Oasis de Huacachina
Huacachina travel guide

Travel guide

Huacachina travel guide

Everything you need to plan your trip: transport, money, prices, weather and what to pack.

How to get to Huacachina

From Lima by bus

About 4–5 hours on the Pan-American Highway South (~300 km) to Ica with companies such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa or Soyuz. Tickets from about S/ 55 (≈ USD 15).

From Ica bus terminal to the oasis

We recommend ordering an Uber: it's easy, the fare is known upfront and it drops you at your door. The ride takes 10–15 minutes and costs around S/ 12–20. inDrive and terminal taxis work too.

From Paracas or Nazca

Paracas is about 1 h 15 min away and Nazca 2–3 hours by road. Many travellers combine all three on one route.

By plane

The nearest airport is Pisco (about 70 km away).

The best time to visit Huacachina: all year round

Huacachina has sunshine almost every day, so any month is a good time to visit. Each season has something different to offer:

Summer · December to April

Warm, sunny days, perfect for the pool, sunset cocktails and Ica's Vendimia festival in March.

Autumn and winter · May to August

Mild days and cool nights: ideal for long hours on the dunes and for the July national holidays.

Spring · September to November

Pleasant temperatures, clear skies and the traditional Señor de Luren festival in October.

Weather month by month (Ica)

  • January19–28 °CSummer sunshine
  • February20–28 °CPisco Sour Day (first Saturday)
  • March20–28 °CIca Vendimia festival
  • April18–27 °CEaster in the oasis
  • May16–25 °CMild days, great for the dunes
  • June15–23 °CGolden sunsets
  • July15–23 °CNational holidays and National Pisco Day
  • August15–23 °CPerfect for sandboarding
  • September15–24 °CSpring begins
  • October16–25 °CSeñor de Luren in Ica
  • November17–25 °CClear skies
  • December18–27 °CHoliday season in the oasis

Average low and high temperatures in Ica (source: Weather Spark).

Money, ATMs and payments

ATMs

Yes, there are ATMs in Huacachina, so you can withdraw soles right in the oasis.

Cards and wallets

The main restaurants and places to stay accept cards; Yape and Plin are widely used across Peru.

Currency

Peruvian sol (S/). Carry some cash for small purchases and the entry fee.

2026 reference prices

Huacachina entry feeS/ 8 foreigners · S/ 3.60 Peruvians
Uber or taxi Ica – HuacachinaS/ 12–20
Bus Lima – Icafrom about S/ 55
Shared buggy + sandboard (2 h)from S/ 40–70
Sandboarding Perú experiencesfrom USD 52
Set menu at Wild OliveS/ 26
Pisco sour at Wild OliveS/ 25
Bed at Wild Olive Guest Housefrom S/ 30 per night

Reference prices collected in October 2026; they may vary by season.

What to pack

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap
  • Light clothes and a jacket for the evening
  • Closed shoes for the sand
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A case or bag to protect your phone from sand
  • Swimwear for the pool

Good to know

Internet

Most places to stay and restaurants have free WiFi.

Languages

Spanish is spoken; English is also common at tourist businesses.

Safety

Huacachina is a relaxed destination, very popular with families and travellers from all over the world.

How many days

Two nights is ideal: an afternoon on the dunes, a day for the lagoon and wineries, and two dinners by the water.