A remote desert oasis that looks something out of an otherworldly film, Huacachina is becoming a must-visit destination when in Peru.
Not only can we ride some of the tallest sand dunes in South America and also visit some stellar wineries, it’s also located quite close from Lima which makes it an easy day trip to do.
In this guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting from Lima to Huacachina. This includes why you should visit, whether it’s worth heading for just a day as well as the different transport methods here from the capital.
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Lima as a whole is perfectly located in the center of Peru, with all kinds of amazing day trips possible. Huacachina is one of the very best, which can be reached within just a few hours.
Here we will swap the busy city life for endless rows of giant desert dunes, which seemingly go on forever from the oasis town. Some of these dunes can measure up to an outstanding 500m in height, which give impressive panoramic views when standing at the top of them.
One of the most popular things to do is to go Sandboarding in Huacachina, and on a tour you’ll also get to ride about in a Sand Dune Buggy as you fly around the Ica Desert. The surrounding Ica region is also home to many famous wineries, and later on we’ll show you how to visit them on a day tour from Lima.
The small town of Huacachina is located just over 300 km south of Lima in the nearby region of Ica, and the only way to get here is overland (which takes between 4-6 hours depending on the transport method).
Thankfully Huacachina is very small in size, and you can easily walk around the town in just 15/20 minutes (it’s a circle shape with a main road leading around). There are also mototaxis arriving and leaving frequently from the nearby city of Ica for extra ease.
Perhaps you don’t want to ride down a hill or are wondering what more there is to do in Huacachina. Here we can also visit famous local Pisco wineries, which is something that we include on our day trips from Lima.
Depending on when you visit Lima, the climate in the capital can be quite cool. However in Huacachina the day can get very hot so you’ll need sunscreen and light clothes. You can read our Huacachina Packing List for a full preparation guide.
Although hot during the day, as evening approaches the temperatures plummet which can catch many of us out. Be sure to bring a warm jumper to stay warm after the sun goes down.
Here we will now explore your different options of getting from Lima to Huacachina, including the key things to know, the pros as well as the cons of each transport method.
Heading on a day tour from Lima to Huacachina is by far one of the most popular options for travelers in Peru.
It’s perfect for those who want to see all of the highlights of the town and surrounding region quickly within one day, where you’ll then be back in Lima the same evening. It’s also ideal since some companies will include private transportation which is quicker, more comfortable and is completely independent (rather than relying on bus schedules).
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we have an incredible day tour where you will explore both the sand dunes as well as a local Pisco winery in Huacachina. As well as including air-conditioned private transport, as a bonus you’ll also visit the stunning Ballestas Islands.
There is also the option of traveling by bus from Lima to Huacachina, which is best for those who have a free schedule and can spend multiple days here.
The buses leave daily from the Victoria Station in Lima to the city of Ica, which takes around 5 hours for a one-way trip. From here you’ll then need to take a taxi or mototaxi to Huacachina which is another 15 minutes drive away.
If you are planning to use public transportation as a day trip then it is possible, however you’ll have to leave on the early 6:00am buses in order to have enough time in Huacachina (before leaving on a mid-afternoon bus coming back). Also make sure to bring warm clothing as public buses tend to leave the air-conditioning on for the duration of the trip.
Unfortunately there are no direct flights to Huacachina given it’s so small, and there is also no airport within the nearby city of Ica.
However if you’re looking for the overall quickest way of reaching the oasis desert town, then heading on our day tour (as seen above) will be the best option as you travel in an air-conditioned private vehicle.
And that’s all for this guide on how to get from Lima to Huacachina in Peru.
This legendary oasis town is one of the most spectacular places you can visit from Lima, and is an easy day trip to make given the different transport options available. Overall heading with an organized tour is best to maximize your time here, and also for premium comfort.
Take a look at our Huacachina Day Trip from Lima which includes private comfortable transport, Sandboarding as well as a boat tour around the memorable Ballestas Islands. You’ll also get to visit the famous Pisco wineries as an extra bonus too!
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