Some places feel too cinematic to be real. Huacachina is one of them. Imagine a small emerald lagoon encircled by date palms and dusty cafés — and all of it ringed by towering sand dunes that shift colour with the light.
Huacachina Oasis/Sam Szuchan/Unsplash
This tiny oasis, just a few minutes from the city of Ica, is South America’s answer to the Sahara — a hub for travellers chasing both the surreal and the thrilling. Though it was once a retreat for wealthy Peruvians in the early 1900s, Huacachina has transformed into a bucket-list stop for adrenaline junkies, photographers, and curious wanderers with sand in their shoes.
Sandboarding: Peru’s smoother surf
Ivana Viani/Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve ever wanted to snowboard — but with sunshine and sand instead of snow — this is your chance. Sandboarding is the headline activity here, and the dunes are big enough to satisfy both beginners and seasoned thrill-seekers.
You can stand and carve like you would on snow or lie belly-down for maximum speed and minimum effort. Whichever style you choose, the feeling of gliding down sun-warmed slopes with nothing but desert in sight is unforgettable.
Most guesthouses and tour operators rent boards by the hour and can bundle them with buggy rides. Pro tip: try to go around sunset, when the dunes glow gold and the light is soft enough for envy-inducing photos.
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Buggy rides that double as rollercoasters
Jared Schwitzke/Unsplash
Dune buggies in Huacachina are not for the faint of heart. These sturdy, steel-framed monsters blast through the desert like Mad Max machines, scaling ridges and nose-diving into valleys at speeds that’ll have you clinging to your seatbelt. But it’s this adrenaline jolt — combined with sweeping views of the desert — that makes the experience unforgettable.
Rides usually last around an hour and often include multiple sandboarding stops. You’ll crest sand peaks, catch glimpses of the oasis far below, and feel like you’re on another planet. The engine’s roar echoes between dunes, then cuts out for silent, windswept views that go on forever.
The lagoon life: calm between the thrills
Sam Szuchan/Unsplash
Despite its daredevil reputation, Huacachina also does stillness well. The lagoon at its centre is framed by low-slung hostels, restaurants, and rooftop bars that invite lazy afternoons and longer stays. Paddleboats float on the water, musicians sometimes play by the promenade, and you’ll spot iguanas basking in the sun.
It’s a place where you can plunge into action by day and slow down by night — cocktail in hand, dunes in silhouette, and stars overhead. Some travellers stay for a night; others cancel plans to linger longer.
The Huacachina Loop
Ballestas Islands fishing boat/PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ/Wikimedia Commons
The oasis makes for an excellent stop on a broader Peruvian loop through the country’s southern coast. Nearby, Paracas offers wildlife-rich boat trips to the Ballestas Islands — often called the “poor man’s Galápagos.” To the south, Nazca invites wonder with its mysterious geoglyphs, best seen from the air.
Together, they form a trio of adventure, nature, and ancient culture — all easily linked by bus or private transfer.
Pisco Country next door
Picture/BBC Good Food
If you’re looking to balance all that sand-swept adventure with a splash of local culture, head just beyond the dunes to Ica’s pisco vineyards. This sun-soaked region is the heartland of Peru’s iconic brandy-like spirit, and many wineries offer tastings, cellar tours, and garden lunches under the vines. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a dune buggy thrill — ideally with a pisco sour in hand.
How to get there
Huacachina lies about 4–5 hours south of Lima and is easily reached by bus or car. Most long-distance buses stop in nearby Ica, from where it’s just a 10-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the oasis. If you’re self-driving, the Pan-American Highway offers a straightforward route, though navigating the final stretch into Huacachina’s sandy fringe can be a bit tricky.
When to visit
Huacachina is a year-round destination thanks to its consistently desert climate, with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 25 and 35°C. The most popular time to visit is May to September, when the weather is cooler and skies are reliably clear — ideal for sandboarding and evening dune buggy rides. That said, the shoulder seasons of October to November and April to May are also excellent times to go. You’ll enjoy mild temperatures, quieter dunes, and fewer tourists without missing out on the full Huacachina experience.
Travel tips for Huacachina adventurers
- Wear sunglasses and a neck scarf: Sand gets everywhere — especially in your face on dune buggies. A scarf or buff helps.
- Pack sunscreen and water: The desert sun is no joke. Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
- Don’t expect luxury — embrace the rustic: While Huacachina has charming boutique lodges, most accommodation is geared to backpackers. Expect relaxed vibes, friendly crowds, and the odd pool party.
- Book your dune tour locally: Prices are often better once you’re on the ground. Morning and sunset slots fill up fast, so plan ahead by a few hours.
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