I spent three nights in Huacachina, to make sure I had plenty of time to explore the sand dunes and relax in the hot hot weather! My favourite thing here was, of course, sandboarding in the sand dunes and the unexpected addition of the dune buggy ride which was entertainment in itself – honestly, it’s one of the best things to do in Huacachina and worth the trip alone.
Huacachina is the only naturally occurring oasis in Latin America, and the whole town surrounds this small, naturally formed lake in the middle of the desert. I loved the vibe here, and whilst it is known as a bit of a party town (and quite touristy), I didn’t do much partying here and I didn’t feel like I was missing out, and I didn’t feel disturbed by all of the partying going on around me, either.
*this article contains affiliate links
About Huacachina
Huacachina is a tiny desert oasis located just outside the city of Ica, about five hours south of Lima. Built around a natural lagoon and surrounded by towering sand dunes, this small village has become one of Peru’s most popular destinations for adventure seekers and backpackers. The oasis was once a retreat for wealthy Peruvians in the 1940s, but today it’s firmly part of the tourist trail, attracting visitors from around the world who come for the unique landscape and adrenaline-pumping activities.
Despite its popularity, Huacachina remains relatively small – you can walk around the entire oasis in about 15 minutes. Most visitors spend 1-3 nights here, which is enough time to experience the main attractions and soak up the laid-back desert atmosphere. It’s not exactly off the beaten path anymore, but its unique setting makes it unlike anywhere else in Peru.
🇵🇪 Read more: A Travel Guide to Huacachina Peru
How to Get to Huacachina
Huacachina is a really common stop on the tourist trail in Peru that runs between Cusco and Lima on the Pacific coast. You can get a bus there from Lima or Nazca, or the overnight bus from Arequipa. These buses generally go to the nearby city of Ica, so check carefully if your bus includes a transfer to Huacachina or not (usually tourist shuttles will pick you up or drop you off in Huacachina itself, whereas public buses go from Ica).
From Lima, the journey takes about 4-5 hours and costs around S/30-60 (7-14€) on a public bus, or S/60-100 (14-23€) on tourist shuttles like Peru Hop or WaykiBus (which include a day trip to Paracas on the way). From Nazca, it’s about 2.5 hours and costs S/20-40 (5-9€). If you arrive in Ica by public bus, you’ll need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Huacachina, which costs about S/15-25 (3.50-6€) and takes 10-15 minutes.
🇵🇪 Read more: Where to Stay in Huacachina Peru
Things to Do in Huacachina
Whether you’re flying face-first down a sand dune or floating on a pedal boat at sunset, here are all the best things to do in Huacachina.
Dune Buggy Tour
This is usually combined with sandboarding, but you can also book it as a separate activity if sandboarding isn’t your thing. You literally get strapped into a dune buggy like you would get strapped into a roller coaster – the harness goes over your shoulders and clips in tight – and then they absolutely rag you around the place. The driver takes you bombing up and down these massive sand dunes at breakneck speed, doing sharp turns and launching off the tops of dunes. It’s like being on a theme park ride, except you’re racing through actual desert!
Sandboarding
Not as scary as it looks! You do go down head-first on a board (think bodyboarding but on sand), but you can also brake by digging your feet into the sand which helps take the edge off for people like me who are a little less daring. Most tours include sandboarding with the dune buggy experience, and guides will show you the technique before sending you down increasingly steep dunes. A lot of people wore something over their face and sunglasses to protect them from the sand, but honestly it wasn’t really necessary. Our guide lent me his sunglasses for my first run because I’d lost mine (typical me!) but after the first one I gave them back to him because I wasn’t getting sand in my face anyway.
Sand skiing
You can probably imagine that this is just the same as sandboarding, except you’re on skiis (and stood up) instead of on a board. As far as I know, you need skiing experience to be able to do this properly. If you’re hanging around for a while, you can also start sand skiing lessons from beginner level.
Hiking in the Dunes (Especially at Sunset)
Do be warned that this is actually quite tough; the hike up the sand dunes is really steep, it’s hard to walk through sand, and it’s a lot further than you think. It’s absolutely crucial to take plenty of water with you because it is roasting hot up there. That said, watching the sunset from the top of the dunes is magical, with even more spectacular views of the oasis below. The best dune for sunset views is the one directly behind the oasis, which takes about 30-45 minutes to climb.
Clubbing
This isn’t something that I did when I was in Huacachina, but it is a popular activity for people visiting. There are quite a lot of clubs that are open late into the night, especially around the area that Wild Rover party hostel is. The scene tends to be backpacker-focused, with plenty of cheap drinks and international DJs on weekends.
Water Sports
Most hostels and hotels have a pool, and the social places like Wild Rover hostel, Viajero hostel, etc. will host competitions of pool volley ball and other similar activities for their guests and friends. It’s a great way to cool off during the heat of the day, and a lot of places don’t even require you to be staying there to take part (but I suppose it’s polite to buy a drink or two at their bar). Some of the nicer hotels have calmer pool areas with swim-up bars and loungers if you’re looking for a more relaxed day.
Hostel Games
Similarly to above, a lot of hostels have things like beer pong, karaoke, etc., and you’re usually invited to join in even if you’re not staying there. It’s a great way to meet other travellers, especially if you’re travelling solo.
Take a Pedal Boat on the Oasis
This isn’t the most exciting thing you’ll ever do, but it’s a cute way to pass a few hours. You can rent pedal boats (or paddleboats) for about S/10-15 (2.30-3.50€) per hour and cruise around the small lagoon. It’s especially nice in the late afternoon when the light is good for photos.
Day Trips
Huacachina makes a perfect base for exploring the surrounding region. Popular day trips include:
- Ballestas Islands (Paracas) – Often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos,” these islands are home to sea lions, penguins, and thousands of birds
- Ica city tour – Visit the regional capital’s museums and colonial architecture
- Vineyard tour – This region is famous for its wine and pisco production
- Pisco tasting – Sample Peru’s national spirit at places like Tacama Winery, the oldest vineyard in South America
- Nazca Lines flights – Take a small plane tour to see the mysterious geoglyphs (though this is quite pricey at around $250-300/230-275€)
🇵🇪 Read more about Tours and Day Trips from Huacachina
Practical Tips for Visiting Huacachina
Getting Around Huacachina
Walking is basically the only way to get around Huacachina as it’s so small! You can circle the entire oasis on foot in about 15 minutes, and everything you need is within easy walking distance.
To get into the sand dunes, you really need to book a tour or rent a sand dune buggy – walking up them independently is exhausting and you won’t get very far. There is no public transport in Huacachina, and there’s no public transport between Ica and Huacachina either – if you want to get into the city you have to book a cab or take a tuk-tuk. Uber does operate in Ica, but you generally can’t book one to Huacachina as it’s a bit too far.
Best Time to Visit Huacachina
Huacachina enjoys a desert climate with virtually no rainfall and plenty of sunshine year-round. The hottest months are December to March (summer), when temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) during the day. May to September is cooler and more comfortable, though evenings can be surprisingly chilly.
Peak tourist season coincides with Peruvian holidays (July-August) and international summer holidays (December-January). The town can get quite crowded during these times, with higher prices and busier tours. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-November.
Money & Costs in Huacachina
Huacachina is generally affordable, though prices are slightly higher than in nearby Ica due to its tourist focus. Most hostels and bars take card, but sometimes with an additional 3-5% fee, so cash is still king here.
There’s one ATM in town (GlobalNet) near the main plaza, but it often runs out of money on busy weekends. I’d recommend withdrawing cash before you get there.
Budget travellers can get by on S/80-120 (19-28€) per day including accommodation, food, and activities. Mid-range travellers should budget S/150-250 (35-58€) daily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Huacachina
Is Huacachina worth visiting?
Absolutely! Huacachina offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Peru. Where else can you sandboard down massive dunes, take a sunset dune buggy ride, and relax by a natural desert oasis all in one day? It’s especially worth it if you enjoy adventure activities and want to break up the journey between Lima and Cusco.
How many days in Huacachina?
Two nights (one full day) is enough to experience the main attractions – sandboarding, dune buggies, and relaxing by the oasis. I spent three nights and had plenty of time to explore the sand dunes and relax in the hot weather. If you want to do day trips to places like the Ballestas Islands or Nazca Lines, add an extra day for each.
Is 1 day enough in Huacachina?
One day is enough to do the main activities (dune buggy and sandboarding tour, sunset hike, and explore the oasis), but it’ll be quite rushed. You’d arrive in the morning, do the afternoon dune tour, watch the sunset, and leave the next morning. It’s doable but I’d recommend at least one night to properly enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Why is Huacachina worth visiting?
Huacachina is worth visiting because it’s the only natural desert oasis in South America, offering a completely unique landscape of palm trees, sand dunes, and a lagoon in the middle of the desert. The adventure activities are world-class – sandboarding down giant dunes is an incredible experience you can’t get in many places. Plus, it’s conveniently located on the main tourist route between Lima and Cusco, making it an easy addition to any Peru itinerary.
Conclusion
Huacachina might be small, but it delivers big on adventure and atmosphere. The things to do in Huacachina range from adrenaline-pumping dune buggy rides to peaceful sunset hikes, with something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re a party-loving backpacker or someone seeking unique desert landscapes, this tiny oasis town offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Peru.
