Huacachina
A small lagoon ringed by palm trees and sand dunes, where dune buggy rides and sunset views are the main reasons to go.
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Huacachina is a small lagoon in the Ica Region of southwestern Peru, a few kilometers from the city of Ica. Palm trees and low hotels line the water, and sand dunes rise close on every side, so the village looks like an oasis in the desert. The lagoon is the first thing most visitors see.
Most travelers come for the dunes. Dune buggy rides and sandboarding are the usual activities, and late afternoon is the easier time to book. The area lies in the coastal desert, so the days can be hot, especially from December to March. The cooler months from May to September are the most comfortable time to visit. Huacachina suits a short stop rather than a long base: one or two nights covers the lagoon, a dune tour and a sunset, and it pairs well with a visit to Ica or the Paracas coast. It works for couples, friends and independent travelers who want a few easy days of sand and sun.
Huacachina in five
- Book the dune tour for late afternoonMidday sand is very hot, so a late-afternoon slot is the easier choice. Book with a named operator in Huacachina and ask whether the sandboard hire is included.
- Carry small soles for tips and mototaxisSmall notes make tips and short rides easier to pay. A few soles for a driver or guide is a common tip.
- Take the bus from Lima or IcaThe bus from Lima to Ica takes about 4 to 5 hours on the Panamericana Sur. From Ica, a short mototaxi ride covers the few kilometers to the oasis.Getting around
- Pack a hat, sunscreen and a warm layerSand reflects the sun, so a hat and sunscreen matter from the first hour. Nights in the desert can be cool, and a light jacket helps on the dunes after dark.
- Keep the TAM card with your passportMost visitors receive a Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) on arrival. Keep it with your passport, because you hand it back when you leave Peru.Visas and entry
Things to do in Huacachina
See all attractions in Huacachina
Need to know
- Currency
- Sol (PEN)
- Entry
- Depends on your passport; a TAM card is issued on arrival Read more
- Emergency
- 105 police, 116 fire, 106 ambulance
- Tipping
- Not required; small tips for guides and drivers are common
- Time
- UTC-5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryHot, bright
- FebruaryHot, bright
- MarchHot, warm nights
- AprilWarm, mild
- MayWarm, mild
- JuneCool, quieter
- JulyCool, quieter
- AugustCool, quieter
- SeptemberWarming up
- OctoberWarm, pleasant
- NovemberWarm, pleasant
- DecemberHot, bright
Right now in Huacachina
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 28°
- Humidity
- 42%
- Wind
- 13 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Huacachina
03:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today31°17°0%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 31°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue32°18°7%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 7%.
- Wed33°18°8%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Thu28°18°6%Thursday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Fri30°18°14%Friday: Cloudy. High 30°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Sat31°17°16%Saturday: Cloudy. High 31°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 16%.
Updated 12:00 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 3.467 PEN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Icaabout 10 to 15 min by taxiThe city behind the oasis, known for its wineries and pisco.
- Paracasabout 2 hours by roadA coastal town and reserve, with boats to the Ballestas Islands.
- Nazcaabout 2.5 to 3 hours by roadBase for flights over the Nazca Lines.
Before you go to Huacachina
Rules for Huacachina, checked
- Declare cash above the limit set by Peru on the SUNAT customs form at arrival or departure. Check the current limit at sunat.gob.pe before you travel.
- Peru restricts fresh food, plants and seeds at the border. Check the rules of SENASA, Peru's agricultural health agency, before you bring any food in.
Plan around Huacachina
Regions, entry and transport for a Peru trip
Read the guideGetting around PeruBuses from Lima to Ica and onward routes
Read the guideWhere to stayOasis lodging and guesthouses in Ica
Read the guideMoney and costsSoles, cards and typical prices for a day
Read the guideTours and ticketsDune buggy and sandboard tours to compare
Read the guideHuacachina FAQ
Is Huacachina worth visiting?
Yes, if you want dunes, a small lagoon and an easy base in the desert. It is a short visit, so pair it with Ica or a route south along the coast.
How do you get to Huacachina from Lima?
Take a long-distance bus from Lima to Ica, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, then a mototaxi or taxi for the short ride to the oasis. Book the bus from a company with a clear departure terminal.
Is Huacachina a good day trip from Ica?
Yes. The ride from Ica takes about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or mototaxi, so you can see the dunes at sunset and return in the evening.
How many days do you need in Huacachina?
One night is enough for the dune tour and a sunset walk around the lagoon. Two nights let you add a day trip to Paracas or Nazca.
When is the best time to visit Huacachina?
April to May and October to November have warm days and mild nights. December to March is hot and bright, and June to August is cooler.
Can you go sandboarding in Huacachina?
Yes, sandboarding and dune buggy rides are the main activities on the dunes. Ask the operator whether boards and goggles are included.