When you think of Peru, you probably instantly think of Macchu Picchu or the Inca Trail. But have you ever heard of this desert oasis that’s a can be seen on a day trip from Lima?
Huacachina is an oasis located in the Ica Desert, about 5 hours away from Lima, Peru. Reminiscent of a mirage, it sits hidden by the massive sand dunes of the desert. If you’re short on time in Peru but want to pack in as much adventure as possible, then a trip to Huacachina is the best day trip from Lima! This guide covers how to get there, things to do, what to pack, and more.
What Makes Huacachina So Unique?
Huacachina is the only natural oasis in South America, making it a rare destination. An underground water current created the oasis and spurred the growth of trees and plants in the area. The contrast of the lush lagoon surrounded by vast desert creates a surreal landscape that feels straight out of a fairy tale. It’s often described as a “hidden gem” of Peru, but it’s a popular destination for both tourists and Peruvians.
It’s a small town, very walkable, and offers many fun things to do. Here, the sand dunes are a natural playground for adventure-seekers and photographers alike. It’s also located close to other major attractions in Peru, like Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines. These can all be experienced in one (long) day if you’re determined enough!
How Far is a Day Trip from Lima?
Huacachina is roughly a five-hour drive from Lima, making it a long day trip—but worth it if you are short on time. There are many things to do in Huacachina, so I recommend spending at least two days there if your itinerary allows. Many of them can be done on a day trip, but you will be exhausted at the end of the day.
How to Get to Huacachina from Lima
Unless you rent a car, there are really only two ways to get from Lima to Huacachina and back in a day. You can either take Peru Hop or book a guided day tour. Renting a car is also an option, but I personally think it’s the least convenient one. Taking into account buying insurance, paying the IGV sales tax, filling the tank, and navigating foreign roads, it might be a slightly cheaper option, but way more logistics to figure out. Also, the drive back to Lima will be long, and you’ll be tired at the end of the day—I guarantee the last thing you’ll want to do is drive home!
Peru Hop
Peru Hop is a bus/travel company that allows you to hop on and off at cities across Peru, with the purchase of just one ticket! You pick from one of their 12 available passes and stay at any location on the pass as long as you want, allowing you to explore Peru at your own pace. They even pick you up from your accommodation (unless you’re in Cusco), making it a great option if you’re not super confident navigating on your own in a foreign country. Peru Hop is the only bus company that goes directly to Huacachina. The public buses go to Ica, and you will then have to take a taxi from there to Huacachina.
If you are in Peru for multiple days, you could book a Peru Hop pass that includes a stop at Huacachina, and stay for a few days if you have enough time. The passes also include free entrance to the Nazca Lines Viewing Tower, and tours to Pisco Vineyard and Paracas National Reserve, all of which can be done while staying in Huacachina. Transportation to and from, and a tour guide are included as well!
Day Trip from Lima
If you’re short on time the best option is to book a day trip from Lima with a local tour company. Since this is a long day, using a tour company allows you to focus on enjoying the experience instead of worrying about planning an itinerary. Also, since someone else will be driving, this means you get to sleep during the long drives.
Get Your Guide and Viator offers days trips from Lima. I personally did this day trip with Peru Hop and it was everything that I hoped for in a one-day tour.
When doing research for this day trip, my main focus was picking a tour that would allow me to see a lot in one day, since my time in Lima was short. The day tour offered by Peru Hop coupled Huacachina with Ballestas Islands. The itinerary was everything a type A person could dream of! All details are planned down to the hour, even scheduled free time. It’s a great value for the price (129 USD), and one of the best things I did during my time in Peru!
Things to Do In/ From Huacachina
For such a small town, there are so many fun things to do in Huacachina. A day trip from Lima doesn’t allow time for you to do all of them, but you will be able to fit the main highlights into your day. These are the most popular things to do in Huacachina:
Ride a Dune Buggy
This was my absolute favorite thing to do in Huacachina. Most people will do this since you have to ride the dune buggy to get to the top of the dunes for sandboarding. The dunes are MASSIVE, and riding the dune buggies over them is basically like being on a rollercoaster. Try to sit in the front of the dune buggy with the driver for maximum effect!
Sandboarding
One of the most popular things to do here is sandboarding. I had never done it before so I was super intimidated at first. But the guides will show you the ropes. To be honest, I didn’t see anyone ride down standing that day. Everyone slid down on their stomachs—the least scary option. It was really fun, but make sure to wear some kind of face covering so you don’t eat sand like I did.
Hang out at the Oasis
After exhausting yourself on the dunes, take some time to relax by the Huacachina lagoon. The charming lake is the heart of the oasis, surrounded by palm trees and cute bars and cafes. It’s a great spot to unwind, take photos, or even rent a paddle boat if you have some energy left over (I didn’t).
Watch the Sunset
Make sure to say for sunset if you can. Watching the golden hues illuminate the desert is truly an unforgettable experience. You can experience the best panoramic views of the oasis and the sunset over the desert from the top of the dunes. Most tours will coordinate activities so you finish your day in time for sunset, before heading back to town.
Other Things to Do from Huacachina
If you have more time, these are some great things to do while visiting the area, that you unfortunately have time to do on a day trip from Lima:
- Pisco Vineyard Tour: visit one of the wineries that produce pisco, the national drink of Peru
- Nazca Lines: visit one of the most mysterious archeological sites in the world. It’s miles of enormous line drawings that can be seen hundreds of feet in the air. You can take a 30-minute flight over the fields and see all the drawings, or visit the Nazca Lines Observation Tower, which lets you see a few of them.
Important to Remember When Visiting Huacachina
Being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring that you enjoy this long, tiring day. Here are some important tips to remember when planning your Huacachina day trip from Lima:
Best Time to Visit
There’s a lot of conflicting information about the best time to visit Huacachina. Truthfully, any time is a good time. The hottest months to visit are December to April, which coincides with the rainy season (January to March). Rainy season isn’t too much of a problem (since it’s the desert). But keep in mind during this time the dunes might be wet and not suitable for sandboarding. I visited in March and the weather was hot and dry. Just make sure to keep an eye on the forecast.
Bring Sun Protection
The sun is intense out on the sand dunes, so make sure to bring the proper sun protection. A sunscreen with a high SPF is a must! See below for a complete packing list.
Prepare for Sand
This one might seem obvious but I was not prepared. I had never ridden a dune buggy in the desert before this, so I was not prepared for how much sand could actually stick to my body. So, unless you’re a photographer, I recommend sticking to your phone for pictures, so you can tuck it away when not using it. If you bring a camera, make sure to bring a protective cover to prevent sand from getting in the lens.
Prepare to Disconnect
The internet connection in Huacachina can be spotty, especially in more remote parts of the oasis. You might not have constant access to Wi-Fi, so consider downloading offline maps in advance. Some cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but it may not be very fast or reliable.
What to Pack for a Day Trip from Lima
Here’s everything you’ll need to be completely prepared for your trip to Huacachina:
- Passport: if you do the trip with Peru Hop, they will check it before you get on the bus
- Hat: preferably a wide-brimmed one with a chin strap tie so you don’t lose it while riding the dune buggy. If not, bring a carabiner to clip it somewhere so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
- Sunglasses: necessary, especially if you plan on sandboarding. I got an eye infection from sand getting from not wearing them.
- Neck gaiter: also to protect your face from the sand. If you don’t have one, you should see someone in the area selling them for a few soles.
- Change of clothes: you will be dirty after sandboarding… there’s no way around it. Bring something to change into after, so you’ll be comfortable on your ride back to Lima. Make sure whatever you wear that day is lightweight and breathable!
- Sweatshirt or lightweight jacket: because it gets really cold in the desert at night ,even during the hottest months.
- Body wipes: or baby wipes… or anything to clean yourself off after sandboarding. You’ll be grateful you have some when you’re done!
- Water bottle: the dune buggy/ sandboard experience takes hours and it’s hot out there, so make sure you bring water or you won’t be able to get any until you’re back in town.
- Sandals: sturdy ones with adjustable straps so they stay on your feet while sandboarding. Most guides I read recommend close-toed shoes, and state that you can’t wear sandals on the dune buggy. But no one is really checking your footwear, and I don’t think wearing sneakers in the desert sounds appealing at all… decent strappy hiking sandals will hold up just fine.
- Cash (in soles): there is only one ATM in Huacachina, therefore it’s unlikely it will have any cash for you to withdraw. Most places take credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash for emergencies.
Is a Day Trip from Lima Worth It?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a day trip from Lima offers a fast-paced day that gives you great value for your time and money. This was one of the most memorable things I did in Peru, and I am sure you will feel the same.
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Do you have a favorite day trip from Lima, Peru? If so, let me know in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more travel inspo and detailed guides, make sure to check out my other blog posts.
