My name is Jazmin and thanks for checking out my blog on Huacachina. I’m a blogger who grew up in Lawrence, Massachusetts – located about 30 minutes north of the Boston area. I currently live in DC working full-time in higher education. My passion for travel started in college when I went on a Campus Ministry trip to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala.
I spent a week there and fell in love. The people, culture and history of this country made a lasting impression on me. I remember leaving Guatemala with a strong desire to continue exploring the world. I remember thinking “there is so much more out there” and I have been traveling ever since.
My Amazing Little Trip to Peru
I was supposed to go to Peru in June of 2020. However, the pandemic changed my plans. Machu Picchu was the main place that inspired me to visit Peru, as one of my travel goals is to visit all of the Wonders of the World. I stayed in Lima and Cusco for five days and four nights each.
My trip started in Lima where I flew in, stayed for one night, then flew into Cusco for four nights before returning to Lima for the last three nights. During my time in Peru, I visited Huacachina, Islas Ballestas, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu, Chinchero, Morays and Salineras de Maras.
Huacachina – A Desert Oasis in South America
Huacachina was a spontaneous part of my trip. I didn’t even know it existed until I did my research on Peru. Before all my trips, I spend a good amount of time on Pinterest, Google and Instagram finding different things to do, places to eat, recommendations for best places to stay, hidden gems, etc.
During my research, I came across a photo on Instagram of this desert oasis and I was completely amazed! Huacachina is the ONLY desert oasis in South America. I knew I had to find my way there and it did not disappoint.
I have two favorite parts of the desert. The first one was at the end of the experience when we caught the sunset from the buggy. Our driver drove us to one of the highest points of the sand dunes and we saw the sun set until the sun was no longer in our view. It was so beautiful to watch.
I felt free, happy and grateful to have experienced such a thing. It was the perfect ending to an amazing trip (Huacachina was my last excursion before heading back to the United States of America the following day).
My second favorite part of the desert was when we were returning to our meeting point. I left the buggy and had to walk towards the oasis from a high point. From this point you see the entire oasis and since it was night time all of the lights were lit. It was another beautiful view. I literally stood still for 10 minutes and enjoyed the view, soaking it all in. I felt so alive.
5 Best Things To Do in Huacachina
- Sandboarding: This is an absolute must! If you love adrenaline activities then this is for you. Even if you are hesitant, I believe you will love it.
- Buggy Tour: Going on a buggy tour around the sand dunes is so much fun. If you are a daredevil and like the feeling of being in the very front row of a rollercoaster, make sure you sit in the front and buckle up!
- Pisco Vineyard Tour: Wine lovers like myself can do this activity while visiting Huacachina. Travel companies such as PeruHop offer this experience on a few of their tours and it’s definitely worth doing.
- Paragliding: Enjoy the desert oasis of Huacachina from an aerial view.
- Sunset Gazing: This was one of my favorite things to do in Huacachina. Watching the sunset there was absolutely breathtaking. And this experience wasn’t just unique for me. There was a point in my tour group when everyone went silent as they were watching the sunset.
Where to Stay in Huacachina
I visited Huacachina on a day trip experience via PeruHop. However, I have seen other travelers visit Huacachina and stay there for a few nights. I have heard and seen great reviews on Banana Adventure Hostel, which is great for backpackers and solo travelers. I would also recommend Carola Lodge.
This is the hotel where my day trip tour had their meeting point for arrival and departure. Carola Lodge has a chill ambiance and atmosphere with amazing music, great food and random kittens that reminded me of home.
Need to Know Before you Go
Huacachina is located in the desert. It’s hot here with the sun shining to its fullest. Make sure you bring sunscreen. If you plan on doing the buggy tour make sure you bring sunglasses because the sand will get in your eyes.
While on the buggy tour, the vehicle is quite unpredictable as the driver is the only person who knows when they will take a turn and how to take that turn. Make sure your phone is secured at all times. Many travelers have dropped/lost their phones and other valuables while on the buggy tour.
All in all, I loved my time in Huacachina. From my buggy tour with our driver Chupón, to sandboarding down the dunes and teaching my mother how to record a video of me doing it, to watching the sunset and being completely mesmerized by the view – Huacachina is something I have never experienced before while traveling. It truly is a special part of Peru.
