Huacachina, a beautiful oasis of emerald green waters of the Pacific coastal desert between the high dunes of the Ica desert. Huachina is the largest oasis in America and one of the most photographed places in Peru. The waters of the Oasis jealously guard some very traditional legends. Accompany Auri to know the oasis of America, a paradisiacal place in the middle of endless coastal deserts.
What is Huacachina?
Huacachina is a tiny town built around the lagoon with no more than 10 streets: the main one that surrounds the lagoon in the form of a boardwalk, and then other small streets that start from the main one and go a few meters into the dunes. Huacachina is also one of the places where you can see one of the best sunrises in Peru. It is worth spending the night in this place to witness an amazing spectacle of the Peruvian coast. The water mirror of Huacachina has an extension of 100 meters long and 60 meters wide.
Where is Huacachina?
Huacachina, this beautiful spot in the Ica desert is located in the region of Ica in Peru, just five kilometers west of the capital city of the region, Ica. The Huacachina oasis is also located 350 kilometers from the capital of Peru, Lima. Huacachina is in the middle of the coastal desert of southern Peru. One of the aridest deserts in South America, Huacachina is located 124 kilometers from the Nazca lines, which have been preserved for hundreds of years thanks to the climatic conditions.
Meaning of the name Huacachina
The name Huacachina, etymologically is related to the Quechua word “huacay” which means (to cry) and the expression “china” (woman), that is to say “woman who cries” or “woman who makes cry”.
Brief history of the Huacachina Oasis
The history of Huacachina as a tourist spot dates back to the 1940’s, a time when this destination became popular among the locals.
In those early years its attraction was summarized in one of the most exclusive resorts with certain structures to facilitate the visit, housing, restaurants and hotels. A magnificent boardwalk was built on the site, ornamented with boardwalks, railings and changing rooms for bathers. Long ago bathers were allowed to dive in its waters, a practice that today is not recommended, the waters are no longer as pure and curative as they were decades ago.
In recent years the lagoon has lost its capacity, its waters are artificial. Likewise, the construction of tubular wells in the vicinity is causing the water level to drop.
Jose Santos Chocano, a great Peruvian poet, impressed by the beauty of the lagoon and its legend was inspired and dedicated a poem to the Huacachina; this poem is located on the boardwalk that surrounds the lagoon in Huacachina.
Legend about the Huacachina
The Huacachina also has part of its charm in a local legend. It is told that many years ago, a princess called Huacca China of Inca lineage lived in that place. This green-eyed Inca princess was the owner of an incredible beauty, as well as a melodious voice whose singing softened the hearts of men in such a way that no one could help but be moved and cry at her melody.
Legend has it that on one occasion, when the princess was alone, a hunter saw her and was so taken with her that he began to chase her.The princess began to run to escape the man’s evil desires. On the way, the Inca lady’s suit began to tear because of the obstacles until it finally fell off and became a sheet of sand (today’s desert), after which she also dropped a mirror that she always carried with her and this became the lagoon. The princess, noticing that she had no escape from the threat of her aggressor, plunged into the lagoon to finally flee, but she remained transformed into a mermaid. The inhabitants of Ica tell that even today that mermaid still appears on full moon nights and her song can still be heard.
Flora and fauna of the Huacachina oasis
Creeping plants such as the toñuz have adapted to the sandy conditions. Among diverse species, the bugambilias, palm trees, eucalyptus and the no less famous and old huarangos stand out, the latter becoming a resting place and refuge for migratory birds that cross this coastal area. All this vegetation and the sand dunes give to Huacachina that very particular characteristic that makes it a dream destination.
How to get to Huacachina Peru?
To get to Huacachina the most common option is to take a public bus from the city you are in, the main one is Lima.
- Traveling to Huacachina from Lima (350km)
- Visiting Huacachina from Nazca (140km)
- Getting to Huacachina from Ica (5km)
- Traveling to Huacachina from Arequipa (709 km)
- Traveling to Huacachina from Cusco (788 km)
- Traveling to Huacachina from Puno (990 km)
- Travelling to Huacachina from Nazca (140 km)
- Getting to Huacachina from Ica (5km)
The most popular among travelers is to do a 1 day round trip from the capital of Peru, Lima. Since a tour of Huachina can be done in one day.
How to get to Huacachina from Lima?
To get to Huacachina from Lima the first thing to do is to take the public bus or hire a tour to visit the oasis. The public buses leave from the Javier Prado bus terminal and will take you to the terminal in the capital city of the region, Ica. From Ica you should take a cab that will take you to the Huacachina Oasis in about 10 minutes. Below you will see the details of the route:
- Travel cost from Lima to Ica: from 10 USD to 20 USD.
- Duration: 4 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance from Lima to Huacachina: 350km
- Cab from the city of Ica to Huachina: 3 USD
A second option is to get to Huachina with a travel agency from Lima. This is done with private transportation, a tour guide, food depending on the services and other tourist stops en route. The most popular option leaves Lima very early in the morning to return to Lima at night. The price of this tour varies, being the price of one 45 USD and up.
How to get to Huacachina from Cusco?
Cusco is 415 kilometers from Huachina. The distance by road is 788 kilometers. For this reason, we have two options to get to Huachina from Cusco.
From Cusco to Huachina by Public Bus
Some of the companies that make the route from Cusco to Ica are the companies CIVA, OLTURSA, TEPSA. Movil Tours, Peru Hop and others. The trip has a duration of 16 hours and 20 minutes approximately. Once in the city of Ica the distance to Huachina is 10 minutes.
From Cusco to Huacachina by Plane
With this option, you must arrive on a domestic flight to Lima and then take a public bus service or a tour to Huacachina. From Cusco to Lima, the flight takes an average of one hour and a half. The bus from Lima to Ica lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes.
We recommend you to visit Huacachina when you arrive in Lima from your country of origin. That is to say, make the trip to Cusco after visiting Huacachina.
How to get to Huacachina from Nazca?
The route to get to Huacachina from Nazca is much shorter and cheaper due to its proximity to the oasis. The distance is 140 kilometers and the travel time is two and a half hours. Buses or cabs leave directly from Nazca station, in the center of the city, in the direction of Ica.
How to get to Huacachina from Arequipa?
The most used option is by bus. The distance between Ica and Arequipa is 708 kilometers by road. The approximate travel time is 10 hours 45 minutes. Some recommended transportation companies are Cruz del Sur, Civa and Tepsa.
How many days in Huacachina we should stay?
There are tours from one day to several days to Huacachina if you hire the services of any travel agency. If you go on your own it is advisable to stay two days to make the route of Pisco, visit the city of Ica and other places. If you stay overnight in Huacachina, the experience is even more complete when you get to see the sunrise and sunset among the dunes. The most popular tour from Lima to Huacachina are of 1 day and depart from the city of Lima, in this tour you will also visit the Ballestas Islands.
If you plan to visit the Ballestas Islands, the province of Chincha or the Nazca Lines and you are going on your own, you should consider staying more days in the region of Ica. The most popular option to visit Huacachina is 2 or 1 day.
Climate of Huacachina
This is a perfect destination at any time of the year, the weather is always very sunny and warm during the day, with an average of 25°C, the temperature difference is only noticeable during the nights. In winter, the night temperature can drop to 14°C (57°F).
Also keep in mind that the busiest period of the place is between the months of February to March when the Iqueña grape harvest takes place, a time in which you will have to make reservations prior to these dates to be able to live and participate in this festival of the region.
What can you do in Huacachina?
Navigating in Huacachina Oasis
Huacachina is a very touristic place. Although it is a pity that the landscape is somewhat disturbed due to the construction of buildings around it, the view is still magnificent. The people who live in the surroundings have put little boats to go for a ride on the lagoon, it is an activity that can be enjoyed as a couple or with friends.
Huacachina sandboarding
Huacachina is probably the best option in Peru for this sport. Here you will find really big dunes. The higher the dune, the faster the boarding will be. An activity for adrenaline lovers. You can lie face down if you do not have much experience or stand up as if you were on a surfboard.
Buggy tour Huacachina
Climbing into a desert buggy is like flying through sand. The ride is full of adrenaline, with sharp turns and steep drops. The popular buggy tour is approximately 20km long in the desert, with several stops for sandboarding, photo opportunities and sunset views.
Explore Huacachina dunes
The gigantic desert that surrounds Huachina is also a great attraction, from the peaks you can see the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets of the Peruvian coast. In addition, its impressive dunes of great heights provide a range of options for lovers of adventure sports. These dunes rise up to 250 meters of vertical risk to be surfed at full speed.
Its dunes have become an exclusive destination for national and international trials of this sport. Like the most renowned ski slopes in the world, the dunes near Huacachina have their own names such as La Catedral, Santiaguillo, Orovilca, Norte Orovilva and Saraja.
Huacachina hotels
Some of the hotels or hostels located around Huacachina and among the most popular according to Booking.com are the following:
Wild Rover Hostel
It is a hostel with a bar. Excellent food, parties and a friendly atmosphere. Pod dorms and private rooms are available. Swimming pool and relax area. Wi-Fi and information desk. Excellent for travelers who want to relax by the pool and enjoy the good atmosphere of this new Irish bar.
El Huacachinero Hotel
El Huacachinero is located in the Huacahina oasis, surrounded by sand dunes, and features an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. It offers free WiFi. All rooms have private bathrooms. Some rooms also have cable TV and air conditioning.
Ecocamp Huacachina
Ecocamp Huacachina is located in Ica and has views of the pool, a restaurant, shared kitchen, bar, garden, terrace and outdoor pool available all year round. The campsite offers free private parking and free Wi-Fi.
The Upcycled Hostel Huacachina
The location is ideal for sightseeing, hiking or adrenaline-pumping activities. There is a hidden paradise just a 10-minute walk from the lodge. The oasis of Huacachina has a charming boulevard, golden sand and an infinite horizon.
Banana’s Adventure Hostel
Located in Ica’s Huacachina oasis, Banana’s Adventure offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden with hammocks. The Banana’s Adventure’s restaurant serves regional dishes. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange activities such as flights over the Nazca Lines or boat tours of the Ballestas Islands.
Hotel Curasi
Hotel Curasi offers a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and accommodation in Ica. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Hucachina Lagoon is a 1-minute walk away. All rooms have private bathrooms and cable TV. They offer views of the lake.
Tips for visiting Huacachina
- Carry cash and Peruvian soles. The city of Ica has very few ATMs, as Ica is a relatively small city.
- Be sure to see the sunrise or sunset at Huachina. Climb to the top of a nearby dune and you will encounter one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world.
- Visit one of the pisco and wine cellars. Ica is home to high-quality grape orchards, and therefore the best pisco and wine in Peru.
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The Huacachina oasis is a paradisiacal place of great singular beauty that still maintains its charm and splendor as an Eden in the middle of the coastal desert. Get to know with Auri many enchanting destinations. Put your next trip in the hands of true professionals committed to provide you with a different level of service and memories that will make you miss Peru forever.
