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Are you wondering what to do in Huacachina? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got you covered with 8 incredible things to do in Huacachina that you should definitely consider adding to your Peru itinerary!
Huacachina, pronounced like ‘Waka - Cheena’ is a desert oasis located in the southwestern region of Peru, just west of the city of Ica.
Although we’ve traveled to more than 30 countries, our recent journey to Peru in late June introduced us to a place like no other.
Huacachina was not only my first taste of the desert, but it also held a surprise - the discovery of a lagoon right in the midst of the sand dunes.
I mean, I knew about the lagoon since that’s what Huacachina is famous for, but witnessing it in person was truly unbelievable, almost like a mirage.
Imagine seeing a desert oasis! Picture a serene lagoon at the heart of a tiny village, surrounded by lush palm trees.
While it’s been believed that the waters possess therapeutic properties, it’s important to note that swimming is not allowed.
It’s an unexpected gem in the midst of the desert, and that’s precisely what makes Huacachina unique.
Our trip to Huacachina Peru was nothing short of amazing. We went on a day trip from Lima and were instantly captivated by the adventure that awaited us in this stunning desert setting.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the best experiences you can have in Huacachina, complete with approximate costs.
We love a price breakdown!
From thrilling sandboarding adventures to dune bashing and vibrant nightlife, the fun never runs out in this desert paradise.
So, get ready to explore the top 8 best things to do in Huacachina, all of which you’ll want to add to your Peru itinerary.
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The dune bashing adventure in the dune buggy was absolutely wild in the best way possible.
Honestly, I’m not sure how our driver navigated through those massive sand dunes at such high speeds - it felt like a wild rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs.
This experience is a must-try when you visit Huacachina. It’s an exhilarating ride like no other.
Typically, this tour is bundled with the sandboarding activity.
You can book it in advance for around $60 USD per person, and they’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Ica or Huacachina.
However, if you’re all about “See the World & Save a Dollar” like us, you can do what we did.
We negotiated a better deal once we arrived in Huacachina.
We only paid $22 USD per person for our PeruBus transportation all the way from Lima to Huacachina, and then negotiated our way into a tour for about $8 USD per person.
By organizing the tours ourselves, we saved a significant amount.
But it really depends on your preference - whether you like to plan ahead or negotiate on the spot.
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2. Sand Boarding
After the heart-pounding dune bashing ride, you’ll find yourself atop a massive sand dune, ready for an unforgettable sandboarding experience.
You have two options: either lie flat on your stomach or sit down on the board, and then glide down the dune.
It’s a thrilling adventure that might remind you of volcano boarding in Nicaragua - a similar concept, but a whole different setting.
Once you’ve finished your exhilarating descent, be prepared to shake off a good amount of sand from your shoes.
Usually, this sandboarding adventure is combined with the dune buggy tour, making for a smooth transition from one thrill to the next.
Now, back to the part we love - saving money!
As we mentioned earlier, we managed to secure this tour for just $8 USD per person, thanks to some good-natured negotiation skills upon our arrival in Huacachina.
However, it’s worth noting that booking in advance for peace of mind often comes at a higher cost.
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3. Oasis Paddle Boating
For a leisurely experience, consider renting a paddle boat and exploring the man-made oasis.
The rental price can often be negotiated based on the duration you plan to spend on the water.
Typically, it costs around $8 USD for a 20-minute paddle boat rental.
If you prefer a shorter outing, 20 minutes is usually sufficient to fully enjoy this activity. Longer rentals may not be necessary for most visitors.
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4. Watch the Sunset
Sunset in Huacachina is a magical experience. It’s the perfect time for sandboarding or simply unwinding while taking in the breathtaking views.
In my opinion, a few hours before sunset is the best time to visit Huacachina.
The weather cools down, and you get to witness the beauty of this desert oasis both during the day and the evening.
The best spot to watch the sunset in Huacachina is near where all the dune buggies are parked, overlooking the oasis.
It’s about a 20-minute walk up the sand dunes, which is more manageable when the sun isn’t scorching hot.
Just make sure you carry some water with you, or you can easily buy bottles from the local vendors nearby.
Staying hydrated is essential in the desert.
As the sun sets, Huacachina takes on a whole new charm, with its lights illuminating the surroundings.
The best part?
Watching the sunset and strolling around lit-up Huacachina at night are both free activities, so you don’t need to worry about budgeting for them.
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5. Tacama Vineyard & Pisco Tour
Tacama Vineyard holds the distinction of being Peru’s very first winery.
To get there, you can either book a tour or hop in a taxi or tuk-tuk for a roughly $5 USD ride, which takes about 30 minutes from Huacachina.
Once you’ve arrived, you can opt for the wine-tasting tour, which is priced at around $15 USD per person.
If you discover your favorite wine or pisco, you can purchase a bottle to take with you.
Additionally, you can savor more drinks at their bar and enjoy in their beautiful garden.
For those looking for a more extensive experience, there’s the option to pre-book a tour that includes visits to two different wineries where you can indulge in tasting sessions of the various piscos and wines they offer.
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6. Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a real mystery, and they’re best seen from the sky.
You have two choices. You can either book a one-hour flight from Ica or take a bus to Nazca and then a 30-minute flight over the Nazca Lines.
Be prepared to set aside about $150 - $200 USD for this amazing experience.
However, if you’re intrigued by ancient petroglyphs but prefer a more budget-friendly option, consider the Ballestas Islands boat tour.
It features the Paracas Candelabro, another ancient petroglyph best seen from the water, and the tour costs only around $15 USD per person, located a little over an hour outside of Huacachina.
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7. Where to Eat in Huacachina
We all need to eat, right? And in Huacachina, you won’t be short of food options.
During our visit, we decided to eat after our sunset sandboarding and dune buggy tours.
By this time, many of the restaurants were closed and we ended up just grabbing a quick 5-topping pizza and drink at Quntu for $14 USD before catching our bus back to Lima.
Pro tip: Arriving in Huacachina earlier in the day gives you more dining choices before heading out for your tours and activities.
Now, you might have heard mixed reviews about the food options in Huacachina.
But keep in mind that this doesn’t represent Peru’s culinary scene as a whole.
Lima, for example, has some of the world’s finest restaurants.
If you’re a foodie, be sure to check out over 25 of our top recommendations for where to eat in Peru in our “Explore Peru Travel Guide.”
8. Huacachina Nightlife
Now, let’s get into the nighttime vibes of Huacachina because the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Come for the sand adventures, stay for the parties.
Imagine sipping on a pisco sour, a local favorite, at one of the rooftop bars - it’s a must-try experience here.
If you’re all about embracing the nightlife, the Wild Rover Hostel is a popular stop with an energetic atmosphere.
Just a heads up though: if you’re hoping for a peaceful night’s sleep, you might want to consider other accommodation options.
But let’s say you’re here to get a taste of Huacachina’s nightlife before continuing your journey. In that case, check out HFC Restobar for a drink or two.
Huacachina’s nightlife scene is lively, particularly on the weekends, so you’re in for some unforgettable moments.
Where is Huacachina
So now that you know all the amazing things you can do in Huacachina, let’s talk about where it even is.
The desert oasis is in the southwestern region of Peru, just west of the city of Ica.
Despite its small size, Huacachina is a remarkable destination known for its expansive sand dunes surrounding a lagoon in the center of it all.
Now that you know what awaits you in this desert paradise, it’s time to really plan your journey and experience Huacachina firsthand.
How to Get to Huacachina
Let’s talk about how to get to Huacachina.
You have two primary options: join a guided tour or plan your journey independently.
Both approaches can work well, depending on your available time and budget.
Option 1: Peru Hop
One way to reach Huacachina is by hopping on board the Peru Hop, a convenient and popular option among travelers.
The price for this trip is approximately $144 USD per person.
It’s a hassle-free way to get to Huacachina, and you’ll be comfortable knowing everything is taken care of.
Option 2: The DIY Adventure (Our Choice)
We went for the more adventurous DIY route, and here’s how it went down:
Step 1: We began our journey by taking a 3.5-hour bus ride from Lima to Paracas.
Paracas is where you can explore the “poor man’s Galapagos,” also known as the Ballestas Islands (Isla Ballestas).
Step 2: After our Ballestas Islands adventure, we headed to the PeruBus office in Paracas to purchase bus tickets to Ica.
Ica is a town just outside of Huacachina.
From Ica, it’s a short 10-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to Huacachina, which costs about $1 USD.
Alternatively, some buses from Paracas make a stop in Ica before continuing on to Huacachina.
We chose this option since our bus conveniently dropped us all the way to Huacachina for $8 USD per person.
The bus ticket prices can vary depending on the time of day.
Our bus was more like a shuttle van than a typical PeruBus, but it was a comfortable one-hour ride from Paracas to Huacachina.
Step 3: Upon arriving in Huacachina, we were greeted by locals offering the Huacachina tour.
After a bit of friendly negotiation, we managed to secure the entrance fee, dune bashing, and sandboarding tour for roughly $8 USD per person.
Step 4: We had to do a bit of uphill walking on the desert sand hills, but the views were absolutely worth it.
Witnessing the desert as the sun set was one of the highlights of this entire trip to Peru.
Step 5: Dune bashing was like a thrilling roller coaster ride, zooming up and down the steepest sand dunes at high speeds. Don’t worry, the driving is not DIY.
Your tour guide is the skilled driver of the dune buggy and you are securely buckled in.
Step 6: When it came to sandboarding, you could choose to either slide down on your stomach (like my husband did) or sit down on the sandboard, which is what I did.
I was concerned about getting a face full of sand, but sitting down worked out exactly how I imagined, and I had the time of my life!
Step 7: After our Huacachina adventure, we hopped in a tuk-tuk from Huacachina to Ica 10 minutes away for about $1 USD.
Step 8: We caught the PeruBus from the Ica bus terminal. We had pre-purchased our bus tickets online for around $8 USD per person, and the journey back to Lima took about 4.5 hours.
By taking charge of our own adventure, we spent $52 USD per person on our Huacachina experience instead of the $120 USD per person tour with PeruHop.
That’s a significant saving without missing out on any of the excitement.
But, if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys booking tours in advance, we’ve got some recommendations for you.
However, going the DIY route with PeruBus or Cruz del Sur can help you save big on your trip without sacrificing the experience. Your choice!
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Where to Stay in Huacachina
Huacachina is an easy destination for a full day tour from Lima or Paracas.
However, given that there is so much to do in Huacachina, you might consider extending your stay for a night or two.
Accommodation options are available both in Huacachina itself and in the nearby city of Ica.
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Banana’s Adventure Hostel
Hostels can be a great choice for travelers for several reasons:
- Social Experience: Hostels are known for their communal atmosphere, making them an excellent choice if you want to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and make new friends from around the world.
- Affordability: Hostels are often more budget-friendly than hotels, allowing you to save money on accommodation and allocate your money to other activities and experiences.
- Variety: Hostels offer a range of room options, from shared dormitories to private rooms. This flexibility means you can choose the level of privacy and comfort that suits your preferences and budget.
- Local Insights: Hostel staff typically have excellent local knowledge and can provide valuable tips and recommendations for exploring the area.
However, hostels may not be suited for everyone:
- Privacy: If you value a high degree of privacy, such as having your own bathroom and personal space, a hostel’s shared dormitory setup may not be ideal.
- Noise Sensitivity: Hostels can be lively, social places, which can sometimes mean noise during the night. If you’re a light sleeper, this might not be the best choice for you.
Banana’s Adventure Hostel, in particular, offers the best of both worlds.
It provides a social environment with opportunities to meet fellow travelers in common areas like the outdoor pool and garden with hammocks.
It also offers mixed dorm accommodation which significantly cuts down the nightly cost.
At the same time, it offers private rooms with private bathrooms for those who prefer more seclusion.
Additionally, the inclusion of free Wifi ensures that you can stay connected during your stay. Just be sure to have a VPN for safe browsing!
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Hotel Boutique La Angostura
If you prefer the comforts of a hotel over a hostel, staying just outside of Huacachina can be a cost-effective choice.
One such option is the Hotel Boutique La Angostura, situated approximately 15 minutes away in the city of Ica.
This hotel offers a convenient location along with excellent amenities, including an outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and Wifi.
Hotel Boutique La Angostura provides a comfortable and relaxing stay while still allowing easy access to the attractions and activities in Huacachina.
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What to Pack for Huacachina
When it comes to packing for Huacachina, simplicity is the name of the game.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip like we did or a longer stay, here are some essentials to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
- Sunscreen: Huacachina is all about the sun and sand so be sure to protect your skin from those desert rays.
- Sun hat or bucket hat: A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face from the sun and keep you cool.
- Jacket: Don’t be fooled by the daytime heat; the desert can get chilly at night. Bring a lightweight jacket to keep warm when the sun goes down
- Bandana: If you’re going dune bashing this will help prevent sand from getting in your mouth, eyes, and nose.
- Hydration multiplier: Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert. Consider bringing hydration powder packets to maintain your electrolytes and hydration.
- Water bottles: Make sure you have enough water to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all the incredible experiences Huacachina has to offer.
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Where to Go After Huacachina
Now that you’ve had your fill of Huacachina’s desert fun, you might be wondering where to head next on your Peruvian adventure.
Let’s explore some of the places you can visit:
Ica
Since Huacachina is so close to Ica, it makes sense to start your post-desert exploration here.
Ica is known for its wineries and vineyards, including the famous Tacama Vineyard.
You can enjoy wine-tasting tours, sample pisco, and explore the local culture.
Ballestas Islands in Paracas
If you haven’t already visited the Ballestas Islands, it’s just a short journey from Huacachina.
Discover the “poor man’s Galapagos” with its abundant marine life and unique petroglyphs.
Lima
Peru’s lively capital offers a diverse range of attractions.
There are also some free things to do in Lima that you should check out!
Explore the historic city center, taste the most exquisite Peruvian flavors, and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene.
Lima is also a gateway to many other Peruvian destinations.
Cusco
The ancient city of Cusco is rich in history and serves as the starting point for many travelers heading to Machu Picchu.
Immerse yourself in Inca culture, explore nearby archaeological sites, and enjoy the picturesque streets of this charming city.
Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru would be complete without visiting the world wonder, Machu Picchu.
Whether you choose to trek the Inca trail or take the train, this iconic site promises a breathtaking journey back in time.
These are just a few of the exciting places you can explore after your Huacachina adventure Peru has so much to offer from its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Huacachina
It’s clear that Huacachina Peru is a captivating desert oasis that has so much to offer.
From heart-pounding sand adventures to tranquil sunset views and everything in between, Huacachina has the ability to cater to many types of travelers.
It’s a place where you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
But remember, your journey through Peru doesn’t end here.
The wonders of this South American country continue to unfold in cities like Lima and Cusco.
To make the most of your travels, consider diving into our “Explore Peru Travel Guide.”
This 40-page digital guide breaks down every detail you need to know before exploring Peru, from conquering altitude sickness to planning the perfect Machu Picchu voyage.
It’s packed with insider tips, private taxi numbers, and budget-friendly recommendations that will help you “See the World & Save a Dollar.”
So whether you’re sipping a pisco sour atop a sand dune or marveling at ancient wonders of the world, I’m wishing you safe and unforgettable moments all throughout Peru!
Explore Peru Travel Guide
Are you planning a trip to Peru? Don't do it before you read this travel guide!
This 40-page digital guide breaks down every detail you need to know before exploring Peru.
Info on the cheapest and easiest ways to explore Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and more of Cusco are all included.
This one-of-a-kind travel guide is filled with first-hand experience and insider tips that will save you time planning your dream trip!
What's inside:
- Best ways to prepare for altitude sickness
- How to successfully plan your trip to Machu Picchu
- What to pack
- Highly recommended and knowledgable travel guides
- Private taxi driver numbers
- How to navigate the bus systems
- Over 20 unique things to do (many are FREE!)
- Over 25 top-rated places to eat
- Over 25 incredible accommodations
- Sample 6-day itinerary through Peru
Our recommendations are organized by budget, so as always, we'll help you "See the World & Save a Dollar!"
Huacachina FAQs
Absolutely! Huacachina offers a unique desert oasis experience that is only about 4 hours outside of Lima, Peru.
Travelers can enjoy sandboarding and dune buggy rides down the massive sand dunes, relax by the lagoon, explore the desert surroundings, and enjoy the nightlife.
A day trip is sufficient to enjoy the main attraction in Huacachina, but staying overnight allows for a more leisurely experience and time to explore the nightlife.
We do not recommend swimming in the Huacachina Lagoon. But you can rent a paddle boat.