Duna Camp offers a different way to experience the desert: a glamping-style stay in the dunes rather than in the village. Guests sleep in comfortable tents or cabins with proper beds, shaded terraces and views of the sand hills, and activities such as buggy rides and sandboarding often start from the camp. It suits couples and small groups who want a special night under the stars.
The attraction is the silence and the sky. Away from the village lights, the stars are brilliant, and the dunes change colour with the sun, from gold in the afternoon to soft grey at dusk. Evenings may include a campfire, dinner served at the camp and conversation under the open sky. Mornings are cool and quiet, and the sand is perfect for a walk before the heat arrives.
Check details when you book. Desert camps vary in facilities, so ask about bathrooms, power, air conditioning or heaters, meals, transfers and activities. Nights can be cold in winter and very hot in summer days, so pack accordingly, with a warm layer, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Transport to the camp is usually by a 4x4 or buggy, and arrival is best before dark. Prices are higher than for standard hotels because of the setting and services. Book early for weekends and holidays.
Plan for the logistics of a desert camp. Arrive in daylight to settle in and enjoy the sunset, and bring a small bag with essentials rather than heavy luggage. Ask about the schedule of meals and activities, whether alcohol is served, and how bathrooms and power work. A torch, warm layers and sunscreen are helpful. Mobile coverage may be limited, which is part of the charm for some guests and a drawback for others.
The experience is about the environment. At night the dunes are silent and the stars sweep overhead, and in the morning the sand is cool and smooth, with only a few footprints. Some camps offer astronomy talks or bonfires, and many include a buggy ride at sunset. Compare it with a regular hotel: you give up some convenience but gain a memorable setting. Ask about cancellation rules in case of wind or heat, and about the age policy if travelling with children. For couples and small groups, it can be the highlight of a trip.
Pack light layers, a torch, a power bank, insect repellent for evening, and a reusable bottle. Ask about arrival times so that you do not travel the dunes in the dark.
Ask about the minimum stay, alcohol rules, and whether pets or children are welcome, as camp policies vary. Confirm cancellation terms in case of strong wind, which can affect transfers.
Why stay here
- ✓Desert glamping setting
- ✓Private tents or cabins
- ✓Stargazing
- ✓Buggy and sandboarding access
- ✓Campfire evenings
- ✓Meals at camp
- ✓Transfers by 4x4 or buggy
- ✓Quiet away from the village
Good questions
How do I get to the camp?+
Usually by 4x4 or buggy from Huacachina or Ica. Confirm transfers when you book.
Is it cold at night?+
It can be, especially in winter. Bring layers.
Are meals included?+
Often arranged at the camp. Ask in advance.
