Introduction
Hidden faces in scarves, wooden boards, and dune buggy rides. In the middle of the Peruvian desert, you can find an oasis. It’s a dream destination for sandboarders around the globe. Pack your backpack as a travel blogger, and surround yourself with golden dunes. Read further the travel guide on how to experience the sandboarding paradise.
How to get to Huacachina?
First, you need to take a plane to Lima in Peru. From there you can grab a bus to Ica City. The cheapest company is PeruBus which costs around 10 US dollars. Another bus company alternative is Cruz Del Sur which will cost you around 15 US dollars. The Huacachina Oasis is 5 kilometers from Ica. The best way to reach the small village is using a Tuk Tuk (around 5 soles) or arranging a taxi from a hostel (more expensive). Yes, the oasis has many restaurants, and accommodations but book earlier to avoid high costs. Check out the BusBud website to book your transportation: https://www.busbud.com/us
Where to stay?
I stayed in a dorm room in the hostel called Wild Rover. Keep in mind that it’s a party hostel so you will not always catch a good night of sleep. However, they have a swimming pool, events, and great WiFi to be able to work remotely. It’s a great place to connect with other backpackers, digital nomads, and travel bloggers. Check out their website to book a stay in advance: https://wildroverhostels.com/hostels/huacachina/ Another option would be to stay at the desert camp with Tony SandRider for an unique experience.
What to do in Huacachina?
You can watch the sunrise, go jogging in the morning, hike up the dunes, enjoy water cycling at the oasis lake, try some local wine, and eat your belly full with Peruvian cuisine. Of course you shouldn’t forget about the dune buggy, and sandboarding experience. That’s why everyone visits Huacachina. If you are a travel blogger you should definitely go star gazing in the night or try the desert camp from Tony SandRider to shoot some unique content.
Where to eat in Huacachina?
Check out Wild Olive Trattoria. There you will find Italian pizza, pasta, and lasagna after a full day of sandboarding. The waiter there loves to give entertainment by making you smile with his creative new jokes. Another spot is called Casa de Bamboo. It’s a restaurant, and hostel. There you will find vegeterian food like curry, falafel, and stir fry. The last recommendation is Desert Nights where you will find traditional Peruvian cuisine like lomo saltado, and ceviche. But also American fries and burgers.
Experience sandboarding
Do you love snowboarding? You should definitely hit the dunes. There are two different sandboarding experiences. One is a taste of the golden dunes. You will go with a dune buggy up the sandy slope and lay down on a board while eating sand. Other experience is in form of sandboarding lessons. You will learn how to stand on a board and go downhill. A qualified instructor will guide you. To get the best experience search for Tony SandRider. He is a professional sandboarder and provides desert camping, dune buggy rides, and sandboarding lessons. First time standing on the golden dunes can be a scary experience. My knees were shaking. I was fortunate that the sand is not that fast like snow!
What to pack?
If you enjoy the challenge of spending the whole day sandboarding, don’t forget to pack the following items: sunglasses, LifeStraw water bottle, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, mosquito net, sunscreen, protein bars, water bag, breathable footwear, light clothes, rain poncho, umbrella, and a buff or scarf to protect against the sand. The items you pack may vary depending on the weather. Are you going during the dry season (April to November) or the rainy season? (December to March).
Travel Blogging Academy
Would you like to bring your travel blog to another level? Become a Story Hunter! Join our tribe of creative individuals to grow together in a like-minded community. Are you ready for your call to adventure? Check out The Travel Blogging Academy.
Travel Blogging Academy