The oasis town of Huacachina, located just 5 hours south of Peru’s capital Lima, makes for an easy and exciting day trip escape from the big city. Nestled amongst giant sand dunes and replete with palm trees and a serene lagoon, Huacachina feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Lima. With so many tours and activities to choose from, you can craft the perfect customized Huacachina experience. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your ideal Lima to Huacachina day trip.
Contents
- 1 Lima to Huacachina Day Trip
- 2 When to Go
- 3 Top Things to Do in Huacachina
- 4 Unique Huacachina Tours and Activities to Consider
- 5 Where to Eat: Top Restaurants and Cuisine in Huacachina
- 6 Where to Stay in Huacachina
- 7 10 Travel Tips for Lima to Huacachina Day Trip
- 7.1 1. Wear Light, Loose Clothing
- 7.2 2. Pack Plenty of Sun Protection
- 7.3 3. Bring Cash on Hand
- 7.4 4. Pack Light
- 7.5 5. Wear Adventure Sport Shoes
- 7.6 6. Carry Scop Patch/Medicine
- 7.7 7. Taste Pisco Sour & Local Wines
- 7.8 8. Embrace Last Minute Changes
- 7.9 9. Respect Local Livelihoods
- 7.10 10. Spend Golden Hour by the Lagoon
- 8 Lima to Huacachina Day Trip Sample Itinerary
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 External Links and Resources
Lima to Huacachina Day Trip
Huacachina sits around 308 km south of Lima, an easy 5 hour drive along the Pan-American Highway. You have a few options to get there:
Private Transfer
The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Huacachina is by private transfer. Many Lima tour agencies offer private transfers which include roundtrip transport by private vehicle, pickup/drop-off from your Lima hotel, and may often include some tours as well. The drive takes around 5 hours each way.
Cost: Around $80-100 USD per person
Pros: Convenient, customizable, comfortable
Cons: More expensive
Public Bus
Public buses like Cruz del Sur or Oltursa can drive you directly from Lima to Ica, the nearest city to Huacachina located 10 km away. From Ica, you can take a short $5 USD taxi to Huacachina. Total bus ride takes around 5 hours.
Cost: $20-30 USD each way
Pros: Cheapest option
Cons: Less convenient, less comfortable
Shuttle Bus
Many tour companies offer shuttle bus services which provide roundtrip transport from Lima to Huacachina. These are usually combined with an organized tour. Shuttle bus rides take around 5 hours each way.
Cost: Around $50+ USD (combined with tours)
Pros: More convenient than public bus, usually combined with tours
Cons: Less flexibility/customization
When to Go
Huacachina enjoys a hot, dry climate year-round. The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) when temperatures are warm but not too blazing hot, averaging around 82°F (28°C). Summer months (December to February) can get extremely hot, exceeding 100°F (38°C) on some days. The cooler winter months of June through August can also be a nice time to visit to beat the intense heat and crowds.
Table Comparing Average Temperatures in Huacachina by Season:
| Season | Months | Average High Temp | Average Low Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | December–February | 95°F / 35°C | 75°F / 24°C |
| Autumn | March–May | 86°F / 30°C | 66°F / 19°C |
| Winter | June–August | 77°F / 25°C | 57°F / 14°C |
| Spring | September–November | 86°F / 30°C | 64°F / 18°C |
Top Things to Do in Huacachina
Huacachina packs a lot of adventure into its small oasis town. Here are top activities and attractions you shouldn’t miss on a day trip:
Sandboarding and Dune Buggying
The giant sand dunes surrounding Huacachina are the area’s main claim to fame. Numerous companies offer thrill rides around and down the towering golden dunes in custom-built dune buggies. Most tours combo the dune buggy rides with sandboarding, allowing you to strap on a snowboard and surf/sled your way down the endless waves of sand. It’s the quintessential Huacachina experience no visit is complete without.
Lagoon Swimming and Boating
In the heart of Huacachina lies a pristine blue-green lagoon ringed by palm trees, that almost resembles an oasis mirage. Take a refreshing dip in its cool waters, relax on the shores, or rent a paddle boat to cruise around. Due to the lagoon’s small size, motorized boats are prohibited.
Wine and Pisco Tasting
The Ica region surrounding Huacachina is one of Peru’s premier wine producing areas, with a climate well-suited to producing full bodied red wines. Many tours incorporate stops at nearby vineyards and wine/pisco distilleries for tastings and tours to learn about Peru’s famous wine and brandy production.
Dune Buggy Sunset Watch
Watching the sunset over the Huacachina sand dunes is an awe-inspiring experience, as the towering mountains of sand glow flame-red and the evening sky ignites with brilliant hues. Take a dune buggy ride for panoramic sunset views from atop the endless undulating desert.
Unique Huacachina Tours and Activities to Consider
While sandboarding and dune buggies are the signature Huacachina activities, the oasis escape offers much more to see and do. Here are some one-of-a-kind adventures to consider incorporating into your custom day trip:
Desert Parapenting
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, book a desert parapenting (motorized paragliding) tour and take off soaring above the sand dunes as you’re pulled along by a buggy below. Get a bird’s eye panorama of the desert and lagoon.
ATV Tours
Explore more rugged parts of the desert landscape by signing up for ATV tours. Ride along sandy tracks and towering dunes in 4×4 style vehicles. Most companies offer both individual ATVs or two-person options.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up to explore Huacachina on an hour-long horseback riding excursion that takes you around the outskirts of town and oasis. Admire views of the lagoon and palm trees as your friendly Peruvian Paso horse trots through the sand.
Desert Safari Hiking
The desert hiking tours take you on foot to really admire and immerse in the stark beauty of the Huacachina landscape. Expert guides will take you on 1-2 hour nature hikes through sandy desert scenery with unique rock formations, cacti, hidden underground tunnels and more.
Local Ica Day Tours
Consider adding on tours to nearby Ica, to discover the area’s vineyards, bodegas, historical/archaeological sites and shopping opportunities. Ica city tours typically include visits to vineyards, artisan shops and the unique sights around the city.
Where to Eat: Top Restaurants and Cuisine in Huacachina
Huacachina’s laidback oasis vibe extends to its dining scene, with thatched roof open-air restaurants and bars encircling the lagoon. Expect à la carte menus heavy on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and Peruvian staples like ceviche with ingredients sourced straight from the Pacific coastline just a couple hours away.
Huacachina Restaurants with a View
For dining with unbeatable atmosphere and sunset views overlooking the central lagoon, check out:
Restaurant Mossone – Enjoy homemade pastas, lobster, anticuchos, and alfajores dessert with a perfect lagoonfront setting.
La Taberna Del Huaca – Creative takes on Peruvian staples like seafood rice, alpaca, and avocado tempura shine at this contemporary lounge great for sunset drinks too.
Balcones de Huacachina – This breezy open-air restaurant right on the lagoon specializes in pizza and pasta with ingredients imported from Italy.
Local Eats in Huacachina Pueblo
Just uphill from the main tourist strip lies Huacachina village, where locals live and enjoy more casual restaurants off the main drag. Stop into relaxed establishments around Avenida Sucre to try:
Pájaro Azúl – Cozy picanteria known for their hearty stews and homemade tortillas
Doña Isbel – Family-run spot whipping up giant 1-liter seafood soups/stews, tamales and more regional fare
El Cordobés – Specializes in thin-crust wood fire oven pizzas, meat skewers and burgers in a rustic atmosphere
Where to Stay in Huacachina
Huacachina village mainly attracts day-trippers from nearby cities. But if you wish to extend your desert trip into a multi day getaway, there are some nice accommodation options right around the lagoon. Choices range from simple hostels and inns to upscale desert lodges and resorts:
Hostels
- Casa de Arena Hostel
- Curasi Hostel
Mid Range
- Hotel Mossone
- Carola del Sur Hotel
Luxury Desert Resorts
- Hotel Las Dunas
- Hotel Desert Nights Resort
Most also have onsite restaurants, pools, organize adventure tours, and offer classic desert views right from your room. Make the most of early morning and golden hour for photography when lighting is best.
10 Travel Tips for Lima to Huacachina Day Trip
1. Wear Light, Loose Clothing
When traveling to Huacachina, be sure to wear light and loose-fitting clothing that will keep you comfortable in the desert environment. Temperatures can shift dramatically between daytime heat and cooler nights, so layers are key. Light fabrics like linen that breathe well and provide sun coverage while still being cool are ideal. Tank tops, short sleeve shirts, thin pants, dresses, skirts, etc. work best. Also crucial is sun protective clothing – wide brimmed hats, UV blocking sunglasses, etc.
2. Pack Plenty of Sun Protection
Don’t underestimate the intensity of sun and heat in the Peruvian desert surrounding Huacachina. Make sure to carry and regularly apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher throughout the day. Lip balm, sun hats/caps, sunglasses are also a must when spending extended daylight hours outdoors under intense sunshine. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte/mineral infused drinks.
3. Bring Cash on Hand
While credit cards may be accepted by some tour agencies, vendors and shops in Huacachina itself still operate primarily in cash. From paying local taxi and tuk tuk fares to tipping guides, activity fees and purchasing handicrafts – it is best to carry small denomination Nuevo Soles (local currency) on you for direct payments. There are no reliable ATMs in the tiny oasis village itself. Get cash out either before leaving Lima or upon arrival in Ica city.
4. Pack Light
As a short day trip, it is best to travel light and only carry essential items with you in a small backpack. Sand in the area can make moving around with heavy luggage inconvenient. Pack just your camera, phone, charger, sun protection gear, wallet, extra layer and some snacks. Leave non essentials securely back at your hotel.
5. Wear Adventure Sport Shoes
If planning to partake in sandboarding and dune buggy rides, wear good quality sports shoes with thick grippy soles that strap onto your feet securely. These outdoor activities plus simply walking in soft sand makes slip-on sandals or flip flops risky and inconvenient. Old sneakers work well too as they will get very sandy.
6. Carry Scop Patch/Medicine
Due to the sudden change in environment, atmospheric pressure and occasional dehydration – some people can experience dizziness, nausea or headaches when in Huacachina. Bringing relief medication like Scop patches helps alleviate any motion sickness symptoms from activities like dune buggy rides. Stay well hydrated as that also helps reduce discomfort.
7. Taste Pisco Sour & Local Wines
No trip to Peru’s wine country around Ica and Huacachina is complete without sampling the iconic Pisco Sour cocktail – made from locally produced pisco (South America’s take on brandy), lime, sugar syrup and bitters. Also take the time to taste regional wine varieties like Quebranta and Italia which thrive in this dry climate. The best place to do this is on a winery tour from Huacachina.
8. Embrace Last Minute Changes
Plans can take unexpected turns in Huacachina where tourism activities are subject to weather changes, operator whims and group decisions. Be prepared to alter your itinerary on short notice if needed. Whether its shifting around tour timings or opting for alternate activities like swimming at the Huacachina pool instead of impossible sandboarding on a rainy afternoon – try and embrace local ways of going with the flow.
9. Respect Local Livelihoods
While tourism undoubtedly boosts living standards in Huacachina, be sensitive towards local communities, culture and ecosystem here for sustainable development. Support small businesses, don’t pollute or degrade the fragile lagoon and desert habitat, follow rules and etiquette when interacting with locals. Learn about regional wildlife conservation efforts while here.
10. Spend Golden Hour by the Lagoon
Make time to simply sit back and soak in dreamy sunset views of the palm fringed blue lagoon surrounded by mountainous sand dunes as the fading golden light creates a magical atmosphere. The Central Lagoon walkway offers lots of restaurants and bars where you can relax over dinner and drinks during this pleasant ‘golden hour’ spectacle before heading back to Lima.
Lima to Huacachina Day Trip Sample Itinerary
To help you plan your travel timings, here is a suggested one day itinerary from Lima to Huacachina:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6 am | Depart Lima by direct bus to Ica |
| 10 am | Arrive Ica, taxi to Huacachina |
| 11 am | Check into hotel, relax by lagoon |
| 12 pm | Early lunch by lagoon |
| 1:30 pm | Dune buggy & sandboarding tour |
| 4 pm | Pisco/Wine tour visit |
| 6 pm | Return to Huacachina, relax |
| 7:30 pm | Dinner & drinks by lagoon |
| 9:30 pm | Depart to Ica for overnight bus to Lima |
Spending a night in Huacachina allows you to see magical desert sunrises too. For a more relaxed visit, opt for 2 days 1 night in Huacachina. With an early start you can comfortably cover Huacachina as part of a day trip from Lima or as a stopover enroute to southern Peru destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Huacachina from Lima?
Huacachina is located around 310 km south of Lima and about 5 km from Ica city center. By road it takes around 4-5 hours driving time one way.
Is Huacachina safe to visit?
Yes, Huacachina is very safe for tourists. As a popular tourist spot it sees heavy security and police patrolling the areas around the lagoon. Violent crime levels are low here. Of course always take normal safety precautions for valuables.
How much does a tour of Huacachina cost?
Group tours of Huacachina cost 100-150 soles per person depending on exact activities included. Tours run half day or full day. Private custom tours will be more expensive. This covers round trip transport, dune buggy ride, sandboarding and equipment rental, meal and guide.
Can you swim in the Huacachina lagoon?
No, swimming in the lagoon is prohibited to prevent contamination of the water and maintain cleanliness. You can however enjoy pedal boating on the lagoon waters.
Is Huacachina wheelchair accessible?
Huacachina has sand paths and narrow streets in parts which can make mobility difficult. However the area surrounding the central lagoon is flat and easily accessible. Hotels like Hotel Mossone also offer accessible rooms.
Conclusion
In summary, the vibrant oasis outpost of Huacachina set against Peru’s mesmerizing sand dunes makes for an incredible day trip escape away from the bustle of metropolitan Lima. With its natural beauty, adventure activities, delicious food and wine – you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable time. Its remote setting and friendly locals adds to its offbeat charm. Visit on a long summer weekend for ample time to soak in its laidback energies!