Just outside the city of Ica, about a four-hour drive from Lima, lies Huacachina—a peaceful, stunning oasis in the heart of the Peruvian desert. Surrounded by towering dunes that evoke the Sahara, the town centers around a green lagoon, bordered by a small promenade with restaurants and a calm atmosphere.
Though small and with limited attractions, Huacachina has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking some peace in the heart of the sands.
Important Tip: Though serene and relaxing, Huacachina has no ATMs, so it’s best to withdraw cash in Ica before arriving!
Things to Do in Huacachina
Sandboarding and Dune Buggy
The dunes are the main draw here, and for good reason! For 30–50 Soles, you can join a two-hour group dune buggy tour with up to eight passengers. The buggy will take you up the tallest dunes for an exhilarating sandboarding experience, timed with an unforgettable sunset view. Tours usually start around 3:00 pm.
For a more intimate experience, consider renting a private buggy for up to four people, and head to the less crowded dunes. The cost is around 200 Soles per buggy, a worthwhile splurge for the unique adventure.
Sandboarding Tips
- Long pants: Your knees touch the sand while sliding, so it’s best to dress accordingly.
- Bandana and sunglasses: These will help keep sand out of your eyes and mouth, especially if it’s windy.
- Flip-flops or sandals: Sand will get into your shoes regardless, so flip-flops might actually be a good idea.
- Jacket for sunset: Once the sun sets, it gets chilly!
Where to Stay in Huacachina
Although Huacachina is small and has limited accommodation options, there’s something here for every type of traveler—whether you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere, a quiet spot with desert views, or just a convenient place to rest for the night.
Carola Lodge – Peaceful Atmosphere in the Desert
I stumbled upon this hotel by chance after a less-than-ideal experience at Wild Rover. While searching for a relaxing breakfast spot, I discovered Carola Lodge—a hotel that looks luxurious but has quite reasonable prices. Private rooms cost around 100 Soles per night, including breakfast, which is great value considering the peaceful setting and stunning views.
The hotel offers a variety of private rooms: those closer to the pool (ideal if you’re okay with music playing until 1:00 am) and more secluded rooms for families or those seeking total tranquility. Poolside rooms are larger and come with one or two big beds, toiletries, towels, and a fan. If you opt for a dorm room, you might end up having it mostly to yourself, depending on the season.
Another advantage of Carola Lodge is the main pool area, with an additional pool that opens during peak season only. By the pool, you can enjoy a restaurant serving a wide range of dishes, including vegan options, like a liter of passion fruit juice for 14 Soles—perfect for poolside lounging. The friendly staff even includes a few who speak Hebrew. Note: No smoking is allowed in rooms or common areas, and fines for smoking can be as high as 100 Soles.
Bananas Adventure – A Lively Hostel with Great Amenities
A fun, popular hostel attracting young backpackers from all over the world. The property includes hammocks, a large pool, and plenty of lively ambiance, but also boasts high-quality rooms and decent comfort. Prices are higher here compared to Wild Rover, but the atmosphere and convenience make it worth it.
Wild Rover – A True Party Hostel
Like its counterpart in Cusco, Wild Rover is a true party hostel, ideal for those wanting a lively, non-stop social scene. Music starts around noon and continues until 2:00 am. There’s also a pool (a bit sandy, but still fun) and a bar that’s always buzzing with energy.
While the reception staff were friendly and professional, service in the restaurant was a bit disappointing—the food was fine, but the service could be better. Unfortunately, I also heard complaints about theft issues, so it’s best to keep valuable items locked up and double-check the lockers.
How to Get to Huacachina
The easiest way is to take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Ica. Taxis cost around 10 Soles, while a tuk-tuk costs about 5 Soles.
Where to Eat in Huacachina
As there’s no large supermarket in town, most meals are found in local hotel and hostel restaurants. A few small shops carry snacks and drinks, but options are limited.
- Casa de Bambo – A Restaurant with a Wide Menu, Including Salads and Vegan Options
- Nona – Lunch Special for 18 Soles, with Dishes Like Papa a la Huacachina and Vegan Pesto Pasta
- Carola Lodge – A Recommended Spot for a Full Breakfast, with a Range of Options Including a Vegan Burger.