The 7 Best Things to Do in Huacachina, Peru
by Rebecca Hollman
updated Dec 10, 2018
Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina is a tiny oasis town on Peru’s southern coast. Surrounded on all sides by deserts and giant sand dunes, Huacachina is only able to exist because of its tiny lagoon that gives fresh water to the area. Because of the lagoon, palm trees and other vegetation can flourish and this little, tiny town has popped up. Originally, the town existed as a place for people to come soak in the lagoon because they thought the water had healing properties. Now however, the town pretty much exists for and because of tourism. Most people who work in the town live in the bigger city of Ica which is only 20 minutes away. Even though Huacachina is super small and exists as a tourist destination, it is still strikingly beautiful and peaceful. Being up in the sand dunes during a sunrise and/or sunset was one of the best memories I have of Peru. Learn how to spend your day or couple of days in Huacachina below.
Best Things to Do
1. Dune buggy and sandboard tour
Arguably the reason that you went to Huacachina in the first place, this tour is a no-brainer on anyone's list. Tours go once in the morning and once in the afternoon and last about 2-3 hours. You start off by climbing up to the iconic viewpoint of the oasis where all the buggies are parked. Then you hop into a buggy with a couple other people and head out into the desert. This was one of my favorite experiences in all of Peru just because it was pure child-like fun. We had a driver who was whipping it so we were bombing some of the dunes which made it even more fun. After about an hour of driving, we reached our first sandboarding spot. Everyone in the buggy gets pushed down a dune on their bellies and then the driver comes and picks you up at the bottom. A little more driving fast, and then on to another sandboard spot. And then more driving, and more sandboarding, and more driving, and more sandboarding… All in all, you get to sandboard about 7-8 times, sometimes laying on your belly going head first and other times sitting on your bum. They never let you stand because it really is dangerous and guaranteed your going to fall since these boards don’t have feet straps. If you’re on the afternoon tour, the tour ends by going to a spot to take pictures and watch the sunset over the dunes.
Read more about this tour on my in depth article HERE
2. Paragliding
Take a paragliding class and enjoy the views of the dunes from the sky. There are a few operators in the little town and any hostel/hotel can get you in contact with a tour agency or guide. You can either take a full instructional class or do a shorter flight in tandem with a guide. Most of the paragliding happens right around where the dune buggies take off and happen right before sunset.
3. Lay around by a pool and get some sun
After coming from Lima or Cusco, you’re probably craving some sun. And Huacachina has just that. Since it’s in the desert, the never ending grey cloud coverage along the coast of Peru doesn’t apply here. Most hostels and hotels have a pool so I would suggest spending half a day laying in the sun and just relaxing by the pool. After taking a night bus to Huacachina, a morning at the pool was a much needed relaxation.
4. Take a pedal boat out in the lagoon
Why not enjoy the thing that actually makes Huacachina famous? This lagoon in the middle of town is the life source that allows the oasis and the town to exist. Rent a pedal boat on the shore and go out with a friend (or solo) for an hour or two to enjoy the lagoon and the reason why Huacachina is even there in the first place.
5. Climb to the top of some dunes for sunrise/sunset
Take a hike up the dunes to catch a sunrise or a sunset. Sunset is obviously more popular so if you want a peaceful experience opt for sunrise. You can either walk just a bit up to where the dune buggies are parked or pick a trail that takes you farther up. Keep in mind that you are climbing up sand that slides out from under your feet so the walk can be pretty tiring and take longer than you expect. The views of the sun rising or setting over the dunes are absolutely worth it though.
6. Rent a sandboard and go out on your own
If going on an organized tour is not your thing, rent your own board from a rental company in town and go up into the dunes on your own. You can either rent just the board and walk up the dunes to board down, or you can rent a guide to take you out in a buggy to drive you to the best spots. Renting your own board gives you the freedom to go at any time of the day so you can avoid the big tour groups and get to board all on your own. I would suggest getting someone to take you out in a buggy because you will be able to go to way more spots in the same amount of time.
7. Quad/ATV ride in the desert
If you want to try the adventure of driving in the desert yourself, consider renting an ATV. You still have to go with a guide but you will be able to drive your own ATV and experience the thrill of driving over the dunes versus just being in the buggy while someone else is driving. Again, this gives you the flexibility to go anytime of the day and experience the dunes without the crowds from the tours.
Other Things Close to Huacachina
Spending a few days in Huacachina is the perfect amount of time to enjoy what the little town has to offer. However, it is a very small town. So when you’re ready to head on from Huacachina, consider heading to one (or all) of the following places.
1. Pisco
Pisco is about an hour and half north from Huacachina by bus. It is known for pisco - the famous alcoholic drink of Peru. Made from grapes in a similar way to wine, pisco is a super sweet and more alcoholic version. There are many wineries and vineyards around the Pisco area that give tours and wine tastings. This area is also famous for its chocotejas - a type of chocolate snack typical to the area.
2. Paracas
Also about an hour away from Huacachina, Paracas is a small beach town on the coast. Most people head to Paracas to visit Paracas National Reserve - a unique national park where the desert meets the ocean. Either rent an ATV/quad to explore the reserve, get a taxi, or take an organized tour. I would suggest hiring a taxi because there are heaps of lookout points and hiking spots that the organized tours don’t stop at. Besides the reserve on land, there is also the Isla Ballestas Reserve. This is a collection of small islands that are home to nesting sites for many species of birds. You can take a boat tour around the islands to see the birds and also tons of sea lions. I highly suggest this boat tour if you’re an animal lover because you will see tons and tons of wildlife.
3. Nazca
Nazca is about two and half hours southeast from Huacachina. Theres not much in the town of Nazca itself, but you can take a flight from the town over the Nazca lines. The Nazca lines are giant carvings in the ground depicting different shapes including a monkey, a cactus, a hand, and an “alien/astronaut.” You can see some of the lines from a free viewing tower but to really appreciate the beauty and magnitude of the lines you have to see it from a plane.