Updated Date: November 26, 2025
Author: The Only Peru Guide Editorial Team
Quick Summary: Huacachina is an easy 4.5–5 hour run south of Lima and a classic one‑ or two‑day stop for sunset dune buggies and sandboarding. Public buses reach Ica only, so you’ll taxi 15–20 minutes to the oasis; hop‑on buses like Peru Hop go direct. Book insured buggy operators, choose the 2‑hour sunset slot, and sandboard lying down to avoid injuries. Combine with Paracas’ coastal reserve and, time permitting, a Nazca Lines tower or flight.
What and where is Huacachina?
Just 5 km from the city of Ica, Huacachina is a small natural lagoon cupped by towering dunes—one of the most photogenic pockets of desert in the Americas, and a perennial favorite for quick detours off the Pan‑Am. Expect a compact village wrapped around the water, with small hotels, cafés and tour desks catering to sunset buggy runs and board‑down thrills.
If you’re plotting a southbound loop, Huacachina pairs naturally with Paracas (coast and wildlife) and Nazca (geoglyphs). The oasis sits in Ica Region, a long, arid belt known for vineyards and Peru’s pisco brandy.
2025 Updated Information: Comprehensive guide including information on attractions, how to get there, accommodation, restaurants, tours and much more!
Find out the perfect way to get to Huacachina
Everything you need to do while in Huacachina
Check out the best things to see while in Huacachina
All you need to know to stay safe while in Huacachina
Find the best place to stay in Huacachina
Discover what Huacachina offers through photos
FAQ
Is Huacachina safe?
The oasis itself feels like a small, social resort town. The main risk factor is the dunes: ultra‑cheap buggy/sandboard sellers sometimes use informal providers without proper insurance. Book with established, insured operators and sandboard lying down rather than standing to cut injury risk dramatically.
Can I swim in the lagoon?
You’ll see locals paddling and kids splashing, but the water is cloudy and not maintained as a swimming attraction. Most travelers stick to pedal boats or pool time at their lodging instead.
Do I need to book dune buggies in advance?
In low season you can often book same‑day, but for sunset slots in weekends and holidays it’s smart to reserve. If you’re coming from Lima on a long day trip, confirm you’re getting the full 2‑hour dune time (not a 1‑hour quickie) before you pay.
What should I wear and bring for the dunes?
Closed‑toe shoes, light trousers or knee protection, sunglasses or goggles, sunscreen and water. Empty your pockets before drops—sand eats everything.
What else is worth seeing nearby?
Paracas’ marine reserve and cliffs (protected by SERNANP Paracas National Reserve) and the UNESCO‑listed Nazca Lines are the two classic pairings.
Limitations
Tour durations, taxi fares and road timings can fluctuate with holidays, traffic and operator policies; verify your exact inclusions and pickup times at booking, and allow buffer time if catching same‑day connections. Where we reference local safety insights, conditions can change—ask your hotel or your Peru Hop or Bolivia Hop host for the latest on the day.
Source
This article is a part of our series “2025 Travelers Choice”. We dig into real traveler feedback across TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot, then ride the buses and join tours ourselves to verify what’s true. Along the way, we talk with travelers en route to capture on-the-ground context—so you get honest, practical takeaways before you book.
