Huacachina Oasis Visit

Huacachina is a tiny village built around a natural lagoon surrounded by some of the tallest sand dunes in South America, a few minutes from the city of Ica. Palm trees, footbridges and old-fashioned lamps line the water, while cafes, restaurants and hostels fill the shore. It looks like an illustration of a desert oasis, and it is one of the best-known images of southern Peru. Visitors come to walk the promenade, climb the nearest dune for a view of the village at dusk, and to join buggy and sandboarding outings that start from the front of the lagoon.

Local legends say the lagoon was formed when a princess fled her suitor and her mirror became the water, while the more prosaic explanation is that the lagoon is fed by underground water. The surrounding dunes rise a hundred metres or more, and the climb to the top on soft sand is hard work, but the reward is a wide panorama over the oasis, the town and the desert stretching away in waves. Sunset is the favourite time, when the light turns the sand gold and the heat of the day fades.

The village is small and easily explored on foot in an hour or two, but many travellers stay a night for the atmosphere. Cafes and bars serve drinks with a view of the water, and the nights are lively in the high season. Water levels in the lagoon have been affected by changes in the water table in recent decades, so what you see depends on conditions.

Bring sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes for the dunes, and carry water. Prices for food and drink are higher than in nearby Ica, so eat in town if you are on a budget. Please keep the shore clean and respect residents.

The best way to enjoy the oasis is to give it more than a quick stop. Arrive in the late afternoon, take a stroll around the lagoon to get your bearings, and then choose a dune to climb. The slopes nearest the village are the easiest, and a path of footprints shows the popular routes.

Take your shoes off if you like the feel of cool sand, but beware of hot surfaces earlier in the day. At the top, sit and watch the colours change as the sun sets, then walk down in the dusk and find a table at one of the lagoon cafes.

Several quieter corners reward exploration. Early mornings, before the buggies start, are peaceful, with the light soft on the water and few people about. Away from the main strip, small lanes lead to simple restaurants and local life. Consider an overnight stay to experience both the day and night faces of the village.

Stars are bright when the lights are low, and the dunes look ghostly under the moon. Keep your belongings safe, as in any busy tourist place, and respect residents who live there year round. Be mindful of the environment by carrying out your rubbish.

Visit the market stalls and small shops for crafts, hats and cold drinks, and compare prices before you buy. Keep an eye on the weather: strong wind can blow sand into your face, so a scarf or buff helps.