In this ultimate guide to visiting Huacachina, you will discover everything you need to know about the beautiful oasis in Peru.
You will explore the best tours in Huacachina, from sandboarding down the dunes to tasting local vineyards. We will guide you through the best things to do in Huacachina, helping you plan a memorable journey.
By the way, you might want to know how to get to Machu Picchu from Lima, archaeological sites in Lima, the best cafes in Lima, and vegetarian restaurants.
But that’s not all! We will also answer like how to get there and other such questions. Sounds exciting as it is! Let’s dive in!
We at Hello Peru Tours offer all these tours mentioned in the post. We have handpicked the best tours in Huacachina just for you! Whether you want to go sandboarding, take a desert safari, or go on a wine tour, we have you covered.
Our expert guides will ensure an unforgettable experience while exploring the beautiful oasis of Huacachina. Book your tour with us now and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime without any hassle or hurry.
Huacachina is a beautiful desert oasis that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. In this article, we will explore the best activities in Huacachina, Peru.
One of the absolute must-do activities in Huacachina is taking a dune buggy ride. For adventure and stunning dune views, this is it! These tours are not for the faint-hearted, as they can be exhilarating.
You can hop into a dune buggy and embark on a thrilling ride through the dunes. It’s like being on a roller-coaster but with the added thrill of racing through the sand. Don’t be surprised if you are screaming with excitement from start to finish.
To book a dune buggy tour in Huacachina, you can contact us at Hello Peru Tours right now. We offer various packages that cater to all levels of adventurers.
Most dune buggy tours also include a sandboarding experience. While not sandboarding the whole time, you’ll have the chance to glide down sandy hills on a board while lying on your belly.
Interested in sandboarding standing up? Book our specific sandboarding tour at Hello Peru Tours for the proper equipment and an unforgettable experience!
Sandboarding is like snowboarding, but instead of snow, you’ll be riding down the dunes of Huacachina. If you’re up for a more authentic sandboarding experience, you can book a tour with us that offers stand-up sandboarding.
Our Huacachina tours offer you a board suitable for standing up and offer instructions on how to use it. If you’re an experienced snowboarder, you might even try sand-skiing, which is gaining popularity among visitors.
Huacachina dunes: options for sandboarding range from small for beginners to huge for racing friends to the bottom.
Our tours often take place at sunset, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking Peruvian sky at night. The best part is that these sandboarding tours cater to all skill levels.
Hiking up the dunes around Huacachina is necessary for a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. The dunes offer breathtaking views that should be included in your itinerary.
The oasis is surrounded by sand dunes, each with its unique features. Some are steep, others smaller and flatter. To experience breathtaking views, prepare for the heat and climb the larger dunes.
From the top of these dunes, witness the oasis in all its splendor, with Ica visible in the distance. Beyond Huacachina, the vast Peruvian desert stretches out before you.
Sitting on these dunes, watching the world go by, is an unforgettable experience. The peacefulness and incredible views make it one of the most enjoyable things to do in Huacachina.
If you’re in the mood for a leisurely and relaxing afternoon in Huacachina, consider renting a paddle boat and cruising around the lagoon. This activity allows you to take it slow and enjoy the serene surroundings while you watch the world pass by.
Paddle boating on the tranquil waters of the Huacachina lagoon is a delightful way to unwind. As you gently paddle, you can soak in the beauty of the oasis and its unique desert backdrop.
The lagoon is surrounded by towering dunes, creating a surreal and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect activity for those who want a break from the more adventurous experiences that Huacachina offers.
Huacachina offers more than just adrenaline activities; it’s a delightful destination for spirit and wine lovers. Pisco, a clear spirit made from grapes, is one of the best alcoholic Peruvian drinks. Many Pisco distilleries in Huacachina also produce wine, making it a win-win for connoisseurs.
You can go on a Pisco and wine tour in the Huacachina area with us at Hello Peru Tours. Visit vineyards distilleries and indulge in wine, Pisco, and the famous Pisco sour cocktail.
On a typical tour with us, you’ll visit 3 different places and taste over 30 samples. Lasting around 3.5 hours and costing about 228 soles or $63 USD per person, these tours offer great value for money.
If you’re interested in exploring more of the region surrounding Huacachina, consider taking a Pisco vineyard tour with us. Ica’s wine region is renowned as the most important in Peru, and visiting at least one vineyard is a must.
Huacachina offers a special treat if you have a sweet tooth. And that is the Tejas-making workshop, one of the best things to do in Huacachina.
Teja is a unique dumpling-shaped delicacy from Peru’s Ica region. Made with pecans and a thick manjar blanco filling (similar to dulce de leche), coated with sugary fondant. Tejas can now have dried fruit, other nuts, or even a chocolate version called chocotejas.
Join a Tejas-making workshop to craft your own perfectly shaped Teja. After the workshop, indulge in your freshly made Teja and grab extra treats as gifts or snacks. We at Hello Peru Tours can arrange or recommend a workshop for you.
In Huacachina, watching the sunset from a dune is an awe-inspiring experience. The sun descending over the vast dunes is truly jaw-dropping. Find a good spot, and snap that perfect picture. And again, we can also help you with that.
Sunsets in Peru, especially in Huacachina, are stunning. The sky is filled with impressive colors and unmatched clarity. While not as clear as some remote locations due to Ica’s proximity, you can still witness celestial displays and even glimpse the Milky Way.
To fully enjoy the sunset, find a serene spot on the dunes away from the hustle and bustle. The sun sets around 6:00 pm, so settle in between 5:00 and 5:30 pm to savor every breathtaking moment.
Looking for a delightful evening activity in Huacachina? Don’t miss dinner in the desert! Surrounded by dunes, it’s a unique way to spend quality time with your group. Enjoy a delicious meal and wine amidst this surreal landscape.
And we can also arrange this activity for you! We offer all-inclusive dinner in the desert packages that include transportation, a traditional Peruvian meal, unlimited drinks, and more.
Experience the tranquility of the desert as the sun sets and stars light up the sky. It’s truly an unforgettable experience that combines adventure and relaxation.
A leisurely walk around the oasis is one of the most pleasant activities in Huacachina. This tiny, lush paradise amidst the towering dunes offers a serene exploring environment. It is one of the best free things to do in Huacachina, Peru.
Strolling around the oasis allows you to appreciate the natural beauty, enjoy the picturesque scenery, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by swaying palm trees and the soothing sound of the lagoon’s waters. It’s a perfect way to unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Huacachina boasts many hotels and resorts that offer the luxury of lounging by the pool. And that makes it one of the best ways to relax and soak in the sun during your stay. The desert’s warm climate makes swimming or lounging poolside a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
These hotels offer cozy amenities and stunning views. Relax in tranquility, soak up the desert scenery, and maximize your time in Huacachina.
Huacachina is an exceptional destination for its natural beauty and thrilling paragliding tours. This oasis features a stunning lagoon, tropical palms, and expansive dunes, making it a paradise for adventure lovers.
Soar through Huacachina Dunes like birds. No experience is needed; a professional pilot takes care of everything. Just walk, take flight, and enjoy the incredible experience.
We at Hello Peru Tours offer all-inclusive paragliding tours from Huacachina that include transportation, professional pilots, and safety gear. It’s a must-do activity for adrenaline junkies visiting Huacachina.
Paragliding is a freedom like no other! Just you, the wind, and the breathtaking beauty of the desert landscape. You can experience the breathtaking wonders of Huacachina from above. Whether a seasoned paraglider or a first-timer, Huacachina’s thrill and beauty will leave a lasting memory.
If you’re in Paracas or Ica, take a day trip to Huacachina. It’s one of the most budget-friendly Huacachina tours and offers more time to enjoy its unique charms.
Day trips are all about efficiency. Cut travel time to maximize your Huacachina experience. The highlight? Ballestas Islands, a treasure trove of marine life. Don’t miss this adventure!
During a Ballestas Islands boat tour, lasting about an hour, you’ll witness remarkable wildlife in Peru. Humboldt Penguins, sea lions, fur seals, and pelicans are some of the captivating creatures that call these islands home. It’s a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true!
Besides the Ballestas Islands, this tour also takes you to the Paracas Reserve. Here, you can marvel at Peru’s wildlife and glimpse the famous Nazca Lines.
To reach Paracas from Huacachina, book a bus through services like Busbud for a smooth and convenient journey. Interested in wildlife, geoglyphs, or enjoying yourself in the region’s beauty? A day trip from Paracas or Ica to Huacachina is the perfect way to experience everything.
Interested in wine? Explore without a full tour at Tacama Winery with us at Hello Peru Tours. It is Peru’s first winery, a place of beauty. You will enjoy lush gardens, vineyards, fountains, and colonial-style buildings.
While visiting Tacoma on our Pisco and Wine tour, you can also choose to go independently. A 30-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride from Huacachina to Tacama costs around 15-20 soles ($4 to USD 5.50). At the winery, you can join an English tour for 55 soles per person ($15).
The tour guides you through the winemaking process and ends with tastings. For a more extensive experience, book a guided tour with us from Huacachina or Ica that visits Tacoma and another vineyard.
Tacama Winery has a bar to order drinks and relax in the garden. You can also buy their reasonably priced wines as souvenirs. The winery’s garden is a delightful place to explore and enjoy.
The Ballestas Islands, known as “Peru’s Poor Man’s Galapagos,” are a stunning natural attraction near Ica. This protected reserve is home to diverse wildlife and beautiful coastal landscapes.
The boat tour of the Ballestas Islands offers thrilling views of the coastline, rocky cliffs, and diverse wildlife. Look out for sea lions, whales, Blue-footed boobies, penguins, and more!
Visit the Ballestas Islands on a day trip from Huacachina for shorter travel times and affordable tours. Explore this remarkable natural reserve with 8-hour Huacachina tours starting at $40.
Located in Paracas, just 1.5 hours from Ica, these islands offer a fantastic chance to see diverse marine life. You will encounter Humboldt Penguins, sea lions, fur seals, pelicans, and more. Accessible only by boat, booking a tour is a must.
The Nazca Lines are the most iconic attractions in Peru, with massive geoglyphs etched into the desert ground. To appreciate their beauty, take a flight over the lines.
Visiting the Nazca Lines from Huacachina has the advantage of proximity. The Nazca Lines airport is just 2.5 hours away, much shorter than the 7+ hours from Lima.
You can book a direct one-hour flight from Ica to the Nazca Lines to witness these enigmatic markings. But, it is relatively expensive at:
For a budget-friendly option, take a public bus to Nazca from Ica and book a 30-minute flight for around $110. Experience the Nazca Lines affordably!
And if you want to be hassle-free, contact us at Hello Peru Tours. We offer all-inclusive day tours from Huacachina to the Nazca Lines, including transportation, flights, and entrance fees.
We are extremely passionate about promoting tourism in Peru. So, let us answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Huacachina tours and things to do in this charming oasis.
Huacachina is a stunning oasis near Lima, offering diverse experiences like Islas Ballestas boat tours, dune sunsets, exploring the town, and visiting the oldest winery in the Americas. Unforgettable memories and adventures await in Huacachina!
No, you cannot and should not swim in the lagoon in Huacachina. While paddle boats are available for rent to explore the lagoon, locals and visitors alike will strongly advise against swimming in it. The water in the lagoon is considered unsafe for swimming.
Instead of swimming in the lagoon, we recommend a leisurely paddle boat ride. Afterward, you can enjoy local BBQs or indulge in pisco sours at nearby restaurants with great views. Huacachina offers a range of experiences beyond swimming in the lagoon.
By public bus, you can travel from Lima or Cusco to Ica, then take a local taxi to Huacachina. When leaving, follow the same process in reverse. Alternatively, we at Hello Peru Tours offer hassle-free transportation services for a convenient and comfortable journey to and from Huacachina.
We recommend staying in Huacachina for at least two to three days. You can do a lot of things on this oasis, including:
The Huacachina Desert offers a variety of thrilling activities, such as sandboarding, dune buggy rides, boat trips to the Ballestas Islands, and scenic flights over the Nazca Lines. It’s a diverse destination catering to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts.
The Huacachina lagoon in Peru is not man-made but was formed by natural seepage from underground aquifers. To protect the water supply and preserve it as a tourist attraction, a project was initiated 2015 to pump water into the lagoon. This ensures its continued existence and appeal to visitors.
When visiting Huacachina, it is recommended to bring cash as there is only one unreliable ATM in the town. To fully enjoy your visit, witness the stunning sunset from the dunes and consider visiting nearby wineries like Hacienda Bodega Tacama for a delightful wine-tasting experience.
Mosquitoes are present in Huacachina, so it’s advisable to be prepared. To enhance your experience, choose a hotel near the town center for a livelier atmosphere and friendly interactions. Remember to bring mosquito repellent creams to protect yourself during your visit.
A taxi from Ica to Huacachina is about $4. Note that prices may vary depending on location and taxi service. Also, consider the cost of reaching the bus terminal (around $7) and the one-way bus ticket (approximately $15, depending on the company).
Huacachina is a one-of-a-kind Peruvian oasis nestled in the desert. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscape and striking contrast to the dry surroundings. It offers thrilling adventure activities like sandboarding and dune buggies, as well as beautiful scenery with breathtaking views.
Nearby, you can explore the Ballestas Islands for unique wildlife encounters. Also, Huacachina offers cultural experiences and a tranquil escape from city life. Overall, it’s a hidden gem that appeals to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a memorable travel experience.
Driving to Huacachina is possible, but there are factors to consider. The nearest airport is Ayacucho Airport, about a 1-hour flight from Lima. From there, it takes 5-7 hours to drive or take a bus to Ica. From Ica, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to Huacachina.
But, driving in this region as a tourist can be challenging due to the desert terrain and local driving conditions. It’s often more convenient and safer to use public transportation like buses or taxis. This allows for a smoother and less stressful journey.
Once again, at Hello Peru Tours, we handle everything so you don’t have to worry about anything.
