Villa Huacachina

Villa Huacachina places you in the village itself, which is the great advantage for visitors who want to make the most of the dunes. From the front door, you can reach the lagoon, restaurants and the base of the sand hills within minutes. The accommodation offers private rooms with a relaxed, simple style, and a garden or pool area may be available for cooling off after a day in the sun.

Staying in Huacachina changes the experience. Rather than visiting for a couple of hours, you can climb a dune before breakfast when the sand is cool, watch sunset from a ridge and walk back to your room without a taxi. At night the lagoon is lit and cafes stay open, and the stars over the desert are impressive. Buggy and sandboarding companies pick up from the village, so it is easy to arrange activities.

Consider a few practicalities. The village is compact and can be lively at night, so ask about noise if you are a light sleeper. Prices are higher than in nearby Ica for food and drink. Heat is intense in summer, so look for air conditioning or a pool, and in winter nights can be cool. Book ahead for weekends and holidays. Transfers from the Ica bus terminal take only a few minutes. Check current facilities and policies with the property when you book.

Make the most of the location by building your day around the heat. Climb a dune in the early morning, retreat to shade or a pool at midday, and return to the sand in the late afternoon for a buggy ride or sunset. The village has a limited number of restaurants and shops, so planning meals is wise. Bring cash for small purchases, since cards are not accepted everywhere. If you want to see Ica or the wineries, taxis are easy to find in the village.

Consider the trade-offs. Staying in the oasis gives atmosphere but fewer services than the city, and the village can be busy at weekends. Rooms are often simple, so check for air conditioning or fans. Noise from bars and music can carry in the evening, so ask about room positions. In return, you wake up among the dunes and can walk to the lagoon. For most visitors, one or two nights is the right amount, and travellers heading on to Nazca or Arequipa find it an easy stop.

Check how far the property is from the dunes' start and whether the walk is on sand, since this affects luggage.

Pack a headlamp for walking back across sand after dark, and ask about the quietest rooms if you want to sleep before an early start.