Deciding where to stay in Huacachina is an important part of planning your trip through Peru. Whilst it is quite a small place, you’ll want to think carefully about how close you want to stay to the sand dunes vs the oasis itself, and how close you want to be to the late night clubs..!
Huacachina is a unique stop in Peru and, in my opinion, should be one of the top places on your itinerary. Huacachina is the only natural desert oasis in South America, a small lake surrounded by some of the most impressive sand dunes I’ve ever seen. Despite its small size (the permanent population of Huacachina is only around 100 people, although it feels much busier thanks to its huge tourism industry), you’ll find plenty of adventure in Huacachina (although, in my opinion, a distinct lack of nice places to eat).
Just 5km from the city of Ica and about a 4-hour drive south of Lima, Huacachina typically falls between Lima or Paracas and Nazca or Arequipa on most travellers’ routes through the south of Peru.
🇵🇪 Read more: A full travel guide to Huacachina
Which Areas to Stay in Huacachina
When it comes to where to stay in Huacachina, you don’t really need to worry about choosing the “right area” as you sometimes do in larger towns and cities. The oasis is small and very walkable – you can stroll from one end to the other in about 10 minutes. That said, there are a few considerations that might influence where exactly you want to base yourself.
Most of the hostels and hotels are clustered around the lagoon, either directly facing the water or just a street back. The main distinction isn’t so much about different neighbourhoods, but rather how close you want to be to the centre of the oasis versus the edge, and how near you are to the clubs and bars.
This second point is particularly important if you’re sensitive to noise. While I was there I heard several travellers saying that they could hear the music from night clubs through the walls of their hostel, and that it continues well into the night. If you’re looking for peaceful sleep, you might want to choose accommodation in Huacachina that’s a bit further from the main nightlife spots, which are mostly on the western side of the lagoon.
As for safety, I didn’t notice any areas that felt dangerous or sketchy during my time there. The whole oasis is quite touristy, and I felt comfortable walking around at night.
The only thing that really bothered me was the earthquake risk. There was a small earthquake (5.6) while I was just lounging by the pool at Viajero Hostel, and the hostel owner then told my friend that he was worried a larger earthquake would follow, becuase it could cause the sand dunes around Huacachina to fall in. In that case, as unlikely as it might be, it’s safer to be closer to the centre of the oasis rather than at the edges near the dunes, where sand slides could potentially occur.
🇵🇪 Read more: 13 Things to do in Huacachina
Best Hostels in Huacachina
There are a few really good hostels where you can stay in Huacachina, catering to various types of traveller from complete party animals to anyone wanting a more chilled out experience.
I stayed in a dorm in Viajero Hostel Huacachina, which was definitely the best option for me (besides the proximity to the sand dunes…!) The hostel has a gorgeous pool area where I spent about half of my time in Huacachina, and the pool literally became my sactuary during the heat of the day (don’t forget you’re in the desert here!). The Viajero Hostel in Huacachina has a really good balance between chill and social, the only thing I didn’t like about it was that they didn’t have a kitchen for cooking, so you had to buy food there or out (although, I did find that this was fairly common throughout Peru).
I had friends who stayed at Bananas Adventure Hostel and had mixed reviews. They said the hostel itself was good (just fyi, it is a party hostel), but they said the hostel was right next door to a club that was blasting music until 4am. If you’re planning to be out partying anyway, this might not be an issue, but light sleepers should probably look elsewhere.
I also knew a few travellers who booked beds at Wild Rover Hostel, which has a reputation throughout Peru as the ultimate party hostel chain. They reported that it lived up to this reputation a bit too well – with music and drinking games going until the early hours and a generally rowdy atmosphere. While this might be perfect for some, every person I met who stayed there mentioned they struggled to get proper sleep (I guess I don’t hang out with much of a partying crowd). If partying is your priority in Huacachina, Wild Rover could be your spot, but if you value your sleep, I’d recommend looking at other options.
Best Hotels in Huacachina
If hostels aren’t your thing or you’re looking for a bit more privacy while exploring the sand dunes, Huacachina has several hotel options, although they tend to be more expensive than what you’ll find in nearby Ica.
Hotel Curasi is one of the better mid-range options in the oasis, offering private rooms with air conditioning and a decent-sized pool. Given the intense desert heat, having access to a pool is almost essential in Huacachina. Rooms start at around S/250-300 (62.50-75€) per night, which reflects the premium that accommodations in Huacachina generally command compared to other places in Peru. The hotel is situated just a short walk from the lagoon and offers good views of the surrounding dunes.
For budget-conscious travellers who still want a private room, Hospedaje El Cairo has more affordable accommodation while still providing the basics you need for a comfortable stay. Rooms are simple but clean, and prices start at around S/120-150 (30-37.50€) per night. While it doesn’t have a pool, it’s very close to the lagoon and provides good value for money in an otherwise expensive destination.
It’s worth noting that accommodation in Huacachina is generally more expensive than in nearby Ica, with fewer options available due to the limited size of the oasis. Some travellers choose to stay in Ica and visit Huacachina as a day trip, but I personally found that staying in the oasis itself added to the magical experience of the place, especially first thing in the morning when day-trippers aren’t around.
🇵🇪 Read more: The Best Tours and Day Trips from Huacachina
Getting Around Huacachina
As I’ve mentioned, Huacachina is tiny, so getting around on foot is the easiest option. You can walk around the entire lagoon in about 15 minutes, and all restaurants, shops, and tour operators are within this area.
For activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides, tour operators will pick you up directly from your accommodation (or ask you to walk somewhere really close by). Most hostels and hotels can arrange these tours for you, often at a slight discount if you book through them rather than with the operators on the main strip.
If you want to visit Ica, tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available and affordable. A tuk-tuk to Ica costs around S/10-15 (€2.50-3.75) and takes about 10 minutes.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Huacachina
Is it worth staying in Huacachina?
Absolutely! While Huacachina is small, staying for a couple of nights gives you the chance to experience the oasis when it’s less crowded with day-trippers from Ica or Lima. The early morning and sunset hours are particularly magical, with gorgeous light on the dunes and fewer people around. Plus, the nightlife in Huacachina can be fun if that’s your thing.
Should I stay overnight in Huacachina?
Yes, I’d highly recommend at least one night in Huacachina rather than just visiting as a day trip. This allows you to experience the unique atmosphere of the oasis after dark. The desert stars are also incredible on clear nights.
How many days should I spend in Huacachina?
One to two nights is ideal for most travellers. This gives you enough time to do a sandboarding/dune buggy tour, relax by the lagoon or a pool, and perhaps go to a nearby winery or the Regional Museum of Ica. Unless you’re particularly into desert landscapes or want extra time to relax, there’s not enough in the immediate area to justify a longer stay than about three nights, I’d say.
Should I stay in Paracas or Huacachina?
Both are worth visiting for different reasons! Paracas offers amazing wildlife and coastal landscapes at the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands, while Huacachina is all about desert adventures and unique oasis vibes. If you have time, I’d recommend one night in Paracas and then two to three nights in Huacachina. If you must choose, it depends on your interests – wildlife and ocean (Paracas) versus desert adventures and sandboarding (Huacachina).
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Stay in Huacachina
My top tip for where to stay in Huacachina would be to prioritise accommodation with air conditioning and/or a pool, as the desert heat can be really stifling, especially when you’re getting up and about to do activities. I loved the desert heat, but it’s ideal to have a way to cool off, too. Also, if you’re sensitive to noise, ask specifically about proximity to clubs or bars before booking, as the sound can carry across the small oasis.
Huacachina may be tiny, but it offers one of Peru’s most unique landscapes and sliding down the massive sand dunes was one of the best things I did in Huacachina. Choosing where to stay in Huacachina might be important, thanks to its clubbing scene and tectonic-plate-location, but there’s somewhere for everyone!
