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peru.travel
Friday, June 12, 2020
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Among the countless tourist attractions Peru has to offer, one in particular stands out for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes. The Huacachina Lagoon, located just 15 minutes from Ica city, is the perfect place to disconnect from daily routines, relax, and even try some adventure sports.
Known as the Oasis of America, visitors will find a pleasant lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation and walking trails, as well as a wide selection of hotels for those wishing to spend more than a day in this breathtaking destination. Such is the beauty of its landscapes that, in 2017, the British newspaper The Telegraph ranked the Huacachina Oasis among the world's 21 most stunning destinations to visit, making it the only Latin American destination on the list.
The legend
According to the legend, a beautiful Inka princess known as Huacachina once spent her days in this peaceful place. She possessed the gift of captivating anyone who crossed her path with the charm of her enchanting voice.
One day, as the princess was walking, a man spotted her and was dazzled by her beauty. When he decided to approach her, she fled to escape his ill intentions. Along the way, her dress caught on the brush and began to tear until it completely unraveled, transforming into a sheet of sand. Later, she dropped a mirror she always carried with her, which turned into a lagoon. She submerged herself in its waters and was transformed into a mermaid.
Another legend tells that this lagoon was born from the tears of a princess mourning the death of her beloved. These legends gave Huacachina its name, which means "weeping woman" in Quechua.
Landscape of the Huacachina Oasis, Ica. / ©SHUTTERSTOCK
Why is Huacachina a must-visit destination on your trip to Peru?
In the heart of Peru's southern coastal desert lies one of the country's most striking landscapes: the Huacachina Oasis. This small natural paradise, located just minutes from the Ica city, is surrounded by towering sand dunes that create a unique setting in South America.
Known as the Oasis of America, Huacachina is an ideal destination for those seeking to combine nature, adventure, and relaxation. At the center of the oasis lies a peaceful lagoon framed by palm trees, vegetation, and paths that invite visitors to stroll and take in the scenery. Surrounding the lagoon, a variety of hotels, restaurants, and terraces offer the perfect spot to contemplate spectacular sunsets over the desert.
The beauty of this destination has drawn the attention of travelers from around the world. Its dunes, considered among the highest in the region, offer the perfect setting for adrenaline-fueled activities. Furthermore, the contrast between the golden desert sand and the oasis's greenery creates one of southern Peru's most iconic postcard scenes.
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How to get to Huacachina?
The most common way to reach the oasis is by traveling from Lima to Ica. The road trip takes approximately four hours.
Once in Ica, the drive to Huacachina takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Huacachina can be reached by taxi, tuk tuk, or through organized tours departing from the city center. Many travelers also take the opportunity to visit other nearby attractions in the region.
Sandboarding in the Huacachina Desert, Ica. / ©SHUTTERSTOCK
What to do in Huacachina?
This oasis offers a variety of experiences to enjoy the desert and its landscapes:
- Go sandboarding on the dunes surrounding the oasis.
- Stroll around the lagoon and enjoy the tranquility of the area. Entrance fees are PEN 2.00 for local residents, PEN 4.00 for domestic tourists, PEN 8.10 for international visitors, and PEN 2.00 for concession admission.
- Admire the sunsets from the top of the dunes, one of the destination's most photographed sights.
- Relax at hotels and terraces overlooking the oasis.
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Exploring Huacachina is an experience that combines nature, history, and adventure. This oasis in the heart of the desert proves that Peru always has stunning landscapes waiting to be discovered.
Additionally, visitors are advised not to use dune buggy services, as this activity is currently neither regulated nor officially supervised. Visitors should prioritize their safety at all times.
Facts
The best time to visit this charming destination is between February and March, when temperatures are warmer. However, Huacachina is an excellent destination to visit at any time of the year.
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