Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina was the reason this whole trip started. I had seen a photo on Instagram — an oasis in the middle of massive sand dunes, surrounded by a small town — and I said to myself: I’m going there. That one photo sent me to Peru.
And honestly? One of the best stops of the entire trip.
Time of Year I Visited
I went in June, which is winter in Peru. During the day it was warm and perfect for being out on the dunes, but the nights get cold — that’s just how deserts work. Bring a jacket.
Did I Feel Safe?
Yes, I felt safe. Huacachina es tiny — basically one street around the lagoon — and the vibe is very social and relaxed. As long as you stay around the main strip, especially at night, it’s fine. One thing worth knowing: if you’re doing the dune buggy tour, make sure you go with a reputable operator. That’s the main thing to be careful about there.
Where I Stayed
Wild Rover Hostel — I wanted a bit of a party atmosphere, but I booked a private room. Best of both worlds. I made friends with the guides, ended up friends with half the hostel, danced on top of the bar counter — full Coyote Ugly moment — and even had a little romance with a Dutch guy. And I keep saying it: travelling solo doesn’t mean being alone, or bored, or missing out on a good night. This night was proof of that.
The next morning there was a pisco vineyard tour on the itinerary. My hangover had other plans. I slept in, spent the morning by the pool, and ended up having a beer with my new Dutch romance. No regrets whatsoever.
What’s Worth Doing
Sand dunes at sunset: Peru Hop organised the whole tour — I just paid them and they took care of everything. We went out on the dunes during the day in buggies and sandboarded down, then stayed to watch the sunset from up there. I’m terrified of heights and the buggy ride is genuinely intense, but I kept thinking — this is a once in a lifetime moment, fear or no fear. And I did it. Travelling has this way of putting you face to face with your fears and making you do things anyway. The sunset from the top of the dunes, looking down over the oasis below, was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen. I’m obsessed with sunsets, and this one was something else entirely.
The fact that this oasis exists in the middle of a city, in the middle of a desert, still doesn’t quite make sense to me. But it does exist, and it’s extraordinary.
How Long Did I Stay?
1 night — but what a night.
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