If your family is looking for adventure, incredible scenery, and something totally unique, then a Huacachina day trip from Lima is an absolute must! Discover the magic of this desert oasis tucked away among towering sand dunes. It is like stepping into a dream! Huacachina is small but packed with excitement. From adrenaline-filled dune buggy rides to belly-down sandboarding, this place is made for thrill-seekers of all ages! Whether you want to explore for a few hours or spend the entire day soaking in the views and desert sunshine, Huacachina is a fun and easy getaway from Lima.
Huacachina is a tiny desert oasis located in southwestern Peru, near the city of Ica. It is about a five-hour drive south of Lima, making it a doable day trip if you start early!
We left Lima in the morning and arrived just in time for lunch in Ica before heading into the oasis. You can travel by car or book a bus with companies that offer direct service to Ica. From there, it is a short ride by taxi or tuk-tuk to reach Huacachina!
The town of Huacachina is built around a small natural lagoon. Lush palm trees surround the water, and giant dunes tower on all sides. It feels like something out of a storybook!
This place has been attracting travelers for nearly a century. In the early 1900s, it became popular with wealthy Peruvians who believed the waters had healing powers. While its popularity faded for a while, Huacachina has recently bounced back as an adventure hot spot!
There are restaurants, cafes, and small hotels lining the lagoon. You do not need much time to explore, but it is the perfect spot to stop for a meal or to cool off with a drink before heading into the dunes. Huacachina is small but unforgettable!
What is the Huacachina Oasis?
The Huacachina Oasis is one of the only natural desert oases in all of South America! The lagoon at the center is surrounded by sand dunes that rise like mountains. It looks like a desert fantasy come to life! You can actually walk all the way around the lagoon in about ten minutes. Paddle boats are available to rent if you want to float on the water.
The dunes themselves are the real draw. They are massive! Some stretch several hundred feet high. In June, the sun was strong but not unbearable, and the dry desert air kept us comfortable.
Huacachina is best known for adventure sports like dune buggy rides and sandboarding, but it also offers stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities!
There are also some local legends tied to the oasis. One story tells of a beautiful princess who created the lagoon with her tears. The mix of myth, beauty, and adventure gives Huacachina a magical vibe!
Dune Buggy Ride
A dune buggy ride in Huacachina is one of the wildest adventures we had in Peru! Once we buckled in and our helmets were on, the engine roared and we flew up the sand dunes like a roller coaster!
Our driver was experienced and knew exactly how to make the ride exciting without making it feel unsafe. The buggy sped up and over huge dunes, dipped into sandy valleys, and paused now and then so we could take in the incredible views!
The girls screamed with laughter as we bounced and slid through the desert. I held Spider Monkey’s arm as we flew through the dunes. She could not stop grinning!
We stopped at a high point to take photos and look out over the endless stretch of golden sand. It felt like we were on another planet!
Most dune buggy tours last about an hour and cost between twenty to thirty US dollars per person. Some tours combine dune buggies with sandboarding. Tours leave throughout the day, but many travelers recommend going in the late afternoon when the sun starts to set. The changing light over the dunes makes the experience even more breathtaking!
We chose an earlier time in the day and loved every minute. The girls were buzzing with excitement long after the ride ended!
Sandboarding
Midway through our thrilling dune buggy ride, we got ready for our first try at sandboarding! In Huacachina, most people ride lying flat on their stomachs, especially kids and beginners. It is easier, faster, and way more fun! The boards are like small snowboards with smooth bottoms. Guides show you how to position your hands and feet, then give you a gentle push to send you flying down the dunes!
The first hill looked big, and Buttercup hesitated for a moment. But Spider Monkey dove right in with a fearless grin. She zoomed to the bottom and jumped up shouting, “That was awesome!”
The girls climbed back up the dune again and again, sliding faster each time! The sand is soft, so even if you fall, it does not hurt. We all got covered in sand, and our shoes were filled by the end, but it was completely worth it!
Sandboarding is included in most dune buggy tours, but you can also rent a board separately if you prefer to take your time and go at your own pace. We loved the thrill, the views, and how easy it was for the girls to join in. It was a desert adventure unlike anything we had done before!
Other Excursions
While dune buggy rides and sandboarding are the most popular, Huacachina offers other fun excursions too! One option is taking a guided hike up the dunes. These hikes are usually shorter but a great way to enjoy the desert landscape at a slower pace! Guides often share fun facts about the geology and wildlife of the region. For families who prefer something calmer, this can be a relaxing way to take in the views!
Another great choice is a sunset tour. These tours usually include dune buggy rides but time everything perfectly to watch the sun dip below the desert horizon! The golden light creates a magical glow over the dunes. It is a favorite for photographers and romantics alike!
You can also find tours that include a visit to a nearby vineyard or pisco distillery. These are better suited for adults, but some are family friendly and offer tastings along with a look at how Peru’s national spirit is made!
Prices for add-on excursions vary but are usually affordable. Many are bundled with transportation from Lima or Ica! Whether you want to explore more of the desert or just relax by the lagoon, Huacachina has options for everyone!
The Family Verdict
Huacachina was one of Spider Monkey’s favorite memories from our Peru trip! From the moment we arrived, the girls could not wait to run up the dunes and see what adventures awaited! The dune buggy ride was fast, bumpy, and filled with laughter. The girls shouted with joy on every turn! Sandboarding was a total hit too. We all ended up sandy from head to toe but could not stop smiling! The desert scenery was so different from anything we had seen, and we were constantly amazed by the beauty of it all!
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in Lima, Paracas, Arequipa, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. Also, follow along on our full 10 day family adventure through Peru!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
For the Hotel:
Basics:
- Phone / Purse Combo
- Waist Pouch
- Waterproof Wet Bags
- Extra Duffle Bag / Personal Item
- Cross Body Bag
- Individually Wrapped Wipes
- Water Bottle Carriers
- Hand Soap Sheets
- Medicated Ointment for Bug Bites
- Insect Repellent
- Insect Repellent for Clothing & Gear
- Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Medicine
- Portable Restroom Kits
- Toilet Covers
- Travel Wipes
- Laundry Sheets
- Jacket / Luggage Straps
Outdoors:
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Shirt
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Shirt
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
