Peru is famous for its mountains. But about 10% of the country is desert. If you are in the southernmost part of Peru, don’t forget to visit Huacachina. This is a beautiful place bounded by dunes. These dunes are perfect for adventure activities. From the huge dunes, you can enjoy seeing the sunset. It is the perfect destination for people who love adventurous activities like sandboarding, or dune bugging.
This is a special desert oasis near the city of Ica. It is just a few hours from Lima. So, if you planning to visit an exciting location with mesmerizing natural beauty, plan tours in Huacachina.
Know More About This Place
This small town is built around Laguna Huacachina.
Green palm trees surround the lagoon. Huge dunes rise all around the city. What a beautiful experience!
Tourism is the main industry in this place. Is it true?
Yes, people from all across the world visit this place to watch the sunset and natural scenery. This place is best for younger tourists. This is because of the adventure sports.
People from Lima often visit Huacachina on the weekends. Travelers also stop by for a day trip. They stay overnight on their way to other places like:
- Paracas
- Nazca, and
- Arequipa
It was believed the water in the lagoon had healing powers. During the 1960s, the rich came here to enjoy the water. There are still Spanish-style buildings around the lagoon.
The Legend of the Mermaid
There is a famous legend about how the lagoon in this town was created. There is a fascinating story behind it.
A young Inca princess was walking in the desert. She was brushing her hair and looking into a mirror. Suddenly, she saw a hunter watching her. Startled, she dropped the mirror. It shattered into pieces, turning into the lagoon. The princess jumped into the water to hide. But found that she had turned into a mermaid. It is said that her tunic is the dunes around the lagoon.
Legend says that you can hear the mermaid sing during the full moon.
Fun Activities in Huacachina
Plan one of the best tours in Huacachina to enjoy activities like:
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Sandboarding
This place is famous for sandboarding. This is like snowboarding but on sand. You ride down the huge dunes on a special board. You can either stand on the board like a snowboarder. Or lie down and slide head-first. Follow your guide’s instructions to stay safe. No matter what is your age. People of all ages can try it.
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Dune Buggy Rides
For thrilling adventures, take a ride in a dune buggy.
Thinking What is a dune buggy?
These are four-wheel-drive vehicles. They zoom up and down the dunes. The buggy races up the dunes. It then speeds down the other side. It is often combined with sandboarding in one tour.
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Paddle Boat on the Lagoon
For a calmer activity, you can rent a paddle boat. You can spend some time in the lagoon. This is a relaxing way to enjoy the oasis. It is perfect for families with children. You can paddle around the lagoon. Look at the beautiful views of the dunes and palm trees.
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Tour a Vineyard
The area around Huacachina is known for producing wine. You will also get pisco here. This is a strong brandy made from grapes. Visit a nearby vineyard and learn how pisco is made.
If you love to try new beverages, do not forget to taste some pisco sours. This is a popular Peruvian cocktail. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the vineyards.
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Hike the Sand Dunes
In this, you climb to the top of the dunes. You will have a view of the oasis and the desert. At sunset, you can take photos.
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Spot Wildlife in Huacachina
This place is also great for wildlife spotting. You might see
- many types of birds, and
- desert fox or other small animals.
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Relax at Huacachina Beach
After a busy day, you can relax on the sandy beach in the Peruvian desert. It is a peaceful spot where you can rest. You can also listen to the gentle waves.
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Swim in the Huacachina Lagoon
You must visit the Laguna Huacachina. Here you can go swimming. The water is cool and refreshing. Many tourists love swimming here because it’s a great way to cool off and enjoy the beautiful desert!
Best Time to Visit Huacachina
The village has dry and warm weather most of the year. The skies are usually clear. The sun can be quite strong. If you are planning a trip to Huacachina, consider the month between January and March. This is the best time to visit Huacachina.
On the other side, if you plan to visit between May and August, you will experience winter in Peru. But even in the coldest months, the temperature does not drop much.
What to Bring for Your Trip?
For a pleasing and stress-free travel experience, you should have to be prepared completely. Make sure that you have all the necessary things in your bag. Some essential items include:
- Credit card and cash for any emergencies
- Light clothing to stay cool
- A cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Sunscreen to avoid sunburn
- Sneakers or tennis shoes for walking and activities
- Shorts and a T-shirt for warm weather
- A windproof jacket to protect against desert winds
- Flip-flops for casual walks
- Sweaters if you are visiting during the winter months
Final Words
Book tours in Huacachina now. This is a must-visit place. There are many things that you can do at this exciting place. For travel bookings and other information, you can connect with Nazcalines.net. We can provide all the required details. Still if you have any queries related to travel, call us at our registered number.
