Where to eat
Wild Olive Trattoria
Artisan pizzas, fresh pasta, Peruvian dishes and cocktails on a terrace facing the lagoon. Open 8:00 am – 11:00 pm.
- 5 kmfrom Ica city
- ~300 kmsouth of Lima
- 12 monthsof sunshine
- 100 mhigh dunes
A green miracle in the middle of the desert
Huacachina is a small village built around a natural lagoon in the coastal desert of Ica. The dunes around it are among the highest in South America and the perfect setting for sandboarding, dune-buggy rides and the most photographed sunsets in Peru.
Everything is close by: you can stroll the boardwalk, climb a dune for sunset and walk down to dinner by the lagoon, all in the same day.
Our recommendations in the oasis
What we recommend to friends and family who visit us
Where to stay
Wild Olive Guest House
Right on the lagoon, with breakfast included, pool access at EcoCamp and 10% off at the restaurant and at Sandboarding Perú.
Tours
Sandboarding Perú
The sandboard and sandski pioneers of Huacachina since 2007: instructors, full gear and buggy rides across the dunes.
A perfect day in Huacachina
A simple plan to enjoy the oasis from morning to night
- 8:30 am
Breakfast by the lagoon
Britt coffee, pancakes or eggs your way on the Wild Olive terrace.
- 10:00 am
Boardwalk and lagoon
Photos among the palm trees and a boat ride on the oasis' green water.
- 1:00 pm
Lunch and a break
Set menu at Wild Olive (S/ 26, 11 am – 3 pm) and some pool time.
- 3:00 pm
Sandboarding and dune buggies
An experience with Sandboarding Perú until sunset over the sand.
- 7:00 pm
Dinner and cocktails by the lagoon
Artisan pizza or lomo saltado and a pisco sour to end the day at Wild Olive.
Huacachina is a 12-month destination
The Ica desert has sunshine almost every day of the year. In summer (December to April) the heat calls for the pool and the Vendimia grape-harvest festival; from May to November days are mild and perfect for long hours on the dunes. Every month has its charm.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Huacachina and how do I get there from Lima?
Huacachina is 5 km from the city of Ica, about 300 km south of Lima. Take a bus to Ica (4–5 hours), then an Uber or taxi to the oasis (10–15 minutes, S/ 12–20).
What is the best time to visit Huacachina?
All year round. There is sunshine almost every day: December to April is summer, pool time and the Vendimia festival; May to November brings mild days that are perfect for the dunes.
Are there ATMs in Huacachina?
Yes, there are ATMs in Huacachina. The main restaurants and places to stay also accept cards.
Does Uber work in Ica and Huacachina?
Yes. We recommend ordering an Uber from the Ica bus terminal to your place in the oasis; it costs around S/ 12–20. inDrive or a taxi are also options.
Who should I book sandboarding and dune buggies with?
We recommend Sandboarding Perú, the sandboarding pioneers of Huacachina since 2007: instructors, full gear and buggy rides across the dunes. Wild Olive Guest House guests get 10% off.
Where to eat in Huacachina?
Our pick is Wild Olive Trattoria, right on the lagoon: artisan pizzas, fresh pasta, Peruvian food and cocktails, 8:00 am – 11:00 pm. We also recommend Desert Nights and the EcoCamp pool bar.