The Peruvian desert of Huacachina, is literally the oasis of America. This wonderful gift of geography is located specifically in the city of Ica. In order to make its beauty known, Huacachina opened its doors to international tourism in 1990, when the Peruvian government began a massive campaign to promote one of the few natural oases that still survive on our continent.
Like any desert Huacachina has thousands and thousands of kilometers of sand and fascinating viewsbut its true charm and to which it owes the qualification of «Oasis of America» is an emerald green lagoon, around which there is a small village made up of hotels and restaurants with approximately 100 permanent inhabitants, a number that grows in the high seasons , between May and August.
Because it is a desert, Huacachina’s vegetation is full of eucalyptus and palm trees. Its climate is sunny and dry and visitors can often enjoy the arrival of migratory birds looking to spend a season among these quicksands.
Definitely, the comfort that Huacachina offers its visitors is an extra attraction, which has turned the place into one of the most frequented tourist spots in Peru. During the visits, vacationers can enjoy fun activities such as rides in rustic vehicles through the dunes, sandboarding, water activities and also inspiring and relaxing activities that are achieved by admiring the majesty of the place.
With its own conditions and beauty, Huacachina is the perfect place for all tastes; both for those looking to spend an unforgettable family vacation and for those who go as a couplebut the truth is that it is worth the effort to visit it with good company.
Once in Huacachina, it is inevitable that tourists are not amazed by the beauty of the lagoon and wonder about its origin. Fortunately, no visitor leaves without indulging this curiosity, since the guides and inhabitants of the place do not hesitate to tell the story that explains the origin of the beautiful lagoon, through mythology.
According to legend, the famous lagoon was formed by the tears of a beautiful maiden named Huacay China, who cried uncontrollably when he learned that his beloved, a restless warrior, had died on a mission. One day another warrior was watching Huacay China while she was crying, and realizing her presence, she jumped into the lagoon that had formed with her tears. Later, when the warrior left and she tried to leave Huacay, she realized that she had become a mermaid; Since then, she lives in the lagoon and comes out of the water at every full moon to cry for her lost love.
The Huacachina desert is an oasis of incomparable beauty, which has been intervened by the hand of man to provide guests with all the facilities when entering this magical place.