The only natural oasis in South America

This oasis in Peru is the only natural one in all of South America! Its name comes from the Quechua words Huaccac Cachi, which means “The one who cries salt”. Another possible derivation is Huaccacchine, which translates to “I make you cry”. The oasis lies deep within the Peru desert, located approximately 190 miles south of Lima and just 4 miles west of the city of Ica. This small natural lagoon is nourished by underground aquifers that filter up through the sand, allowing vegetation such as carob trees, eucalyptus, and palm trees to thrive around its shores.

The water in the oasis maintains a warm temperature throughout the year, ranging between 77°F and 86°F, and the lagoon spans roughly 2 acres in size.

Huacachina; the legend of the mermaid and the hunter

Like many magical places in Peru, Huacachina Oasis has a local legend. According to myth, the lagoon was created when a young Inca princess wept over the death in battle of her beloved. Thus, her tears formed a lagoon in the middle of the Peruvian desert.

One day, while she saw her beautiful reflection on the lagoon waters, she noted the figure of a hunter behind her. So, while she fled, she dropped her cloak, which turned into rolling dunes around the lagoon. 

After, in desperation, she entered the lagoon and submerged herself in its waters, waiting for the hunter to give up his pursuit. One day, when she surfaced, she noticed that her feet had turned into fins, transforming her into a beautiful mermaid.

Today, locals say she still lives in the water as a mermaid, protecting this particular oasis in Peru and dragging unsuspecting singles who stroll along its banks to the bottom of the lagoon.

A statue of a mermaid joined to a wishing well, located in the entrance of the oasis, reminds us of this unique story.

Who inhabited the oasis first?

The truth is that the oasis became famous for its rich sulfur and saline waters, which made it popular as a source of medicinal waters.

This discovery, in the mid-1960s, prompted Lima's upper class to build villas and summer homes around it to take advantage of the waters. However, as it became a Peruvian tourist destination, the area received an increasing number of visitors, so its wealthy residents abandoned the area to tourist shops, restaurants, and hotels. 

Swimming in its waters is currently prohibited, as its minerals have been shown to be harmful to long-term health.

9 best things to do in the Huacachina Oasis

Huacachina Peru, is an adventure hotspot in the middle of the Peruvian desert. Besides being a natural attraction, the Peru oasis offers full adventures and unforgettable experiences surrounding it. Here's what you can’t miss.

Fortunately, all travel agencies offer these experiences in the oasis town itself, or if you prefer, you can contact us.

Sandboarding

Glide down steep Peru sand dunes for a pure adrenaline rush. It is similar to surfing, but instead of gliding over waves or water, you glide over sand. First, you will have to climb up to the dune top, where you will begin your descent on a surfboard adapted to the sand. To get up to the top, you can walk up or take a dune buggy tour, which will drop you up on the same dune´s top.

Dune Buggy Rides

Explore the endless waves of the Peru desert in high-speed buggies. Adrenaline and speed will accompany you on four wheels. These modified vehicles climb dunes with slopes of up to 70 degrees at pure speed. Not to mention the descents that are pure adrenaline. Incredible! The drivers are experts, so don't worry. Do you dare to climb one? 

Sunset Views

Climb the surrounding dunes for panoramic views of the Huacachina oasis at sunset. The photos and postcards will be simply unforgettable.

Boat Rides

Rent a small pedal or paddle boat and enjoy the lagoon from a different perspective, by navigating by its calm waters. Please take note that swimming in the oasis water is forbidden.

Day Trips to Paracas 

Combine your stay in the Huacachina with a visit to the national reserve of Paracas Peru, known for its coastal landscapes and sea wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. 

Cerro Blanco sandboarding

Just 9 miles east of Nazca, nestled in the heart of the Nazca Valley, you'll find Cerro Blanco, a true giant of the desert. Often referred to as the “Everest of the desert”, this massive dune is one of the highest in the world, towering at around 6,824 feet above sea level.

Cerro Blanco has become a bucket-list destination for thrill-seekers and professional sandboarders alike. Many describe the rush of riding down its steep slopes as the closest thing to being on a roller coaster in the middle of the desert. If you're up for an unforgettable adventure, this dune is waiting for you.

Desert camping

Imagine spending wonderful nights over warm sands under full moonlight. Well, the experience of camping in the desert with beautiful bonfires at night with luxury tents and all the comforts. 

Picnic in the middle of Peru desert

Imagine sitting on soft blankets atop golden sand, surrounded by towering dunes, with the sun slowly setting over the Peru desert. Desert picnics in Huacachina offer a magical blend of nature, comfort, and adventure.

Enjoy a carefully prepared spread with fresh local snacks, fruits, and drinks while you soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Some setups even include lanterns, cozy cushions, and panoramic views of the Huacachina Oasis below. An Arabian lunch in the middle of the desert. 

Canyon of the Lost (Cañón de los Perdidos)

If you want to visit the famous Grand Canyon in the United States, you have a canyon of similar characteristics just near the Huacachina Oasis, we refer to the Canyon of the Lost. It is an otherworldly landscape carved by time and water. This dramatic canyon features steep walls, fossil formations, and narrow paths that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Still relatively unknown to many travelers, it's the perfect spot for those looking to explore beyond the sand dunes. Whether you're into photography, geology, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, this natural wonder adds a unique twist to your Peru experience.

What to Wear to visit the oasis

The Peru desert climate means hot days and cool nights. Pack smart:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime, like shorts or t-shirts.
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
• A light jacket for the evening.
• Closed shoes if you’re sandboarding or taking buggy tours.
• A scarf or bandana (dust from the dunes is no joke).
• Credit Cards and local money for the stores around the oasis.

How to Get to this Paradise Oasis in Peru

As we mentioned, Huacachina is located in the southwest of Peru, in the department of Ica, approximately 5 kilometers from the center of the city of Ica. This place is located in the middle of the coastal desert, surrounded by imposing sand dunes, and is one of the few natural oases in South America.

From Lima to Ica

From the capital of Peru, the trip takes between 4 and 5 hours by bus or car, following the Panamerican Highway South to the city of Ica. The most reliable bus companies operating on the route are PeruBus and Cruz del Sur, both of which have a one-way fare of $14 and $20, respectively, in many schedules. Both companies have their own terminals.

Once in Ica, you can take a cab to Huacachina (approximately 10 minutes). The cost of a cab is approximately 20 soles. In Peru, cabs do not have taximeters, so negotiate the price with the driver before taking one. We recommend using cab apps such as Uber or Cabify.

From Cusco to Ica

The journey is much longer (approximately 15-18 hours by bus), so many travelers opt for a stopover in Lima or Arequipa. Many cab companies are doing the Cusco - Ica route; again, the most recommended is Cruz del Sur, with a one-way ticket cost of $48.

From Arequipa to Ica

If you leave from Arequipa, the trip is usually shorter, 13 hours, and prices can range from $ 28 to $ 50, one way or another. Cruz del Sur is again the recommended company for this route.

Best Time to Visit the Huacachina

The oasis in Peru is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Huacachina is from April to November when the weather is dry and sunny. That means sunny days with blue and clear skies, with hot temperatures during the days that are over 90°F and a descent in temperature at night. These months are perfect for outdoor adventures and clear sunset views.

Avoid January to March if you want to steer clear of possible rain, but don't worry because the temperatures rarely drop below 76°F.

Ticket entrance of this Oasis in Peru

The entrance to the Huacachina oasis as such is free. You can walk along the boardwalk, take pictures, enjoy the scenery, or sit in one of the restaurants or bars without paying admission.

However, there is an entrance fee to the desert, which is S/ 3.60 soles per person (about $1 USD). This is a mandatory Ica municipal fee for those who are going to do activities in the dunes.

Where to Eat in the Oasis

Though small, Huacachina has a good mix of restaurants and cafes:

• Wild Olive: Great for wood-fired pizzas and pasta.
• Desert Nights: A solid backpacker spot with local and international dishes.
• Huacafuckingchina Restobar: Casual food with sunset views over the lagoon.
• For fresh seafood, consider dining in nearby Paracas Peru after a day trip.

Where to Stay in Huacachina

From laid-back hostels to relaxing hotels, Huacachina Peru caters to every budget:

• Banana’s Adventure: Perfect for social travelers and tour packages.
• Hotel El Huacachinero: Comfortable rooms with a pool and desert views.
• Wild Rover Hostel: Lively atmosphere for party-loving backpackers.
• In addition, for more tranquility, you can also stay in Ica and make quick trips to the Huacachina oasis.

“As you can see, visiting the Huacachina oasis is an experience that combines adventure, unique landscapes, and a touch of tranquility in the middle of the desert. Whether sliding down the dunes, touring the oasis by boat, or simply enjoying the sunset among golden sands, among many other activities, this destination offers an unforgettable getaway in southern Peru. If you are looking for something different on your travel route, this oasis is a stop worth including”