Desert sand dunes and oasis of Huacachina, Peru

Jan 23

We arrived in the city of Ica Peru (population 230,000) about 1 hour before sunset. After a short 4 km drive off the main highway, we suddenly found ourselves in the desert oasis of Huacachina. On all sides of us were sand dunes towering above for several hundred feet. Some dunes were shimmering in the late afternoon heat. We could see several people frolicking in the sand, climbing the dunes, and others cruising down on rented sandboards. We pulled into the parking lot of the El Huacachinero Hotel, and Mango shared an overnight stay with two sand dune-buggies, the owner’s car, and one ornery papagallo (parrot). It was now almost dark, so we decided the best thing to do would be to hike to the top of the huge dune behind our hotel to enjoy the sunset. We kicked off our shoes and started up the dune.

About 45 minutes later we reached the top of the dune under almost total darkness. The hike up took considerably longer and was considerably harder than any of us imagined. For every step we took forward, we’d slip back about half a step in the soft sand. While strenuous, we didn’t mind too much as the higher we went the better the view became of the Huacachina oasis and the nearby setting sun. At one point, Ana and TB tried crawling utilizing their hands as well as their feet. It must have worked, because pretty soon I found myself huffing and puffing trying to catch up. At the top we enjoyed sitting in the gently-blowing sand, watching the last few rays of light silhouette the surrounding dunes. While strenuous going up, it took us exactly 3 minutes to get down. I’d describe our descent as an almost-controlled run/tumble. Back at the hotel we enjoyed a few beers in front of the pool. This little desert oasis hotel was really nice, and a step up in luxury from what we are normally used to. Rooms cost $40 for a double but Mango helped us out again. We camped next to the ornery but thankfully quiet parrot for $3.33 each.

The next morning we spent a few hours walking around the peaceful central lagoon. It was a slightly murky color but kids seemed to enjoy splashing in it without any hesitation. We learned that Huacachina was a lady who turned into a mermaid. Legend has it that she lives in the lagoon but comes out every full moon to sing her beautiful mermaid song. At least that’s what we think the legend is considering our vastly-improved yet still quite limited Spanish.