Four hours south of Lima, the Ica region hides two of Peru's most surprising experiences: the Huacachina oasis and the mysterious Nazca Lines. It is the perfect getaway for those seeking adrenaline and archaeology in equal measure.
Huacachina: the oasis in the desert
Surrounded by dunes over 100 meters high, Huacachina is a natural lagoon ringed by palm trees. The star activity is the buggy ride over the dunes, followed by sandboarding: sliding down the sand on a board. Sunset from the top of a dune is, quite simply, unforgettable.
The Nazca Lines, an enigma from the sky
Drawn more than 1,500 years ago by the Nazca culture, these giant figures —the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider, the astronaut— can only be fully appreciated from the air. A roughly 30-minute flight in a small plane lets you see them in all their splendor.
What to bring
- Light clothing, a cap and sunscreen.
- A scarf or buff for the sand during the buggy ride.
- If you get motion sickness, consider a pill before the flight.
How to organize it from Lima
The best option is a full-day tour combining transfers, buggy, sandboarding and, optionally, the Nazca flight. That way you make the most of the day without worrying about logistics or schedules.
Discover our Ica & Nazca Lines Full Day and experience the desert like never before.
