Huacachina Peru Vacations

For an excellent weekend getaway from Lima head to Huacachina Oasis for sun and sandboarding amidst spectacular desert scenery.




You can take a two-hour dune buggy tour that includes three or four sandboarding runs for 45 soles per person. Just seeing the patterns on the sand was amazing.





We had a great time messing around in the dunes.




Most people went down head first and on their stomach, which is less scary and more fun than it sounds. You can control your speed by dragging your toes in the sand and keep your balance by spreading your legs wide.





There was one excellent snowboarder in our group who gave it a go on his feet.




You don't go quite as fast on your feet as on your stomach, but it looks pretty awesome.




The oasis itself is striking in contrast to the dunes around it. Lined with leafy palms and hotels built in the 1920s, it has an air of faded glamour and is a great place to grab lunch and a beer at an outdoor table.




We stayed at Huacachinero Hotel, which was a little pricier than many of the other options, but worth it. Sunbathing by the pool during the day is very relaxing and the down comforters on the beds keep you cozy at night.