea level. Professional athletes and fans of adrenaline who seek to enjoy extreme sandboarding visit it. They claim that the sensation is the same as going down a giant roller coaster!
6. Camp in the desert
Special tends with comfortable accommodations will be waiting for you in the middle of the desert. Large beds, comfy pillows, and cozy carpets decorated the interior of these tents. These are in groups of 5 tents, and the experience offers a bonfire and meals included. Ask us for this experience!
What to wear
- Carry with you a credit card
- Cash for any emergency
- Light clothing
- Cap
- Sunscreen
- Sneakers or tennis
- Shorts
- T. Shirt
- windproof
- Flip-flops
- Sweaters for winter
How to get to Huacachina
From Lima, you can take a bus to Ica. The trip lasts 05 hours and costs $40 per person. Cruz del Sur is the bus company that is most recommended. It has its own terminal stations.
Once in Ica, you can take a taxi to go to Huacachina; the taxi service costs around $3 – $4 and lasts 10 minutes.
If you are in Cusco, you can take a flight to Lima and follow the steps described lines up. The cost of a flight is around $95 per person and last 01 hour. Or, you can take a bus directly from Cusco to Ica. The trip lasts 15 hours, and the cost can go from $50 per person.
If you choose this option, Cruz del Sur or Peru Bus will be your best option.
The best way to visit Huacachina is to first go to Lima. After, take a bus to Ica.
Best time to visit
The weather there is dry and warm, with clear blue skies and hard sun rays most of the year. However, between January and March, the climate reaches more than 90ª F. Thus, many consider it the best time to visit Huacachina.
Otherwise, between May and August, the Peruvian region experiences winter, with its lowest temperature. But don’t worry, because the temperature usually never drops below 75º F.
Where to eat
Please note that Oasis town is one of the famous places in Peru that never sleeps. In other words, its restaurant and bar open early in the evening and don’t close before 4:00 am.
- Desert Nights: The restaurant offers traditional Peruvian food like Ceviche or Lomo Saltado. Without mentioning, American delights include hamburgers, pizzas, pasta, French toast, and fries. Address: Huacachina Boulevard, Ica department, Peru.
- Nuna Cocina Bar: It combines the best of Peruvian and international gastronomy with a vegetarian option. Address: In front of the oasis, Huacachina 11000, Ica, Peru.
- Casa de Bamboo: The Bamboo House is the cheapest among restaurants on this list. They serve dishes from Peruvian and International cuisine. They even offer exotic dishes like Curry, stir-fry, or falafel. In the same way, they have a great variety of vegetarian options. Address: Perotti Avenue w/n, Ica Peru. Next to the Suiza Hostel and in front of the Bananas Hostel.
- Wild Olive Trattoria & Guesthouse: It specializes in Italian cuisine. So they always guarantee the Lasagna and the Pizzas! Also, it has a great vegetarian option. Address: Malecón José Picasso Peratta 154, Huacachina resort, Ica Peru.
Where to stay
Being a destination so frequented by tourists, the options to stay overnight are varied.
- The Pension Wile Olive is a popular alternative for backpackers.
- However, the Huacachinero Hotel is a great option for more luxurious hotels because of its outdoor pool.
- We also recommend checking out Hotel Curasi, a 3-star with comfortable facilities.
- Our last recommendation is the Wild Rover Hostel for those who are searching for cheap, good, and nice lodges.
And being so close to the city of Ica, you can also choose to stay in this city. Both sites are only a 10-minute drive away.
“FAITH IS AN OASIS IN THE HEART WHICH WILL NEVER BE REACHED BY THE CARAVAN OF THINKING”
As you can see, any tourist must not overlook this wonderful place. Especially if you plan to go through places like Nazca, Paracas, Ballestas, or Ica. We hope to have explained the Oasis guide manual 2024 in detail with the help of experts from Machu Travel Peru.
We think the best way to explore this fascinating place is with a knowledgeable travel guide by your side. If you want to start organizing your trip to this beautiful oasis, consult our qualified advisors. They will be happy to help you make the trip of your dreams come true.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
