According to legend, a hunter caught a beautiful Incan princess walking in the sand dunes near present day Huacachina. As she walked and admired herself in a mirror she was carrying, her eyes caught his voyeuristic gaze. Shocked, the princess began to flee and dropped her mirror. It exploded into shards and the glass became a tiny pool in the desert, consuming the princess and turning her into a mermaid.

The tropical settlement of Huacachina, in Peru, is nestled in the middle of one of the most barren places on earth. In the midst of one of the driest climates in the world is an oasis town with lush palm trees, flourishing foliage, and a tranquil lagoon which is said to have curative properties. 

Reading an online recommendations, I’ve chosen to stay at Bananas Hostel, where most of the backpackers tend to gather, even tho price wise it stands on a higher end. I was lucky enough to get an online deal and end up paying s.29 for a dorm bed, which usually cost s.45. I was staying with them just one night because next one my luck ran out and I couldn’t secure bed for the same price. Hence, I had to change the hostel. Even tho, Bananas are very popular around backpackers, and I guess because of it’s pool and daily BBQ’s, I would say it’s a bit too expensive for what you get. Pool gets into shade around 1pm, bbq is extremely overpriced, the food from the kitchen is not that good and receptionist was really rude. Criticizing all the above I must admit that it’s very clean and has super comfy beds.

Next night I stayed in El Boulivar, which was even cheaper and dorm had just 2 more people in it. Night there cost s.20 and included reliable wifi.

There aren’t many restaurants to choose from and prices are much higher then 5km further in Ica. I’ve tried breakfast in Oasis Americano and it was nice enough for what you pay. Also went for drinks to Huacafuckingchina that has 2×1 cocktails every night and was super disappointed with their signature cocktail. So all I can say- don’t get it, get something else instead:)

What to do.

Most popular and everyone’s favourite activity is sand buggying. And if you go to Huacachina without doing it, you should be ashamed:) Many agencies offer this attraction for similar price. Tours leave at 11am and 4pm, go for the evening one, you’ll skip the heat and see an amazing sunset over the sand dunes. Tours usually cost s.30 + s.4 tax and last about 2hours. Try to sit in the front 2 seats, they have the best view but also the most sand amounts. Don’t be put away by this, you’ll still come back with pockets, shoes and mouth full of sand, there is no way to avoid it.

We’ve also went to Ica Wineries, which is a bit out of oasis. There was four of us so we got a private tour which ended up costing less then individually paying for the tour, around s.26 each. Driver took us outside Ica, where few wineries had their tasting offices. First, we had a little tour with introduction to wine making and then went around wine stalls trying piscos and grape wines. Last one was a bit further away and gave way too much drinks. In the end, we were pretty tipsy from all tastings and were ready to go home, or should I say back to our sandcastle. You can easily do this tour by yourself, as tastings are free, just get a taxi and ask driver to take you to wineries. You’ll end up paying even less then we did. 

Getting there and away.

Bus from Lima to Ica goes every hour or so and is operated by many companies. I went with Peru Bus, which leaves from Av. Mexico and costs $7. When you arrive to Ica, go outside the terminal and take mototaxi to Huacachina, standard rate is s.5 so pay no more.

If your next stop is Cusco, don’t book bus ticket with tourist companies, just go to bus terminal in Ica (again costing s.5) and get bus ticket there, it cost two times less. Cifa has tickets for s.80 (leaving 6.15pm) and Expresso Sanchez for s.70 (leaves am).

It was my first time visiting oasis and I can’t explain how happy I am not skipping it. Those few days was so much fun and I definitely recommend putting Huacachina on your Peru destination list.

Till next stop xx