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.
Where to stay in Huacachina?
Wild Olive Guest House is right on the lagoon, with breakfast included and beds from S/ 30. For glamping, EcoCamp Huacachina; for a hostel vibe, Desert Nights.
How much does it cost to enter Huacachina?
There is an entry fee of about S/ 8 for foreign visitors and S/ 3.60 for Peruvians (reference, October 2026).
What is Huacachina?
A small village built around a natural lagoon in the middle of the Ica desert on Peru's southern coast. Surrounded by palm trees and dunes up to about 100 metres high, it is known as the oasis of the Americas.
How many days do I need in Huacachina?
Two nights is ideal: an afternoon for sandboarding and buggies, a morning for the lagoon and Ica city or the wineries, and time to enjoy the sunsets.
What time is best for the dune buggy tour?
The afternoon departure (around 3:00–4:00 pm) is the most popular because it ends with sunset on the dunes. There are also early-morning departures.
Can children do sandboarding and buggy rides?
Yes. There are family-friendly experiences; Sandboarding Perú, for example, offers a Family option with a private buggy and junior rates.
How much does paragliding cost in Huacachina?
With Ícaro Adventures a tandem flight costs S/ 390 for 1 person, S/ 350 per person for 2 and S/ 330 per person for 3 or more (reference, 2026). Flights at 6:00 am and 4:00 pm, wind permitting.
Does it rain in Huacachina?
Almost never. Ica has a desert climate with sunshine practically all year, so any month is a good time to visit.
What should I wear in Huacachina?
Light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap by day, a jacket for the evening, closed shoes for the sand and swimwear for the pool.
Are cards and Yape accepted in Huacachina?
Yes. The main restaurants and places to stay accept cards, and Yape and Plin are widely used. Carry some cash for small purchases.
Is there WiFi and phone signal?
Yes. Most places to stay and restaurants have free WiFi and there is mobile signal in the oasis.
How far is Huacachina from Paracas and Nazca?
Paracas is about 1 hour 15 minutes away and Nazca about 2–3 hours by road, so they combine easily on one route.
Are there pisco and wine bodegas nearby?
Yes. The Ica valley is pisco and wine country, with traditional and craft bodegas a few minutes from the oasis, visited on half-day tours.
What local food should I try?
Pisco sour, tejas (Ica's signature sweet) and Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado. In the oasis you'll also find artisan pizza and fresh pasta.
What is the legend of Huacachina?
Legend says a princess bathed in a desert lagoon; when she was discovered she fled, her cloak became the lagoon and the folds of her dress formed the dunes.
Is Huacachina safe?
Yes. It's a relaxed destination very popular with families and travellers from all over the world. For adventure activities choose formal operators that provide helmets and gear, such as Sandboarding Perú or Ícaro Adventures.
Updated: October 2026