Huacachina Lagoon

Huacachina Lagoon, located among sand dunes 5 kilometers west of the city of Ica, Peru, is known as the “oasis of the Americas.” It is considered one of the few natural oases on the American continent: a green mirror of water ringed by palm trees that emerges, as if by magic, in the middle of the coastal desert.

Huacachina means “weeping woman” in Quechua. Legend has it that the lagoon was born from the tears of a beautiful green-eyed woman who wept for the death of her beloved, and that her spirit still dwells in the depths of the water.

History of the Oasis

The modern history of Huacachina begins in the early 20th century, when the properties of the lagoon’s water — rich in minerals, sulfur, and salt — were discovered and it was declared a therapeutic bathing resort. In the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, Huacachina lived its golden age: it was one of the most exclusive resorts in Peru, frequented by Lima’s high society and presidents of the republic.

During that era of splendor, luxury hotels, summer houses, a boardwalk with railings and walkways, and a road lined with fig trees and acacias connecting the oasis to Ica were all built. Some of those Art Deco-style mansions can still be seen around the lagoon, though many are now in disrepair or converted into hostels.

The Dunes: A Desert Within a Desert

What makes Huacachina unique is the absolute contrast between the sand dunes surrounding it and the lush greenery of the palm trees and water. The dunes reach up to 100 meters in height and form a desert landscape reminiscent of the Sahara or Arabia, yet just five kilometers from a Peruvian city.

These dunes are part of the Peruvian coastal desert system — one of the most arid in the world — formed by the influence of the Humboldt Current and the specific climatic conditions of the Peruvian coast.

Sandboarding and Buggies: Desert Adventure

The Huacachina dunes are the perfect setting for two adventure activities that have become the destination’s main draw:

Sandboarding: sliding down the dunes on a special board, similar to snowboarding but on sand. Boards are available for all levels, and a fall onto soft sand is more amusing than dangerous. The longer slopes allow riders to reach considerable speeds.

Buggy or tubulares: riding the dunes in special all-terrain vehicles that race up and down at high speed, creating a natural roller coaster. The tubulares are the most popular vehicles and combine the tour with stops for sandboarding at the highest crests. The sunset ride, when the dunes are bathed in golden hues, is especially spectacular.

The Lagoon Today

The Huacachina lagoon has decreased significantly in size over recent decades due to the extraction of groundwater for agricultural and urban use. Currently, the water level is maintained artificially by pumps, which has sparked debate about the destination’s long-term sustainability. Nevertheless, it remains one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes and one of the most photographed spots in the country.

The Vineyards of Ica

Combining a visit to Huacachina with a tour of the city of Ica, visitors can explore the famous Ica wineries, producers of Peruvian pisco and wine. The Ica region is Peru’s main wine-producing area and its vineyards yield high-quality grapes thanks to the combination of intense sunshine, sandy soil, and water from the Andean quebradas. The visit includes a winery tour and pisco tasting.

Recommendations

• The buggy tour with sandboarding is usually included in excursion packages from Lima or Ica.
• The sunset viewed from the top of the dunes is one of the most beautiful spectacles on the Peruvian coast.
• Wear sunscreen and sunglasses: the sun reflected off white sand is very intense.
• The lagoon water is not suitable for swimming.

How to Get There

Lima - Ica

Bus: approx. 5 hours

Ica - Huacachina

Bus: approx. 15 minutes

Hours

• Open all day

Admission Price

• Free access

Tourist Activities

• Sandboarding

• Winery visit

• Buggies (tubulares)

• Photography