Town in Ica, Peru
Huacachina
Tiny desert oasis ringed by dunes near Ica, a quick sandboarding and buggy stop on the way down the coast. Fun for a night or two; touristy, dusty and not for long stays.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$726–1,160Comfortable, one person · S/2,500–4,000Details
- Value for money92/100Better value than 91% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goOct–AprWarmest: Mar, 31°CDetails
- Internet260 MbpsFixed broadband, Peru medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water; the oasis water is not for drinking.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–58Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxi from IcaVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at some hostels and tour desks; carry soles for buggies, snacks, taxis and tips.Details
Apps that work in Huacachina
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis wait outside the Ica bus stations; settle the price before you get in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Peru.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at some hostels and tour desks; carry soles for buggies, snacks, taxis and tips.
- Currency: Sol (PEN). US$1 ≈ S/3.44 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, higher at airports; many also dispense US dollars.
- Tipping: Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in cities; Yape and Plin QR payments need a Peruvian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Pre-registering on MigraCheck (free) can let you use the immigration e-gates at Lima airport.
- No arrival card; entry is recorded digitally. Overstays are fined per day when you leave.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon trips but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid chips in official carrier stores with your passport, not from street sellers. Claro and Movistar cover the Andes best. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Peru
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.