The 20 Top Things to Do in Huacachina, Peru’s Epic Oasis

Tucked away in the Peruvian desert, Huacachina is a hidden oasis packed with adventure. From sandboarding down towering dunes to watching breathtaking sunsets over the golden sands, this tiny village is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Peru. If you're wondering about the top things to do in Huacachina, you're in the right place!

This desert paradise isn’t just about adrenaline-filled activities—it’s also a place to unwind. Whether you’re sipping pisco sours by the lagoon or taking a scenic boat ride, there’s something for every traveler. Plus, its proximity to Paracas and the Nazca Lines makes it a perfect stop on your Peru itinerary.

Ready to explore one of the most unique destinations in South America? Here’s your ultimate guide to the 20 best things to do in Huacachina, with insider tips to make the most of your visit!

Top Things to Do in Huacachina, Peru

So are you ready to explore all of the top things to do in Huacachina? From the must-do activities to hidden gems, we're here to share all of the unique things to do in and around this incredible oasis.

Go on a Dune Buggy Tour

A dune buggy tour is the number one highlight of Huacachina, and something that is at the top of the bucket list for experiencing this desert oasis.

Dune buggy tours start at 1 hour rides up and down the dunes to multi-hour tours that will take you to higher dunes, have better sandboarding, and enjoying an incredible sunset with your group. 

There are so many tours to choose from, so we recommend checking out our dune buggy experience guide so you can book the one that's right for you.

Try Sandboarding

Another great excursion offered in Huacachina, Peru is sand boarding. This is often something you can do during a buggy tour, and can be for beginners or for experts.

Whether you want to comfortably slide down on your bottom, or ski down like a pro, there are an endless amount of sand boarding opportunities in Huacachina.

Pro Tip: Join a tour with sandboarding in the early morning or late afternoon, as during the day the sand is really hot!

Have a Romantic Dinner in the Desert

Huacachina is full of adventure, but if you're traveling with your partner, then why not add a bit of romance?

You can actually enhance your buggy and sandboarding excursion by finishing off with a candlelight dinner in the desert.

Complete with tents, a bathroom, campfire, and a bar, the area is beautifully decorated with tables, cushions, and rugs for the ultimate culinary experience including your own private chef!

Go Glamping in the Desert

Want to take your romantic night a step further? Well- why stop with dinner when you can actually spend a full night out in a luxury desert camp?

There are a couple of incredible glamping options to choose from, so we'll add them below so you can choose which one is right for you:

Row Around the Oasis

The reason why you're visiting an oasis is because there’s actually water in it, right? Then why not enjoy it by renting a canoe or a pedal boat? You can have a relaxing time enjoying Huacachina's Oasis while accompanying the ducks swimming alongside you. 

Even though the oasis is not super big, rowing around the lake is one of the top things to do in Huacachina.

Boat rides are typically 30 minutes, and are 35 soles for a 2-person boat, or 40 soles for a 4 person pedal boat. They're available from the early morning (around 9:00) until right after the sun sets (around 7:00 pm).

Experience a Magical Sunset Over the Dunes

One of the top things to do in Huacachina is to walk along the top of the dunes, and the best times to do it are either during sunset or sunrise.

Whether you take the 5 minute walk up to west side of the lagoon, or go to the highest point on the north side, every angle is unique and beautiful in Huacachina.

Enjoy seeing the sun sinking into the desert, while the tiny city starts to light up. Sunset and sunrise are also great times to walk up as the temperatures are much lower, and you don’t have to worry about burning yourself on the hot sands. 

Bonus: when you go back down, do one first long step and let the sand guide you running down. It’s truly liberating, and it’s also a great exercise.

Go Paragliding

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding in Huacachina is a thrilling way to see the desert landscapes from above.

This exciting activity lets you soar over the dunes, offering spectacular panoramic views. If you're looking for adventure and excitement, paragliding is one of the top things to do in Huacachina adrenaline seekers.

Dive into Peruvian Culture

Looking for some fun activities to enjoy Peruvian culture? Well, Wild Rover Hostel has nightly activities after the sun sets, including cooking classes, traditional shows, local fruit tasting, and latin dance classes.

Party the Night Away

You can easily do everything Huacachina has to offer in a day trip, but we strongly recommend you to stay a night in Huacachina. Not only is it incredible to see the sunrise in the city, but this small oasis also has a fun party reputation.

Wild Rover Hostel is a chain hostel with several locations throughout Peru and Bolivia. They not only have nightly cultural activities, but they have beer pong tournaments, happy hour shots, and a DJ that plays all night long for the partiers out there.

Visit a Pisco Winery

Huacachina is located in Peru’s wine region, which is known for producing the iconic pisco, a distilled Peruvian spirit made from grapes. 

If you're looking for one of the top things to do in Ica, visiting the local pisco wineries should be at the top of your list (after the Huacachina buggy rides of course).

These wineries offer tours where you can learn about the history and production of Peru's national drink., as well as tastings and culinary experiences to pair along with them.

Here are a few fun tours that include pisco wineries in the itinerary:

Take a Night Tour of Ica

Ica is often overshadowed by its beautiful neighbor, but if you are visiting Huacachina, don't forget to also go check out the city of Ica!

The best way to experience Ica is in a group tour, and this Ica night tour is the best way to enjoy the bustling city in a safe and fun way.

Enjoy sights like the Señor de Luren Sanctuary and Plaza de Armas, have a glass of pisco at a local winery, and finish the night learning about the legend of the mermaid that appears when there is a full moon. This is the perfect way to dive into the local culture, and do something a bit different while in Huacachina.

Go Horseback Riding

Looking for a unique activity while in Huacachina? Well, with this horse back riding tour in Ica you can learn to interact with the elegant Peruvian Paso horse, learning about their care, the saddling process, and how to ride correctly, followed by a horse back riding experience climbing the dunes of Huacachina.

 Take a Camel Ride in the Desert

Looking for a Middle Eastern experience in Peru? On this dromedarius experience you'll embark on a magical camel ride through the heart of the desert oasis, dressed in authentic Arab attire (turbans, tunics, and shoes right from Morocco).

You'll also have the opportunity to connect with these gentle giants as you feed and interact with them, and you'll also have access to a refreshing pool to cool off, as well as exhilarating toboggan slides for a bit of extra fun.

On top of the camel experience, this tour includes a guided wine tasting featuring Mio Cid and El Campeador wines, both produced in this incredible region. It's the perfect blend of culture and adventure, making it one of the most unique things to do in Huacachina.

Explore Cañon de los Perdidos

Cañon de los Perdidos, also known as the “Canyon of the Lost,” is a dramatic and lesser-known destination near Huacachina, and a great day trip from the desert. 

This canyon offers stunning views and an exciting opportunity for hiking and photography with its striking rock formations and colorful layers of minerals. 

You can access the canyon on your own, but it is much easier to experience the canyon with a tour guide. There are also a couple of tours that you can choose from, both 1 and 2 day experiences.

Fly Over the Nazca Lines

A trip to the Nazca Lines is one of the most iconic day trips from Huacachina.

These ancient geoglyphs are one of the biggest mysteries in Peru, and are best seen from the air. Take a plane ride and you’ll get incredible views of the animals and geometric shapes which are etched into the desert.

This is a must-see destination for those looking for unique things to do in Huacachina, and Nazca Lines flights offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries.

 Check Out the Archaeological Site of Cahuachi

The Cahuachi Archaeological Site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, and sits just 45 minutes inland from Nazca.

The archaeological site features pyramids and burial grounds, providing unique insight into the region's ancient cultures and rituals they had, and makes a great day trip from Huacachina, combined with the Nazca Lines.

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 Visit the Acueductos de Cantalloc

Also located near the Nazca Lines, the Acueducts of Cantalloc are proof of the engineering marvels of the Inca civilization. These impressive underground aqueducts are still in use today and make for a unique place to explore outside of Huacachina.

For those interested in historical and cultural activities near Huacachina, visiting the Acueducts of Cantalloc is a great way to experience Peru's ancient water systems up close.

Just under 20 minutes from Nazca, the aqueducts of Cantalloc are the perfect addition to a day trip around this area.

 Discover the Longest Dune in the World

One of the top things to do in Huacachina is sandboarding, and while you can go sandboarding in Huacachina itself, heading to Toro Mata is one of the top things to do near Huacachina for the true thrill seekers out there.

As the longest dune in the world, this stunning oasis is a special place to enjoy this extreme sport in a more unique destination, and you can take this tour to be able to experience it.

 Take a Day Trip to Morón Lagoon and Tambo Colorado

Have you already experienced the top things to do in Huacachina and are looking for other cool things to do nearby? Well, we have a great day trip for you.

Laguna de Moron is a peaceful lagoon perfect for birdwatching, particularly flamingos, and Tambo Colorado is an ancient Inca site that is rich in history and culture. The two are nearby one another, making them the perfect combo for a day trip from Huacachina.

You can drive there and go on your own, but we recommend this guided tour to gain deeper insight into the significance of the two unique sites.

So are you ready to enjoy all of the top things to do in Huacachina? We hope you enjoyed our recommendations and that you have an incredible time in this unique oasis town.

Want to learn more about Huacachina? Check out our Complete Huacachina Travel Guide, as well as the other Peru travel guides we have. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, as well as exclusive content and discounts.

Ready to start planning the most awesome trip to Peru? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, bringing you the transportation options and the most unique hotels for your perfect getaway. Want to learn more? Send us an email to receive your free consultation!

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