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Huacachina is without a doubt one of the highlights of our trip through Peru. It is a destination that, if you ask us, should not be missed during a tour of Peru. This city is just so special. The story behind Huacachina is fairy tale in itself, but once you have seen the city with your own eyes, you really understand why we love this place so much. Haven't we convinced you yet? Then read on and find out why Huacachina definitely belongs on your bucket list!
The story behind Huacachina in Peru: the princess and the waterhole
We always find it so interesting when a mystery story circulates about special places we visit. And so there is one about Huacachina in Peru! The story goes that a very long time ago, a Peruvian princess was walking through the desert. She wanted to take a bath, but was brutally disturbed by a hunter. There was nothing for the princess to do but flee, and she left behind a pool of water. This pool, which today is called Huacachina: a blue lagoon surrounded by palm trees and sand dunes.
It is said that the princess now lives in the lake like a mermaid, and that at new moon midnight you can hear her crying.
How to get to Huacachina?
Huacachina is a popular destination in Peru and most travelers traveling through southern Peru make a stop here for at least 1 night. The oasis town is most easily reached by bus. There is only one bus company that comes all the way to the oasis and that is Peruhop. You can also opt for the public buses of Cruz del Sur, but they stop at Ica. From Ica it is about 4 more kilometers to Huacachina. You can travel this stretch by cab. The cab ride takes 10 minutes and costs about €3.00 to €4.00.
Although Peruhop's bus tours are slightly more expensive than regular buses, we definitely recommend this company. When traveling with Peruhop, you book a specific (itinerary) prior to your trip. With this, you fix the locations, but are still free to choose how long you stay at all destinations. Besides the fact that the bus tours are very well arranged, you can also book tours directly through Peruhop. You can easily meet people on the bus and especially as a solo traveler this is a nice way to meet other travelers with whom you can do activities.
Activities in Huacachina
Huacachina is a place for every traveler. Here you can seek adventure with activities such as baby carriage riding and sandboarding, experience conviviality at one of the bars, as well as enjoy the silence around you in peace.
Baby carriage driving
Baby carriage driving is one of the most popular activities in Huacachina. In a cool, colorful baby carriage, you leave from the oasis to tear across the dune tops. Higher and higher the driver drives up a dune, only to begin the descent at full speed. What a thrill! The baby carriage tours can be booked through different tour operators. We booked the tour through Peruhop. This is a combination tour of baby carriage driving and sandboarding.
Sandboarding
Huacachina is home to the largest sand dunes in South America, perfect for sandboarding! We found this to be an incredibly exciting, but also cool activity in Huacachina! What an adrenaline rush you get from this. There are different heights from which you can sandboard. For the real daredevils, there are also snowboards for rent that you can stand on. In terms of time, we recommend going in the afternoon so you can watch the sunset on one of the hills after sandboarding!
Going out in Huacachina
Besides the breathtaking sand dunes, Huacachina is also known for its lively nightlife. Around the oasis you will find plenty of nice bars and also in a number of hostels parties are held. For the real party vibe, the hostel Wild Rover is the place to be.
Especially on Fridays and Saturdays, Huacachina is very busy. There are not only tourists then, but also many locals come, both from Huacachina and the surrounding area.
Climbing the tops of the sand dunes by yourself
Are you up for a physical challenge? Then climb to the top of one of the sand dunes. The desert near Huacachina is overwhelming and once you sit on one of the dune tops and look down on the oasis, your eyes will be wide open. We decided to make the climb up early in the morning, but during sunset it is completely magical. After about 20 minutes of climbing, we arrived and, sweaty but satisfied, uttered only one word to each other: "Wow!"
Where and how long should you stay in Huacachina?
There are a number of great places to stay in Huacachina. Are you up for a party? Then you should check out Wild Rover ARE. Do you like conviviality, but it doesn't have to be too crowded? Then Banana's Adventure Hostel a basic, but nice stay. You have dorms here, as well as private rooms. For a unique stay, you should stay at Huacachina Desert Luxury Camp are: a special glamping experience in the middle of the desert.
We chose Banana's Hostel and would definitely come back here! We spent 1 night in Huacachina, but would recommend staying (at least) 2 nights. Despite being a small town, there are plenty of things to do in Huacachina. It is also a great place to relax during your tour of Peru.
Peru: a surprising country full of highlights
Curious about more highlights in the beautiful country of Peru? We traveled through southern Peru and share all the highlights with you in our blogs!
Take a tour of Peru
Huacachina is a magical destination and is not to be missed while touring Peru. But besides that, there are so many more beautiful places to visit. Would you like to travel through Peru and be helped with your itinerary, hotels and the best excursions? We would love to help you! During a travel consultation we map out your wishes and advise you on the most beautiful places that suit you. Would you rather leave it all up to us? No problem! We organize your trip completely tailor-made. Ask for a travel proposal for your vacation to Peru.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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