Huacachina Oasis Adventure: Sandboarding, Sunsets, and Desert Relaxation

← Back: exploring the beautiful paracas national reserve sea lions penguins peru travel vlog Next: 2 day trip to machu picchu on a budget peru travel vlog →

Arrival and Settling into Huacachina

A Long Journey to Huacachina

Our journey to Huacachina was an adventure in itself. We'd planned on an 18-hour bus ride from Cusco, a trip I'd already braced myself for. Reality, however, had other plans.

Road conditions proved unexpectedly challenging, stretching our travel time to a grueling 24 hours. Twenty-four hours on a bus? Let me tell you, it tests the limits of human endurance. At one point, I genuinely wondered if we'd ever arrive. The sheer monotony was almost unbearable; I felt like the journey would never end.

But finally, we did arrive at Huacachina! Exhausted but relieved, we checked into the Upcycled Hostel, a charming place a short walk from the main area. It offered the perfect blend of budget-friendliness and comfort, a welcome respite after our epic bus journey. A private room and a swimming pool? Sold!

First Impressions and Initial Exploration

Stepping out of the Upcycled Hostel, the first thing that struck me was the sheer tranquility of Huacachina. It's a small oasis, yes, but the atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful; a welcome contrast to the chaotic energy of Cusco. The air was calm, a gentle breeze whispering through the palm trees surrounding the lagoon. I felt an immediate sense of relaxation washing over me, a much-needed balm after the ordeal of that 24-hour bus ride.

We strolled towards the main area, a short, pleasant walk. The lagoon itself is stunning – a vibrant emerald green nestled in the heart of the desert. Around its edges, numerous restaurants and shops offered a vibrant mix of local crafts and international cuisine. The scene was bustling but not overcrowded, a perfect balance of activity and quiet contemplation.

That evening, we found a charming restaurant right by the water. Dinner was delightful; I opted for mushroom skewers, while my travel companion chose chicken. The food was good, but honestly, the real highlight was the setting. Dining with the lagoon shimmering under the desert sky felt almost magical. This initial exploration perfectly captured the unique charm of Huacachina: a beautiful, serene place, offering a refreshing contrast to the more intense experiences of our previous travels.

← Back: exploring the beautiful paracas national reserve sea lions penguins peru travel vlog Next: 2 day trip to machu picchu on a budget peru travel vlog →

Huacachina Adventures: Sandboarding and Dune Views

Hostel Breakfast and Tour Preparations

The next morning dawned bright and beautiful in Huacachina. Breakfast, included in our hostel stay, was a simple but satisfying affair. Scrambled eggs, bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee, and fresh juice – all enjoyed poolside. It was the perfect fuel for the adventures ahead.

After a leisurely breakfast, it was time to gear up for our sandboarding excursion. We'd booked a two-hour tour with Rishy Tour Ica, costing 60 sols per person. I, unfortunately, misplaced my sunglasses, but the company helpfully provided ski goggles as a replacement – a slightly comical but ultimately practical solution. The anticipation was palpable; the desert adventure was about to begin.

Return to the Hostel and Post-Tour Reflections

Returning to the Upcycled Hostel after our exhilarating sandboarding adventure felt like stepping back into a tranquil oasis after a whirlwind. The initial shock of being coated head-to-toe in fine desert sand was quickly replaced by the sheer relief of knowing a shower awaited. I’m sure the hostel staff are used to this – sand seems to be a fairly common souvenir from these excursions! The shower was bliss, washing away not only the sand but also the adrenaline and lingering excitement of our dune-bashing adventure.

Later that evening, we relaxed by the pool, recounting our thrilling descent down those monstrous dunes. The initial fear quickly gave way to exhilaration. The view from the top of the highest dune was simply breathtaking – a panoramic vista of the entire oasis, shimmering in the golden light of the setting sun. I'd highly recommend Rishy Tour Ica – the guides were friendly, professional, and, crucially, knew how to handle nervous first-timers like myself!

Dinner that night was a relaxed affair at a nearby Italian restaurant. We’d met a friendly Irish traveler during our tour and we ended up having dinner with him. The food was excellent – a welcome feast after a day of adrenaline and exertion. It capped off a perfect day in Huacachina, and a welcome contrast to the intensity of our previous adventures in Cusco and the Amazon.

← Back: exploring the beautiful paracas national reserve sea lions penguins peru travel vlog Next: 2 day trip to machu picchu on a budget peru travel vlog →

FAQ

How long is the bus journey to Huacachina from Cusco, and what is it like?

The planned bus journey from Cusco to Huacachina is 18 hours, but due to challenging road conditions, it can extend to 24 grueling hours. The author describes the monotony as almost unbearable.

What is the Upcycled Hostel like, and what activities are available in Huacachina?

The Upcycled Hostel is described as budget-friendly and comfortable, offering private rooms and a swimming pool. In Huacachina, activities include sandboarding tours (the author recommends Rishy Tour Ica), relaxing by the lagoon, and enjoying the various restaurants and shops.

What is the cost of a sandboarding tour and what should I expect?

A two-hour sandboarding tour with Rishy Tour Ica costs 60 sols per person. Expect dune bashing in a buggy and thrilling sandboarding descents. The guides are described as friendly and helpful to beginners. Be prepared for getting sandy!