Introduction:
Hidden faces in scarves, wooden boards, and dune buggy rides — deep in the middle of the Peruvian desert, you can find an oasis. Undoubtedly, it’s a dream destination for sandboarders around the globe. So, pack your backpack as a travel blogger, and get ready to surround yourself with golden dunes. From the moment you arrive, the energy of the place pulls you in. To help you plan, read further in this travel guide on how to experience the sandboarding paradise like a pro.
How to get to Huacachina?
First, you need to take a plane to Lima in Peru. Once you arrive, you can grab a bus to Ica City. For budget travelers, the cheapest company is PeruBus, which costs around 10 US dollars. Alternatively, another option is Cruz Del Sur, which will cost you around 15 US dollars. After reaching Ica, the Huacachina Oasis is just 5 kilometers away. To get there, the best way is by Tuk Tuk (around 5 soles), or if you prefer more comfort, you can arrange a taxi through your hostel, though it’s more expensive.If you want to have a stress free experience and your budget can support it, book a day trip from Lima to Huacachina with Travel Adventures Peru.
Where to stay?
I stayed in a dorm room in the hostel called Wild Rover. To begin with, keep in mind that it’s a party hostel, so you will not always catch a good night of sleep. On the bright side, they have a swimming pool, events, and great WiFi to be able to work remotely. Moreover, it’s a great place to connect with other backpackers, digital nomads, and travel bloggers. If you’re interested,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 a 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 of Peruvian cuisine. In addition, you shouldn’t forget about the dune buggy and sandboarding experience. After all, that’s why everyone visits Huacachina. If you’re a travel blogger, you should definitely go stargazing at night or try the desert camp from Tony SandRider to shoot some unique content. Ultimately, these experiences will give you unforgettable memories and amazing material for your blog.
Where to eat in Huacachina?
Check out Wild Olive Trattoria. After a full day of sandboarding, you will find Italian pizza, pasta, and lasagna there. Moreover, the waiter loves to entertain by making you smile with his creative new jokes. Another great spot is Casa de Bamboo, a restaurant and hostel. There, you will find vegetarian food like curry, falafel, and stir fry. Finally, 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? If so, you should definitely hit the dunes. There are two different sandboarding experiences. First, 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. Alternatively, the other experience is in the form of sandboarding lessons.Although the first time standing on the golden dunes can be a scary experience, I must say, my knees were shaking. Luckily, I was fortunate that the sand is not as fast as 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.
Conclusion
Huacachina is a must for all adventure seekers, and story hunters. As a travel blogger, you will definitely find stories to tell. Don’t forget your camera, notebook, or GoPro to come back with cinematic content for your travel blog. Do you dare to ride up the highest dunes and go downhill on a sandboard?
Check out the travel blog post about Ollantaytambo from Rob (aka Errant Odyssey), a member of the Travel Blogging Academy. Read it here: https://letsperuit.com/huacachina.
What would you do in Huacachina?
Comment Below!
*Curious about the Peruvian Amazon jungle? Check out the travel guide to Iquitos.
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