Huacachina, Desert oasis village in Ica, Peru
A natural desert lagoon sits amid towering sand dunes that rise up to 500 meters above the surrounding landscape in southwestern Peru. Palm trees line the shore of the greenish water body while a small cluster of hotels, restaurants and residential buildings encircles the lagoon. The dunes extend in all directions, forming a natural amphitheater formation around the water basin.
The name derives from Quechua language where wakachina means to guard or conceal, referencing the hidden location of the water source in the desert. By the mid-20th century, the place became known among travelers who used the purported therapeutic properties of the water. Tourism grew substantially from the 1990s onward as sandboarding and dune buggy rides attracted new visitors.
Folklore describes a princess fleeing a hunter who left behind her mirror, which transformed into the lagoon and gave the place its mythological importance in Peruvian storytelling. The oasis developed into a popular retreat for wealthy Lima families during the 20th century who sought healing in the mineral-rich waters.
Visitors reach the location from nearby Ica city, positioned just five kilometers away with regular transportation connections available. Dune tours typically operate in late afternoon when temperatures drop and lighting improves for photography. ATMs and shops are located in Ica, while several accommodation options of varying categories are available around the lagoon perimeter.
The Peruvian government depicted this location on the 50 nuevo sol banknote in 1991, recognizing its position as South America's only desert oasis. Water levels have dropped considerably over recent decades, leading to installation of artificial pumping systems to maintain the lagoon for tourism purposes. Some buildings around the shore date from the 1940s and reflect early development as a resort destination.
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