The Huacachina Oasis in Ica
About 5 km from the city of Ica, hidden behind towering sand dunes, lies a genuine little oasis. This peaceful haven (admittedly somewhat disrupted by buggy engines)
About 5 km from the city of Ica, hidden behind towering sand dunes, lies a genuine little oasis. This peaceful haven (admittedly somewhat disrupted by buggy engines) is a place that radiates truly magical charm.
Huacachina: Ica's Oasis
It is a large lagoon of sulfurous water, surrounded by vegetation, charming houses and dunes. A lovely walk allows you to tour the entire area. Beyond its tranquility, this oasis allows you to enjoy a host of activities.
Activities in the Huacachina Oasis
You can swim here. It's true that the color of the sulfurous water is rather uninviting, but this water actually has healing properties, and maintains an ideal temperature. However, the Huacachina oasis is also famous for two unusual activities: sandboarding and buggy rides. For those who prefer gentler thrills, a pedalo tour remains an entertaining option.
Enjoying the Oasis in Tranquility
If you wish to savor the peace and quiet, the best time is the evening. You can admire the sunset over the dunes (you might think you're in the Sahara), enjoy the calm that descends on the oasis as night falls, and visit the bars and terraces offering Ica wines, as well as Peruvian cocktails, including the famous pisco sour. Many establishments offer happy hours.
A Stroll Through the Ica Oasis
An escape guaranteed… You'd think you're in the Sahara! The pedestrian street that nearly circles the oasis is remarkably beautiful, enhanced by various charming colonial buildings. In the afternoon, it's the perfect opportunity to linger and contemplate the surroundings while enjoying a good ice cream. There's a local specialty—a kind of shaved ice topped with syrup, consumed with a straw. As night falls, a pleasant coolness settles in, allowing you to enjoy the place that becomes nearly deserted and free from buggy engine noise.
The Legend of the Mermaid of the Ica Oasis
A legend (which you can read on one of the oasis walls) tells of a mermaid of captivating beauty living at the heart of the oasis. A statue of the mermaid is visible near the lagoon. There's no doubt that if you ask a Peruvian to recount this legend, they will do so with great enthusiasm.
Frequently asked questions
From Lima, you need to reach the city of Ica by bus (approximately 4 to 5 hours of travel), then take a taxi or tuk-tuk for the 5 km separating Ica from the Huacachina oasis. Several bus companies connect Lima to Ica daily.
The Huacachina oasis offers several activities: swimming in the sulfurous lagoon with its healing properties, sandboarding on the vast sand dunes, buggy rides through the dunes, pedalo rides on the lagoon, and walking tours around the oasis. In the evening, bars and terraces allow you to sample local Ica wines and the famous pisco sour.
According to local legend, a mermaid of captivating beauty is said to live at the heart of the Huacachina oasis. This legend is inscribed on one of the oasis walls and a statue of the mermaid can be seen near the lagoon. Peruvian locals tell this story with great enthusiasm.
The best time to appreciate the Huacachina oasis is in the evening, when calm returns after the buggies depart. You can then admire a spectacular sunset over the dunes, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and settle on a terrace to sip a pisco sour.
Yes, it is possible to swim in the Huacachina oasis lagoon. Although the color of the sulfurous water may surprise you, it is renowned for its healing properties and maintains a pleasant temperature. A pedalo ride is also available for those who prefer to stay on the surface.
