The Huacachina oasis, in Ica, is a magical place. Its beautiful dunes, sunsets and lagoons make this setting the perfect place to have a date, have fun with friends or reflect on life.
In a landscape full of palm trees, eucalyptus and huarangos. The Huacachina oasis dazzles curious eyes, awakens the imagination and becomes an unmissable attraction for those who visit Ica. The Huacachina oasis is surrounded by kilometers of fine sand dunes that are used by tourist agencies to organize excursions in 4×4 buggies and practice adventure sports such as sandboarding.
Studies determined that its origin is due to the outcrop of groundwater from the Ica aquifer, which, being at a higher elevation, is the one that provides water to the Huacachina lagoon of 379 m.a.s.l.
EXTENSION:
The Huacachina water mirror has an extension of 100 m. long by 60 m. Wide.
The name of Huacachina is etymologically related to the Quechua word “huacay” which means (to cry) and the expression “china” (woman); that is to say “woman who cries” or “woman who makes you cry.
This great attraction is located in the department of Ica in Peru, five kilometers to the west, 10 minutes by car from the capital of Ica. It is located in a depression in the land giving life to the beautiful and abundant vegetation that surrounds it.
Its history dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by Yungas, Mochicas and men who came from Chinchaysuyo; later they were conquered by the Incas during the government of Inca Yupanqui or Túpac Inca Yupanqui.
Before the 19th century, the lagoon was used to wash clothes by settlers who came from Ica, Comatrana and San Joaquín; but after the publication of a chronicle of the royal comments of the Incas by Don Ricardo Palma, the lagoon is made public by virtue of curing ailments.
Later, in 1869, the naturalist scientist Sebastián Barranca visited the lagoon and confirmed the presence of mineral salts in its waters; becoming from that date on the main diffuser of the healing properties of waters; since they were rich in sulphurous and saline substances.
In the early years, the attraction was one of the most exclusive resorts, with homes, restaurants, hotels, and where a magnificent boardwalk was also built surrounding the lagoon, decorated with poplar groves, railings and dressing rooms for bathers who immersed themselves in the waters of the lagoon; which today is not recommended, since in a certain way they are no longer as pure and healing as in the past.
The Huacachina oasis also has part of its charm in a legend; in this it is said that many years ago, a princess named Huacca China lived in that place, she had green eyes and apart from being quite beautiful she had a voice so precious that her singing alone softened the hearts of men in such a way that no one could help but cry at its melody.
Legend has it that on one occasion when the princess was alone, a hunter saw her and fell in love with her in such a way that he began to chase her. The princess began to run to escape the bad wishes of that man; Along the way, the lady’s suit begins to be torn by obstacles until it finally comes off and becomes a sheet of sand (the desert). After that, a mirror that he always carried with him also falls and turns into a lagoon (that of Huacachina); and seeing the princess who had no escape from the threat of her aggressor, the beautiful woman plunged into the lagoon to be able to flee, but staying transformed into a mermaid.
The people of Ica say that even today that siren continues to appear on nights with a full moon and her song can still be heard.
In 2014, it was categorized by the Ministry of the Environment as a Regional Conservation Area of the Huacachina Oasis Reserved Zone.
Currently the desert that surrounds it is also an attraction in itself; Thanks to its impressive dunes, they offer a range of options for those who want to practice and enjoy adventure sports, since their sands are up to 250 meters of vertical risk, ideal for surfing them at full speed.
Among them, the adrenaline-filled rides in buggies and “sandboard” stand out; Likewise, its dunes have their own names: La Catedral, Santiaguillo, Orovilca, Norte Orovilva and Saraja.
Taking part in this 5 days Ayahuasca Retreat you can participate in a deep process of healing, cleansing, purification; and physical, psychological and spiritual detoxification. This retreat includes 3 ayahuasca ceremonies in our retreat house, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas plus 5 Ancient Inca rituals, done by professional Masters and healers from the Amazon jungle and Andean Shamans.
Enjoy the best attractions in Cusco, with your friends and family, get to know Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley of the Incas, mountains of 7 colors, humantay lagoon, all this in just 5 days, with the best guides.
Visit the best tourist attractions in Cusco. Tour the sacred valley of the Incas, travel by train to Machu Picchu, explore the mountain of the 7 colors Vinicunca, together with our local guides, in small groups.
Explore one of the 7 wonders of the World Machu Picchu at sunset, when there are no crowds, and with good views. Learn the true history of the Incas with our local guides, in personalized service.
Take a preparation walk before starting the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Explore mountain landscapes in the sacred valley of the Incas with your local guide. We have daily departures all year round.
Visit the sacred gate of the Incas on the Cachichata mountain, from there you can enjoy beautiful views of the sacred valley of the Incas and its snow-capped peaks.
Visit the beautiful Amazon jungle of Tambopata in South America and enjoy the most impressive natural spectacle, we are referring to the blue and yellow macaw clay lick. Accompanied by the best local guides.
On this 2-day tour to Lake Titicaca, you will be able to visit the main islands where Andean communities still live maintaining their ancient customs, such as textiles, agriculture, and ancestral rites inherited from the Incas. Enjoy beautiful sunsets surrounded by the royal mountain range and the highlands.
Puno is an enchanting city that overlooks Lake Titicaca and is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Peru. There’s plenty to see and do from the Uros Floating Islands to the ancient Taquile and Luquina villages.
Colca Canyon 3 Day Tour from Arequipa to Puno in a memorable trip, in Peru's fantastic andean nature with a stay in a fancy lodge with an english speaking guide which ensures a personalized experience. Travel by private transport to Yanque, spending the night at Colca Lodge. Continue the next day to admire the amazing condor at the Mirador Cruz del Condor.
Visit the Colca Canyon, this natural attraction is located in the Arequipa region, when trekking through the Colca Canyon gorges, you can enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes, picturesque towns and the impressive flight of the condors that was a sacred bird for the Incas.
The Colca Canyon is located about 4 hours outside of the city of Arequipa. The best way to get there is to take a tour to and from Arequipa. The Colca Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon, the area surrounding the Canyon is famed for its traditional and colorful towns which you will pass through along the way.
Our 3-day Ayahuasca program in the sacred valley is perfect for those who do not have much time available; but who seek to have a genuine and intense experience with their inner being and the energy that surrounds us. Make your Ayahuasca retreat; in a magical, immersive, safe, authentic and unforgettable place.
The ayahuasca ceremony is one of the most sacred, in the ethnic and cultural world of the tribes of the Amazon. In Peru we have good indigenous priests who will care for and treat your bodily and psychological ills with this sacred plant.
Discover the largest trail used by the Incas, to communicate between the sacred cities of Machu Picchu and Choquequirao, passing through the high mountains of the snowy Salkantay. Our tour is designed for lovers of the most demanding trekking circuits.
Visit the two jewels of Inca architecture, the sacred sanctuary of Choquequirao is built on a mountain above the great canyon of the Apurimac River, then you will visit the modern wonder of Machu Picchu together with our guides who are passionate about the history and culture of Peru.
Ausangate is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on earth. A must visit is Sibinacocha Lake. Top to bottom, you’ll see a glorious storyline of mountains, including a large portion of the Andes buried under centuries of ice and snow, as well as, glaciers, glacial lakes, and lush andean valleys.
Explore the impressive red valley and Vinicunca Mountain of Colors. Visit the largest tropical glacier in the world Quelccaya next to the beautiful blue Sibinacocha Lagoon, surrounded by snowy peaks and plains inhabited by llama herders.
The Ausangate Trek is renowned for its otherworldly natural scenery. It’s considered by many to be one of the world’s best high-altitude treks, the trek takes hikers over several high passes, into low alpine valleys, and through traditional Peruvian villages.
Explore the Manu Amazon Rainforest & Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, you will enjoy the best adventures in Peru, exploring amazing inca trail routes and the best amazon wildlife with our local tour guides, in small groups.
The Lares Trek combines high Andean trekking with a chance for genuine interaction with the most isolated indigenous communities which keep the inca culture alive. Majestic glaciers, amazing glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas.
Your journey to the Tambopata National Reserve offers a great opportunity to discover a lively biodiversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and trees. Record-setting numbers of animal species are concentrated within small areas, and the variety of plant life is greater than almost anywhere in the world.
Get to know the majestic city of Cusco, cradle of the greatest civilization in South America, the Incas and their great works of engineering, the citadel of Machu Picchu by train.
Discover the world wonder of Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will spend a comfortable night enjoying the best Peruvian food.
Visit Peru with your family or friends, and enjoy the best natural and cultural wonders. In this tour you will discover the best of northern Peru, where is one of the highest waterfalls in South America, the fortress of Kuelap, and the short route to Machu Picchu through an Inca trail, enjoying the empire of the Incas in all its greatness.
Peru was inhabited by the greatest civilizations in South America, such as the Chachapoyas and Incas. Those who have built the best engineering works, on large areas of the beautiful landscape of the Andes, and the jungle. This tour will take you to the most remote regions of Peru, where you can learn about its extraordinary traditions and rich history.
Peru is a multicultural country, and megadiverse, because it has different ecological floors, which have special microclimates, where ancient civilizations dominated the cold landscape of the Andes, and the hot coasts of the Pacific. It is also part of the great Amazon forest where a great variety of unique animals and plants coexist. This tour will take you to the most impressive landscapes in South America.
See Peru in comfort and style with Andean Great Treks. We’ll create a personalized Peru tour just for you, with the perfect mix of locations and activities. Discover the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu with an expert private guide. Enjoy the epic scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the rich history of Cusco. Explore the wonders of the great green Amazon.
Enjoy the best vacations in Peru. Our Majestic Peru travel program will take you from the coast and its impressive Nazca lines, to the lodge in the Amazon forest surrounded by many wild fauna, you will travel the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, culminating your trip in Cusco.
Visit Peru and discover its highlights from Lima to Cusco on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. From the depths of the Colca canyon to the heights of the Andes and on to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities.
You’ll spend the next five days trekking the iconic Inca Trail, crossing epic mountain passes and discovering ancient Inca ruins en route on a privately guided trek to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
Peru is a country with different cultures and beautiful landscapes. It has one of the best gastronomy in the world. This tour is designed for travelers looking for unique and special moments in their vacations, and families who want to avoid crowds. You will visit the ancient city of Lima, the Amazon forest, the beautiful sacred valley of the Incas, the wonder of Machu Picchu.
Enjoy an incredible vacation, in the heart of the Inca empire, Cusco, our travel program will take you to the most famous tourist attractions of Cusco, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, in very cozy hotels.
Your luxury trip to Peru includes a selection of Andean and Amazonian landscapes. We will help you to explore this welcoming and varied country, planning each step of your trip, with the best services. With the help of amazing expert guides, you can enjoy all that Peru has to offer, every detail is well taken care of.
The wonders of Peru await you as you hike through the Manu Amazon rainforest, traverse the plains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and stroll the cobbled streets of Cusco on this 15-day trip from Lima. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the Amazon, travel the ancient road to Machu Picchu, experience a stay in a traditional community on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca.
The top sights of Peru will leave all the family thrilled by the scenic grandeur, ruined temples, colonial cities, amazing inca trail to Machu Picchu, the Inca Lost City, once buried under the tropical forest which surrounds it.
Travel to Peru to retrace the steps of the Inca, Peru's fascinating ancient civilization. Travel from Cusco, through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley and to the magnificent Ollantaytambo ruins, hike the best inca trail to Machu Picchu.
Feel the magic and the energy of Cusco and Machu Picchu, then continue to where the legend began – Lake Titicaca, to get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the peace and tranquility on the shores of the Lake.
Dive deep into the culture and landscapes of Peru with this adventure to Machu Picchu, the Amazon and more. Search for wildlife along jungle trails and rivers in the rainforest from a comfortable lodge then head up into the Andes to Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire.
Colours of Peru calls to you with all the allure of the ancient and the mysterious. From the soaring peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon Rainforest, from the pre-Colombian ruins in the mountains to the Spanish colonial mansions on the coast, 14 Days in Peru offers you exciting adventures and unique experiences.
Sublime landscapes, wildlife, history, culture - Peru has more than its fair share. Its famed snow-capped Andean peaks shelter the temples and fortresses of the Inca and other pre-Columbian cultures, linked by a network of paved trails.
One of our most popular trips in Peru combines the cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley and the challenge of doing one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. The four-day trek on the Inca Trail will reward you with a stunning combination of the area's ruins, mountainous landscapes, and cloud forests.
Discover the majestic Amazon rainforest of the Manu National Park. This protected area is in Peru, it is one of the largest ecosystems on the planet, due to its great diversity of birds, insects, plants and mammals.
The classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the world's greatest hikes. Along the 45 km you will explore unique andean valleys, lush mountain forest.An exquisite architecture of the Inca sanctuaries, which will dazzle you for its fineness and location within the Andes.
The walk from Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu, is one of the shortest in Cusco, but full of unique landscapes, and towns with ancient traditions. This circuit is recommended for tourists who want to know little-visited places, with a camp from where you can see a unique sunrise of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Ausangate is an excellent and quiet/remote trekking circuit offering stunning features such as spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuña, picturesque villages, and traditionally dressed Quechua people.
The Quelccaya glacier is located in the southeast of Peru, in the Cusco region, it is the most extensive tropical glacier in the world, Quelccaya is a majestic glacier.
Explore the beautiful South Valley of Cusco, this circuit offers you to appreciate the hydraulic technology of the Incas, the ancient city of the Wari culture. The majestic Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas, in a half day tour with the best guides in Cusco.
On top of a mountain in Cusco, Peru, there is an enigmatic Inca fortress that very few know about. The place has an overwhelming landscape, where gigantic stone formations stand out and its beauty is one of the most spectacular in the Andean world.
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Just walking through the city center you can see the incredible mix of Inca and colonial architecture, watch the merging of indigenous and Spanish influences, and feel the history that flows through every cobblestone street.
Singrenacocha turquoise Lake Day Hike is located about 3 hours away from Cusco City. This stunning lake offers up a great day trip option for those looking for amazing mountain views and gatorade blue water without much effort. The drive takes you right to the lake where you can walk small trails exploring different vantage points with the company of local farmers and their alpacas
Pallay Poncho is one of the new attractions in Cusco that was discovered in 2020, it is a geological formation; whose surface has different pigments, as a result of the complex combination of minerals, where the colors red, purple, green, pink and brown stand out.
The Palcoyo mountain is a dazzling mountain range of multiple colors, little visited, surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes. The walk to Palcoyo is good from April to November.
The Ausangate Trek is one of the hiking circuits, most incredible for the beauty of its landscapes, in this mountain adventure you will enjoy unique scenarios, such as lakes of different colors (blue, green, turquoise, red), the mythical mountain of rainbows and ancient Andean cultures, who are the true heirs of the Incas, many still celebrate their ancestral rites.
Ausangate Trek is in the Top Ten highly Recommended Treks in the World. Ausangate Trek 5 Days offers you a real taste of the Andean life, impressive mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs, and turquoise lakes.
The tour to the last inca bridge in queswachaka and the temple of wiraqocha is a new route where you can discover unique places and less traveled. Cusco has many things for you, came and enjoy this beautiful inca sites.
The Inti Raymi in Peru is a traditional religious festival of the most powerful god of the Inca civilization "Inti" (Sun). Each year on June 24th, The Inti Raymi festival is celebrated during the winter solstice. The festival is the most luxurious, large and colourful celebration performed in Cusco, like it was carried out on incas time.
Explore the mythical mountain of Ausangate Trek, and the rainbow mountain. Andean Great Treks organizes this tour only in small groups, with the best trekking equipment.
This trip allows you to have one of the best experiences in the Manu National Park which includes the Reserved Zone in only 7 days. It is an ideal way to experience the culture and traditions of local communities and see the distinct species of animals and birds that inhabit here.
Salkantay Trek is the second best hiking option to Machu Picchu, offering a totally full of natural scenes , passing the majestic Salkantay snow mountain.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days, a great hike from Cusco to the Andean mountains. The salkantay trek is the best alternative trek to machu picchu.
The 3 Days Tambopata Adventure Tour is exclusively designed for those wanting to experience the best of Peruvian Amazon Rainforest in a short time. The Tambopata jungle adventure offers an insight to the culture and amazon wildlife.
Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain, Explore this route of turquoise lakes, imposing snow-capped mountains, little-visited trails and Very experienced trekking guides.
This adventure is for people who really want to experience nature and the Andes at its best: snow covered mountains, deep valleys, pristine lakes, animals such llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and encounters with indigenous people who live in these high mountains.
Ancascocha Trek & Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will take you through beautiful landscapes and snowy mountains surrounded by colorful lakes and waterfalls. You will discover ancient inca ruins, local flora and fauna of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu, you will enjoy the impressive landscape,with an incomparable variety of flora and fauna,snowy peaks,bird watching.
The Inca Trail Express to machu picchu is the stunning cultural show of inca ruins, exotic side by side mountains, primitive lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties
This trekking is designed for those who want to do the traditional Inca trail trek in a short time, without losing any attraction. We work only with two to four people per guide. It is a private tour for the quality of service that will be offered.
Embark on an incredible Cusco Andean exploration through Lares trek with a taste of the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Explore Manu National Park 5 days, the amazon’s mystery and Live a fascinating adventure to the vast amazon Manu national park , is one of the best places in South America to see a stunning variety of tropical wildlife.
Manu National Park is located in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. This attraction is one of the few places on the planet that still maintains its great biodiversity of birds, mammals, reptiles and many medicinal plants.
The salkantay trek with the short Inca trail to Machu Picchu, amazing trek with beautiful landscapes of mountains and forests, explore the original Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
This trek will take you through remote villages, intact Inca ruins, while offering fantastic views of the Sacred Valley and the snowy mountains of Peru, and a less traveled route. You will explore a true Incas Sun Gate and the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes is a remarkable trail that remains off the beaten path. It is listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list.
Trek to Choquequirao where you will find spectacular Inca ruins, Amazing scenery, breathtaking mountain views around every corner, incredible nature, the place practically just for you.
Get to know the true world of mysticism and sacred cults of the Inca Culture, this adventure to Machu Picchu offers you, unique places, little-visited treks, and many ancestral knowledge.
Explore the Vinicunca rainbow mountain tour, walk through the most beautiful mountains in Peru, surrounded by large snow-capped mountains, and herds of alpacas. Enjoy great views of the Red Valley, which will give you a feeling of being on the planet Mars.
Explore the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, this trip takes you to the heart of the Andes where few tourist have ventured, you will enjoy the Andean traditions and original indigenous villages, who are still keeping the incas traditions, imposing glaciers, green lakes, waterfalls, llamas and alpacas.
The walk to Machu Picchu along the Huchuy Qosqo route is one of the shortest in Cusco; It is made for people who do not have much time. But even so, they want to take a walking tour before reaching the great Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. It is very ideal for people who like to enjoy nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the restless city.
The Manu Jungle tour goes to one of the largest life biosphere reserves in the World. You will enjoy wildlife, traditional villages, with the best specialized guides.
Short Inca Trail & Yanacocha Lake tour you will enjoy the most beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Visit the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, and discover all its temples, palaces and royal houses of the Inca emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable trip in Peru, Cusco and the Sacred Valley await you on your next vacation, book this tour with Andean Great Treks.
The 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a trek that will show you the best landscapes and Inca ruins. This option is recommended for lovers of culture and a more leisurely pace of walking.
The 2-day Inca trail to Machu Picchu, is the shortest version of the Inca trail circuits to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Andean Great Treks organize this trek with the best local guides and hotels in Machu Picchu. We work only in small groups, the premium service for your delight in Cusco.
The Ausangate trek offers a fascinating route through the Andes of Peru. You can enjoy stunning mountains and blue lakes, villages with very friendly people who still maintain incas ancient customs.
Explore the Sacred valley of the Incas, Visit the best archaeological remains of the Incas in Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Beautiful landscapes surrounded by snowy peaks and corn fields.
Explore the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, together with our local guides, you will discover the greatest treasures and secrets of this wonder of the Incas. Andean Great Treks is a local operator specialized in organizing the best trips to Machu Picchu.
Manu National Park is an excellent way to experience an intense amazon wildlife.Is the biggest Amazon rainforest in the Americas, its incomparable natural wealth, host the greatest amount of flora and fauna of the world.