Huacachina is the only natural desert oasis in South America. The spring-fed lagoon is surrounded by palm trees and towering dunes, setting the scene for some epic adventures.

Sandboarding and buggy rides are popular activities, enticing tourists from near and far to tackle the enormous sandy peaks.

You can take a day trip to Huacachina Oasis from Lima if you don’t want to spend the night. Here’s how!

How to get to Huacachina Oasis from Lima?

The Huacachina Oasis lies four hours south of Lima, not far from the city of Ica.

From Lima to Huacachina Oasis by bus

Traveling by bus is the cheapest transport option, although it does take longer. The bus journey from Lima to Huacachina Oasis is five hours.

You can take a public bus to Ica, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to Huacachina. Direct private buses are available too if you don’t mind paying more.

Guided tour to Huacachina Oasis from Lima

The easiest way to get there is on a Huacachina Oasis day trip from Lima. Door-to-door transport is provided, and activities are included.

Tours last a full day, giving you as long as possible at the destination.

From Lima to Huacachina Oasis by car

It is possible to drive to Huacachina, although most people prefer to visit on a guided tour or take the bus. Use a rental agency on the outskirts of Lima to avoid driving through the center.

Then just hop on route 1S all the way to Huacachina. It takes just over four hours.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Huacachina Oasis from Lima?

Your day begins in style with a pick-up from your Lima hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or coach.

Many Huacachina Oasis day tours then make additional stops en route to the dunes, including Paracas for a boat trip to the Islas Ballestas for wildlife viewing. Some excursions also visit a wine farm in Ica for Pisco tasting.

On arrival at the Huacachina Oasis, it’s time for dune walks, buggy rides, and sandboarding. Top up your energy with lunch at one of the restaurants, before squeezing in a few more photos.

You’ll be driven back to your hotel in the evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to Huacachina Oasis?

Guided day tours to Huacachina Oasis plus Ballestas Islands and Ica from Lima

This is the most popular day trip from Lima to Huacachina Oasis. The shared experience keeps costs down, and hotel pick-ups are included for convenience.

As well as the oasis, the tour includes a Ballestas Islands boat trip and wine tasting in Ica.

Private tour to Huacachina Oasis plus Ballestas Islands and Ica from Lima

This exclusive Huacachina Oasis excursion is the ultimate way to explore. The private vehicle and guide are yours for the day, so the schedule can be flexible.

Breakfast, lunch, activities, and round-trip transfers make this all-inclusive experience a breeze.

Sunset Huacachina Oasis day tour from Lima

This unique Huacachina Oasis jaunt from Lima includes wine tasting in Ica, and a sunset dune buggy ride. You’ll have free time to explore the oasis.

Transport is provided, with the option of finishing at the airport if required.

Day trip to Huacachina Oasis with Nazca Lines from Lima

Combine two of Peru’s greatest destinations on this epic day trip. You’ll travel by land to Nazca before enjoying a flight over the geoglyphs.

Then it’s on to Huacachina for lunch and buggy rides before returning to Lima.

2-day tour to Huacachina Oasis plus Ballestas Islands and Ica from Lima

On this Huacachina Oasis overnight tour, you’ll visit the Ballestas Islands and Ica. This is a great option for those who want to have longer at these destinations.

Spend the night in the desert and see the sunrise over the dunes. Travel is by air-conditioned bus.

3-day tour to Huacachina Oasis, Ballestas Islands, Ica, and the Secret Tunnels from Lima

For something different, add a visit to the Chincha Secret Tunnels to your tour. Stretching for 10 miles, they were used to smuggle slaves in the 17^th century.

You will overnight in Chincha and Huacachina, with return transport by luxury bus.

How much does a tour to Huacachina Oasis from Lima cost?

The small group guided day trip to Huacachina Oasis starts at $55, without activities or food. All-inclusive excursions are great value at $120. The sunset tour is $195 per person.

A private guided Huacachina Oasis day tour from Lima costs $189, with transport, breakfast, lunch, and activities provided.

To include a flight over the Nazca Lines on your Huacachina Oasis tour, expect to pay $375 for all transport, and a buggy ride in the dunes. For private land transfers, trips cost $490.

The 2-day Huacachina Oasis tour is $149, without food or accommodation. Trips with Nazca Lines add-ons are priced at $269, or for a private experience, it’s $395.

3-day excursions cost $159. Activities are provided but hotels and meals are extra.

What will you see and do at Huacachina Oasis?

The Oasis

Huacachina Oasis first became popular with Peruvian tourists thanks to the healing properties of the water. A desert resort sprung up here in the 1960s, centered on the therapeutic springs.

Today Huacachina is the haunt of thrill-seeking explorers who come for the activities. Restaurants and hotels line the lagoon, so it’s possible to stay overnight too.

Sandboarding

Sandboarding is the most popular activity on a day trip to Huacachina Oasis from Lima. You don’t need any experience, just a desire to have fun.

It might take a few runs to master your balance, but the landing is soft, and the enjoyment factor remains high. Once you have the hang of it you can race your friends down the dunes.

Dune buggy rides

For the ultimate adrenaline buzz, strap in and zoom full-throttle through the dunes by buggy. You’ll climb steep, sandy peaks before plunging down the other side, with incredible views all around.

The drivers will take you on a wild ride, so hang on tight, and don’t forget your sunglasses to keep the sand out of your face!

The Inca mermaid

If you spend the night at Huacachina, listen out for the singing mermaid. Legend has it that an Inca princess was wandering the desert, brushing her hair, when a threatening hunter appeared.

Her mirror cracked and transformed into a lagoon, and she dived in to escape, turning into a mermaid in the process. Apparently, she can be heard singing when there’s a full moon!

When is the best time to visit Huacachina Oasis?

The desert climate of Huacachina is warm and dry throughout the year which means you can visit whenever you want. There is little chance of rain in this arid environment.

If you are touring other places in Peru like Cusco, Lake Titicaca, or the Amazon Rainforest, it’s best to plan your Huacachina Oasis day tour around the weather in these areas instead.

If you want to see the sun setting over the dunes at Huacachina Oasis, then make sure you book the special sunset tour.

Travel tips

Wear lightweight clothing suitable for the desert environment and take sunhats, sunglasses, and sunblock to protect from the rays.
Book your Huacachina Oasis day trip from Lima online so you can compare prices and find the cheapest deals.
Don’t leave reserving your tickets until the last minute as these tours are popular and can sell out.
You will need closed-toe shoes for both sandboarding and buggy riding activities.
Take some cash if you plan to buy lunch as there are no ATMs at the oasis.
Carry plenty of water with you to keep hydrated during your Huacachina Oasis tour.

Huacachina Oasis: Day Trips and Tours from Lima