THE DESERT OASIS “HUACACHINA”

(Cruz Sánchez Jonathan Llerandi)

DESCRIPTION

Huacachina is a desert oasis that became a popular spa for wealthy Peruvians in Lima in the 40s and in that time luxurious hotels were created along the lagoon, along with a boardwalk and streets. At some point in the 1950s it fell out of favor, and for decades it was abandoned, and largley considered a place without any touristic appeal. But in 1990 some businessmen began to offer tourists the option to explore the gigantic sand dunes in a 4-wheel-drive dune buggy, and travelers quickly realized that this was a rare and enjoyable experience in a country that was already famous for providing mountains, jungles, and ancient ruins. The sand dunes in the desert around Huacachina are beautiful, sensual, and very photogenic.  Nowadays, Huacachina serves as a popular tourist destination for all who come to experience the beauty of the desert on a dune buggy tour, and to try sandboarding down the dunes.

LOCATION

• Huacachina is a desert oasis in Southern Peru, located approximately 5 hours south of Lima. It is located just 10 minutes away from downtown Ica, a small city on the coast. It is a small lagoon surrounded by palm trees and gigantic sand dunes, similar to those seen in the Sahara Desert in Africa.

• This is one of the driest regions in the world, so rain is infrequent and usually no more than a light drizzle. From December to February, the temperature is very hot during the day, and cool at night. The rest of the year the temperature is mild or lukewarm during the day, and then cool at night.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HUACACHINA?

If you like adventure you can go on one of the tours that Huacachina offers, for example:• Dune buggy and sandboardingThis tour is both thrilling and jaw-dropping, transporting you deep into the desert into a 4-wheel-drive dune buggy driven by a professional driver to see the huge sand dunes on the coast. Adventurous travelers are welcome to try sandboarding down the dunes!• Ballestas Islands tourThe Ballestas Islands is a vibrant and colorful wildlife sanctuary that is filled with wild birds and mammals, including sea lions, fur seals, and endangered Humboldt penguins. During this two hour boat tour you will come face-to-face with these animals in their natural habitation while you are onboard a speedboat. • Nazca TourJust two hours south of Huacachina is the Nazca Pampa, a famous piece of desert where ancient tribes scraped gigantic figures into the desert floor. These Nazca lines have become world-famous as a source of mystery and curiosity. The figures are in the shape of animals such as monkeys, dogs, and hummingbirds.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HUACACHINA?

If you’re not into adrenaline but still want to see the desert dunes, there are “slow-buggy” tours that take you up and down the dunes in a slow pace or you can do horse ridding.• For relaxing activities, you can lay in the sand under one of the palm trees and enjoy the

beauty of this peaceful oasis.  You can also rent a small rowboat to spend a chilled afternoon in the heart of the oasis. 

• There is also a small but attractive archeology museum, filled with mummies, beautiful ceramic objects made by ancient tribes on the coast, and valuable textiles which are occasionally stolen from the museum due to their high value. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HUACACHINA?

Where to eat?Due to its touristic attraction, the cost of food in Huacachina is somewhat above the average.  But still, you can find delicious food at modest prices. 

• Bamboo House• The House of Avinoam• Desert Nights !• Mayo

How’s the nightlife?Most bars and dance clubs in Huacachina are associated with a specific hostel or hotel.  Here are some of the popular ones:

• Casa de Arena Bar • Da Silva’s House • Bolepo• The Pub 

REFERENCES

• http://www.huacachina.com/en/tours/toursica.htm• http://www.huacachina.com/• http://www.globotreks.com/destinations/peru/huacachina-adrenaline-filled-oa

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