My trip to Peru last month taught me that the country is so much more than Machu Picchu. Peru’s number one tourist attraction is indeed a sight to behold, but the tiny cities of Huacachina and Ica, located in Peru’s desert region, did not fail to dazzle either.
Didn’t know that Peru even had a desert region? Don’t worry, it was news to me, too. Machu Picchu is so heralded as a must-see, so promoted throughout mass media, that the lesser-known southwestern part of the country is often skipped over by travellers. Liebling and I, however, looking to relax after a week of travelling at a break-neck pace (often at dizzying altitudes and frigid temperatures), spent three lazy days here.
The fine, gold sands that blanket the region make it popular amongst backpackers looking to dabble in a bit of sandboarding or dune bashing. Huacachina (easier to say than spell) is rife with Aussie tourists toting tell-tale planks and ski boots, and bare-chested locals trying to solicit business. The smelly lagoon that is in the middle of everything is way nicer to look at than swim in.
By contrast, Ica, the capital of the region, is stifling and imposing. In Ica, honking horns and busy bodies are a way of life; cars belch black smoke and the locals purposefully crowd the streets, their faces beaded with sweat. We stayed at a lovely place tucked away from the frenzy and spent two afternoons just lounging around the pool, not a thing on the agenda.
On our last afternoon, however, Liebling braved the oppressive heat and scaled the sand dune behind our hotel. Check out this panorama:
It’s strange, but the more I travel, the more I seem to enjoy these simple, “understated” wonders. The sand dunes of the southwest may not be as impressive as Machu Picchu, but are just as beautiful in their own way.
Have you ever been to a sand dune? Did you know that Peru had a desert?
64 Comments
That looks awesome! I went sand boarding in the Atacama desert and was just as bad at it as I am at snowboarding, but it was still fun.
You are braver than I! All I could visualize is me falling and chafing my knee on the sand… lol
It looks gorgeous! I knew there was a desert–but I always forget, whenever I think of Peru I just think of Machu Picchu. Good to know that the dunes are equally impressive! Can’t wait to make it to South America one day 🙂
Same here! I was shocked at how different each region was from the other!
I’ve been there 🙂 It’s very nice place and dunes are enormous!
http://celinaglobetrotter.blogspot.com/2011/10/fun-on-atacama-desert.html
Beautiful desert ! Makes me want to visit Peru even more now 😀
Gorgeous photos! I was amazed to see so much desert land when we were in Peru as well. Truly a land of contrasts.
I’m sad we didn’t have enough time to go to the Peruvian Amazon. Next time!
lovely photos!
Just added these places on my list! lol
In Western Australia, I went to some pretty crazy sand dunes that people seemed to enjoy running down and getting sandy – but I’m not a big fan of sand in crevices that there shouldn’t be sand…you know?
I never went here! Maybe it was because I had gone to the Atacama in Chile and realized that I love deserts, now I wish I had gone.
I did. When I visited in 2004 I stayed in the Cusco and didn’t venture beyond Cusco much. I should have gone to Arequipa but didn’t want to re-pack, so my laziness got the best of me. Besides, I was an inexperienced traveler. Now, I know better, so I tend to explore more!
All the more reason to go back!
Went to Ica last year when I was backpacking through Peru and bolivia! Amazing time on the dunes and our driver was nutsss!!!
Beautiful photos!
I have been dreaming of the desert and I am making my way to Peru next month.
I am just wondering how you got to Huacachina and Ica, was it by bus?
I did! I took a bus from Nazca. It’s only 3 hours away!
Great photos! I was wholly unaware of the southwest region, and planned on Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu during a trip my boyfriend and I are planning for this December. Thanks for including the desert- we’ll be sure to get there! Any tips for travelling to Peru during the rainy season?
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