Discover the Paradise of the Peruvian Desert
The Only Natural Oasis in the Americas
Huacachina is a small, magical oasis just 5 kilometres from the city of Ica, in southern Peru. This natural paradise, surrounded by towering sand dunes up to 100 metres high, is considered the only natural oasis in the Americas and one of the most photographed places in the world.
According to local legend, the lagoon was formed by the tears of an Inca princess crying for her beloved. Today Huacachina draws travellers from all over the world looking for adventure, nature and exceptional food in a setting like nowhere else on the planet.
The oasis is an experience like no other: golden dunes against green palm trees and the blue lagoon, picture-perfect at sunrise and sunset. And after a day of adventure on the dunes, there is nothing better than an Italian dinner overlooking the lagoon at Wild Olive Trattoria, the #1 restaurant in the oasis.
5 km
from Ica
100 m
Dune height
25°C
Yearly average
4h
from Lima
Where to Eat in Huacachina
Wild Olive Trattoria: The Best Restaurant in the Oasis
After a day full of adventures, you deserve the best gastronomic experience. Wild Olive Trattoria is the #1 restaurant in Huacachina and Ica, with the only outdoor terrace with direct view of the lagoon.
#1 on TripAdvisor
Best Breakfast in Huacachina
Start your day with our gourmet breakfast: eggs to order, fluffy pancakes, fresh fruits and the best Britt Coffee in Peru. All with a view of the sunrise over the lagoon.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AMBest Lunch in Ica
After the buggy tour, recharge with our homemade fresh pasta, Mediterranean salads or a classic lomo saltado. The terrace is perfect for lunch.
12:00 PM - 4:00 PMRecommended
Best Dinner in the Oasis
The ultimate experience: artisan pizza with 48h fermented dough, a glass of Ica wine and the reflection of lights on the lagoon. Romantic, unforgettable, unique.
6:00 PM - 11:00 PMUnique View
The only outdoor terrace with panoramic view of the lagoon
Pizza #1
Artisan dough fermented 48 hours, the best in Ica
+1600 Reviews
One of the most reviewed on TripAdvisor and Google
Britt Coffee
The best specialty gourmet coffee in Peru
+10 Activities
What to Do in Huacachina: Complete Guide
From extreme adventure to total relaxation - there is something for everyone
Most Popular
Buggy Tour + Sandboarding
The must-do experience in Huacachina. Ride through the highest dunes in Peru on an exciting buggy ride and then slide down the sand on a sandboard. Adrenaline guaranteed.
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Best time: 4:00 PM (sunset)
- Safety gear included
- Book in the oasis
Wild Olive tip: Book the 4 PM tour and finish with dinner on our terrace, watching the sunset reflected in the lagoon.
Sandboarding
Slide down the highest dunes in South America. You can do it standing (like snowboarding) or lying down for more speed. Suitable for beginners and experts.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- All ages
- Speed: up to 50 km/h
Extreme Adventure
Paragliding
Fly over the oasis and dunes in a unique tandem paragliding experience. Spectacular aerial views of the lagoon, dunes and Ica desert that you will never forget.
- Duration: 15-20 minute flight
- Height: 200-400 metres
- Video and photos included
- 10% off with official partners
Wild Olive tip: After your flight, celebrate the feat with a pisco sour cocktail on our lagoon-front terrace. See our official paragliding partners below.
Nature
Birdwatching
Huacachina is home to diverse bird species. Observe herons, wild ducks, hummingbirds and more than 30 different species around the lagoon and palm trees of the oasis.
- Best time: 6:00-8:00 AM
- 30+ bird species
- Bring binoculars
- Eco-friendly activity
Wild Olive tip: Go birdwatching early, then enjoy our gourmet breakfast with Café Britt coffee.
Sunset on the Dunes
Contemplate one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world from the top of the dunes. The sky is painted orange, pink and purple as the sun disappears behind the desert.
- Best time: 5:30-6:30 PM
- Perfect for photos
- Romantic
- Bring a drink
Dune Trekking
Explore the desert at your own pace. Climb to the highest dune for 360° panoramic views. Ideal for photographers, romantic couples and those seeking connection with nature.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring water
- Avoid the hottest hours
Pisco and Wine Route
Ica is the capital of Peruvian Pisco. Visit traditional wineries like Tacama, Vista Alegre or El Catador. Learn about production and enjoy pisco and wine tastings.
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Wineries 15-30 min away
- Tastings included
- Tacama, Vista Alegre, El Catador
Wild Olive tip: At our restaurant we serve the best wines from Ica to go with your dinner by the lagoon.
Boat Ride on the Lagoon
Sail peacefully on the Huacachina lagoon on a pedal boat. Enjoy unique views of the oasis from the water and feed the ducks that live in the lagoon.
- Duration: about 30 minutes
- Great for families
- Kid-friendly
- Boats available on the lagoon
Stargazing
Huacachina sky, far from light pollution, is perfect for stargazing. On clear nights you can see the Milky Way, constellations and even satellites.
- Best time: 8:00-11:00 PM
- Best on a new moon
- Clear nights are ideal
- Bring a blanket
Wild Olive tip: Have dinner on our terrace, then climb the dunes to watch the stars.
Official Partners
Paragliding Partner in Huacachina
We have a reciprocal partnership with a certified operator of the oasis. If you're a Wild Olive guest, you get 10% off their paragliding tours; and if you fly with them, show your ticket and get 10% off at Wild Olive Trattoria restaurant.
For Wild Olive guests
10% off paragliding tours with Icaro Adventures. Just show your booking or room key when reserving.
For paragliding clients
10% off at Wild Olive Trattoria restaurant. Show your ticket or a photo of the day's flight and enjoy our Italian cuisine by the lagoon.
Rates
Public price vs. your rate with 10% off as a Wild Olive guest.
- 1 person S/ 390S/ 351
- 2 people S/ 350S/ 315
- 3 or more people S/ 330S/ 297
Prices per person. In groups, the cost applies per participant.
Includes: buggy transport to the launch site, 15-minute tandem flight and a complimentary short video (1–3 min).
Optional: Full HD video & photo edit (5–8 min + 10 photos): S/ 100.
Schedule
- Morning: 6:00 AM
- Afternoon: 4:00 PM
Subject to wind conditions. Advance booking recommended.
Availability & Weather
Flights depend on wind conditions, so the launch zone and optimal time may vary. If weather is not favorable, they reschedule your flight at no cost. If you only have one date available, they can coordinate two flights to ensure your experience. Your safety is always the priority.
When booking your flight, mention you're a guest or client of Wild Olive Trattoria; when visiting the restaurant, show your ticket or flight photo. Reciprocal partner benefit.
Disclaimer: prices, schedules, and service conditions for paragliding are the sole responsibility of Icaro Adventures, and may change without notice. This information is provided for informational purposes only. Wild Olive Trattoria & Guest House does not operate the paragliding service and assumes no responsibility for its booking, execution, any accidents, or the use made of this information.
Plan Your Visit
Recommended Itineraries
Make the most of your time in Huacachina
1 Day
Express Escape
10:00 AM
Arrive in Huacachina
12:00 PM
Lunch at Wild Olive
2:00 PM
Walk around the lagoon
4:00 PM
Dune buggy + sandboarding tour
7:00 PM
Dinner with a view at Wild Olive
Recommended
2 Days
Complete Experience
Day 1:
11:00 AM
Check in at Wild Olive Guest House
12:30 PM
Italian lunch
4:00 PM
Dune buggy + sandboarding + sunset
7:30 PM
Gourmet dinner + wine
Day 2:
6:30 AM
Birdwatching
8:30 AM
Gourmet breakfast
10:00 AM
Pisco route
3:00 PM
Relax by the lagoon
3+ Days
Total Adventure
Everything above, plus:
Paragliding over the oasis
Stargazing night on the dunes
Sunrise photo session
Day to relax and read
Trip to Nazca (optional)
All meals at Wild Olive
Expert Tips
Tips for Your Visit to Huacachina
Everything you need to know before coming
Best Time to Visit
Huacachina has good weather year-round with temperatures between 20-30°C. The months of April to November are ideal with clear skies. December to March may have some light rains.
What to Bring
Essentials: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, cap or hat, closed shoes (sand burns), comfortable clothes. For night: Light jacket. Optional: Camera, binoculars.
How to Get There
From Lima: 4-5 hours by bus (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa). From Ica: 10 min by taxi (S/8-10). From Nazca: 2.5 hours. Pisco Airport: 1 hour by car.
Where to Stay
Wild Olive Guest House offers rooms from S/30/night with breakfast included, free Wi-Fi and 10% discount at the restaurant. Privileged location facing the lagoon.
Where to Eat
Wild Olive Trattoria is the best restaurant in Huacachina and Ica. Only terrace with lagoon view, artisan pizza, fresh pasta, gourmet coffee. Open from 8am to 11pm. Reserve your table!
Daily Budget
Budget: S/80-120 (hostel + basic food). Mid-range: S/150-250 (private room + restaurant). Comfort: S/300+ (Wild Olive + all activities).
The Best Oasis Experience
Your Huacachina Adventure Starts at Wild Olive
Cozy accommodation + The best restaurant with view + The best local recommendations
Breakfast included
10% restaurant discount
Help with tours
Best location
Direct reservations: +51 965 469 244 (Restaurant) | +51 956 000 326 (Guest House)