A lagoon in the desert. A lagoon surrounded by dunes that shimmer in the sunlight. A lagoon that is lovingly sung about. A lagoon formed from the tears of a lovesick woman. That’s the story, the legend, the tale you’ll hear when you visit Huacachina, the “Oasis of America.”
A mirage with palm trees and huarangos—the tree known as the “King of the Desert.” A mirage where birds find refuge. A mirage for relaxation, romance, and adventure. A mirage that comes to life just 5 kilometres west of the centre of Ica (the capital of the region of the same name).
And in that lagoon that seems like a mirage, but is in fact a miraculous oasis and a whimsical creation of nature, you can transition from the serenity of a boat ride to the exhilarating thrill of sandboarding, and from the calm of a romantic lunch or dinner to the adrenaline rush of a buggy ride.
Thus, between tranquil contemplation and intense experiences, Huacachina reveals itself to you as a diverse tourist destination, catering to those seeking a peaceful escape from urban pressures as well as those eager to unleash their energy in the sands of the Ica desert.
Which Huacachina do you wish to explore? The one that calls for love, the one that invites action, the one that blends peace with a touch of abandon? The choice is yours. The oasis awaits you with its calm waters, challenging dunes, captivating legends, and even its solitary mermaid…
Patience! If you want to know more about her, you’ll need to keep reading.
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Huacachina: of princesses and mermaids
Youth, love, and tragedy are the keys to one of the legends explaining the fantastical origin of the lagoon. The tale revolves around an Inca noblewoman who was “struck” by a handsome warrior. They met, spoke, found attraction in each other, and intertwined their hands. They kissed!
Love blossomed between the princess and the warrior, but duty knows no passions. He had to leave. She felt her heart breaking at his unexpected departure; but days later, that heartache would become a definitive fracture. Her man would never return. He lost his life in battle.
Heartbroken, the girl only wanted to weep for her misfortune. She left her home and ran desperately, and her tears were so abundant that they formed a lagoon amidst the desert dunes. She would never be seen again. From then on, she became known as Huacachina (“the crying woman” in Spanish).
There are other legends. In one, an Inca princess—yes, always a princess—was bathing in the lagoon when she was startled by a hunter. Frightened, she slipped away into the dunes, leaving behind a precious mirror she held in her hands. Grief-stricken over her loss, she wept uncontrollably.
Her tears enlarged Huacachina, and her footprints became dunes. But something else happened; she transformed into a mermaid—a mermaid who appears on full moon nights to enchant passing travellers. Consider yourself warned: if you fall into her game, you will be trapped forever in the oasis.
A spa with healing waters
Not all “miracles” have an explanation, but in the case of Huacachina, the origin of the lagoon and its unique ecosystem isn’t shrouded in a divine halo—though it’s nice to believe it could be. In reality, the oasis is formed by the emergence of underground waters, not by the endless tears of a heartbroken princess.
In the early 20th century, due to its stunning landscape and the supposed medicinal benefits of its waters, the oasis became one of the favourite spa destinations for wealthy locals from Ica. In 1906, the Grand Hotel (now the Mossone Hotel) was built “for those who wish to holiday by the famed lagoon…”
This phrase was part of an advertisement for the hotel in the newspaper El Comercio. The ad highlighted that these “privileged waters are well known and recognized, according to analyses by the renowned scholar Raimondi and other doctors,” as cited in an article from the magazine Turismo y Patrimonio.
By 1909, accommodation made of cane, totora, and adobe was constructed, laying the foundation for the hotels El Huaranguito and Salvatierra. The mentioned article explains that development did not stop there, noting that “by 1913, there was a network of established settlements, a chapel, and a road” leading from Ica to Huacachina.
The spa established itself as a destination due to the “medicinal properties of its waters.” Over time, Huacachina ceased to be an exclusive spot. Today, it is accessible to all, with visitors seeking to “heal” from everyday stress—not by swimming in the lagoon, but through various activities.
Activities in the Sand
Right next to Huacachina, as the song goes, and within the lagoon and the surrounding dunes, various activities allow you to relax and have fun. From boat rides to strolls along the shores, and even sandboarding lessons or birdwatching excursions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
It all depends on your tastes, hobbies, and travel goals. If you’re a leisurely tourist who enjoys contemplating nature, you’ll love walking in the shade of the huarangos, sailing on the calm waters of the lagoon, and photographing the sunset and the birds of the oasis. These activities are perfect for you!
If you’re after more action, don’t resist the temptation of sandboarding in Huacachina, a paradise for this thrilling sport. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never glided down the steep Ica dunes before; expert guides will provide you with the basic instructions to take on the desert with confidence!
The dunes also serve as the backdrop for a classic tour in this destination: buggy rides. Get ready for a thrilling experience filled with climbs, drops, and jumps in specially designed vehicles that “fly” through the twists and turns of the desert.
After all that action, there’s nothing better than a hearty lunch or dinner at the oasis’s restaurants. Their kitchens prepare a range of dishes from both national and international cuisine. Pair your meal with a fine wine or local Ica pisco, as this region has been cultivating and processing grapes since colonial times.
How to Get to Huacachina?
To be right next to Huacachina, you’ll need to travel the 305 km from Lima, the capital of Peru, to Ica. The overland journey along the Panamericana Sur takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. There are bus services available throughout the day (cost: 40 to 60 soles).
Another option is to rent a vehicle and drive to the oasis. Just be cautious, as Peruvian drivers can be quite bold and reckless. If you want to avoid the stress of driving, consider hiring a local tour operator. You’ll find various itineraries to Huacachina and other nearby attractions.
You can make the trip at any time of day, as there are no set visiting hours since it’s an open space. Entry is free, but if you plan to do activities in the dunes, such as a buggy ride, you’ll need to pay a tourist fee (4 soles) in addition to the cost of the tour (40 to 60 soles).
Travel Recommendations
- In the oasis, you’ll find a variety of accommodations, ranging from family-friendly hotels to backpacker hostels.
- Huacachina is a warm destination, so pack light and comfortable clothing. Also, bring a windbreaker to protect yourself from the evening breeze.
- The desert sun can be intense. Make sure to carry sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap. UV-protective clothing is also a good option.
- Stay hydrated! Always carry water with you during your outings or excursions in the “Oasis of America.”
- When choosing sandboarding and buggy tours, don’t let price be your only criterion. Remember that what seems cheap can often end up costing more in the long run. Look for a reputable operator you can trust.
- To avoid extreme heat, plan your activities for the early morning or at sunset.
- The sunset in Huacachina is highly recommended for photography and videos, so have your camera or phone ready!
- Before heading out for a walk, inform someone you trust about your route and expected return time. These details can be vital in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
