In the middle of the Ica Desert lies a lagoon surrounded by palm trees and enormous sand dunes that completely transform the landscape. Here, you can go from a leisurely walk along the water's edge to hopping into a buggy and exploring the desert in a matter of minutes.
If you're planning a getaway along the Peruvian coast in Huacachina, Peru, this is your chance to spend a full day doing whatever activities you'd like.
The lagoon is located about 5 kilometers from the city of Ica, so getting there from downtown takes approximately 10 minutes by taxi or motorcycle taxi.
Although the lagoon is the best-known attraction, you'll find restaurants, lodging, bars, and tour agencies offering dune tours in the surrounding area. You can also simply walk around, sit by the water, and enjoy the scenery without booking any tours.
Huacachina formed around a groundwater spring and, for decades, was known for the medicinal properties attributed to its waters. Over time, the lagoon's water level dropped, and it now requires a water supply system to maintain its volume.
You don't need to pack your day with activities to enjoy the oasis. You can choose between walking, boating on the lagoon, or heading straight out to the dunes.
Before hopping on a buggy, it's best to walk around the lagoon to take in the scenery from below. It's a short walk because the resort is small, so you can do it without setting aside several hours.
You can also hop on a pedal boat, which costs between S/10 and S/30 for 30 to 45 minutes. This is a simple option if you're traveling with kids or just want to take it easy for the day.
If you're looking for something more exciting, the dune buggy ride is practically a must-do. It's worth noting that it's not exactly a peaceful ride, but it is one of the experiences that visitors to the oasis remember most.
Prices vary by operator, but the standard rate is S/65 per person for a tour that includes the dune buggy and a handmade sandboard. However, prices may increase on holidays and weekends.
For international travelers, the cost starts at US$22, while other sunset tours start at around US$25.
You don't need any prior experience to try this activity, as the instructors usually explain how to get on the board and how to control your descent.
This activity costs starting at S/160; the price also depends on the different agencies, which may include various perks such as professional photos, souvenirs, etc.
In the morning, you can walk around the area before the heat picks up, while in the afternoon the heat usually subsides, making the afternoon a more appealing time to visit.
If you're looking for an outing that combines adventure and photography, tours around 4:00 p.m. are especially popular. These roughly two-hour experiences usually set aside the final part of the tour to watch the sunset from the dunes.
So, if you're short on time, you can save the lagoon walk for before the tour and end the day atop the dunes.
If you're traveling along the southern coast, you can visit both destinations. Huacachina is about 74 kilometers from Paracas, and the drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, though travel time may vary depending on traffic.
By bus, you'll usually have to pass through Ica before continuing to the oasis. A travel guide estimates the Paracas-Ica route to take between 1 and 1.5 hours, with tickets starting at approximately S/11.
If you don't want to worry about transportation, you can also book a tour that combines the activities in Paracas and Ica into a single day.
The sand is part of the experience, but it can also become a minor nuisance if you're not prepared. Keep the following in mind:
Paracas offers a variety of lodging options, ranging from lively spots to quiet
beachfront retreats.
If you're looking for comfort, a great location, and fully equipped spaces, the right place to stay in Paracas can make all the difference in your experience.
That's why at Wynwood, we offer accommodations designed for both short and long
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Although the lagoon is the most famous attraction in the oasis, swimming in its waters is not currently recommended. The visit focuses mainly on walking around the lagoon and enjoying activities in the dunes.
Shared tours usually start in the afternoon, generally at 3:00 p.m., while some private tours also depart in the morning. The schedule may vary depending on the tour operator and the time of year.
No, sandboarding in Huacachina is also designed for beginners, and tours usually include instructions before you start. However, activities like sand skiing may require an intermediate skill level.