Plan your visit

Plan your Visit

Prepare for intense sun, blowing sand, and a 5-hour journey south from Lima.

Huacachina Oasis

Huacachina, Ica 11000

GPS -14.0875, -75.7628

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the oasis requires a bus ride.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Bus: Public intercity bus (e.g., Cruz del Sur) from Lima to Ica, followed by a local taxi to the oasis.	4.5 to 6.5 hours total	$20 - $35 USD (bus fare plus S/ 12-20 for the taxi)	Public buses drop you at private terminals in Ica, requiring a 10-15 minute local taxi transfer to reach Huacachina.
Tour: Direct tourist bus network (e.g., Peru Hop) originating from Lima.	4.5 to 5.5 hours	$40 - $60 USD	Picks up from hotels in Lima and is the only bus service permitted to drive directly into the Huacachina village, avoiding the Ica taxi transfer.
Car: Driving south from Lima via the Pan-American Highway (Panamericana Sur).	4 to 5 hours	Varies by rental	The drive is relatively straightforward, but traffic exiting Lima can add significant delays depending on the time of day.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The desert is sunny year-round. April to November offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. December to March brings intense summer heat, averaging 31.9°C (89°F), alongside heavy domestic holiday crowds. Book the late afternoon buggies to avoid the midday sun.

What to bring

Closed-toe shoes or sneakers (sand gets burning hot and flip-flops easily fall off)
Sunglasses (crucial for keeping blowing sand out of your eyes)
High-SPF sunscreen (the desert sun is intense even on hazy days)
A light windbreaker or sweater (temperatures drop significantly in the desert after sunset)
A buff, bandana, or scarf to cover your mouth and nose from dust and sand
Cash in Peruvian soles (for the dune tax, small purchases, and because ATMs in the oasis are very limited)
A small backpack with secure zippers to protect cameras and phones from fine sand
Comfortable, athletic clothing that you do not mind getting completely covered in sand

Your ticks are saved in this browser only.

Bring a windbreaker.

Temperatures drop sharply after sunset.

How the day runs

How to structure your time at the oasis.

Combine Paracas and Huacachina into one long day.

05:00
Depart Lima
Board your tourist bus early in the morning.
10:00
Ballestas Islands
Take a boat tour from Paracas to see wildlife.
14:00
Pisco Tasting
Stop at a vineyard for lunch and local drinks.
16:00
Dune Buggy Ride
Arrive in Huacachina for a 2-hour sunset tour.

Practical Advice

Always bring cash in Peruvian soles. A small dune access fee is charged per visitor, and ATMs in the village are very limited. Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from burning sand.

Protect your electronics. Fine desert sand can easily ruin cameras and phones. Keep them in a zippered bag or secure pocket while sandboarding. Read more about Packing for Buggies.

Easiest way to do it

Person sitting on a wooden swing in the desert at sunset.

From Ica to Huacachina: Buggy and Sandboarding Tour with Sunset

2 h 30 min 5.0 (36)

2 hours and 20 minutes of adrenaline and fun.
Health Facilities.
Normal sandboard (belly or sitting)

From$25per person

Viator$25 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Can you swim in the Huacachina lagoon?

Swimming is not allowed. You can rent a pedal boat or rowboat to glide on the water instead.

What altitude is Huacachina?

The oasis sits at just 406 meters (1,332 feet) above sea level. There is no risk of altitude sickness here.

Are there ATMs in Huacachina?

ATMs are very limited and often out of cash. Bring sufficient Peruvian soles from Lima or Ica before you arrive.