Where to Stay in Huacachina
Are you wondering where to stay in Huacachina, Peru?
Huacachina, a small desert oasis town in Peru, has become extremely popular due to its otherworldly scenery and jaw-dropping views. You’ve likely seen photos of this improbably tiny oasis in the midst of endless sand dunes. Huacachina has become known as an adventure travel destination, where you can go on a thrilling dune buggy tour and try your hand at sandboarding.
How do you get to Huacachina? Huacachina is approximately 4.5 hours south of Lima. There’s no public bus that goes there, so the easiest way to travel is by Peru Hop bus. These tourist buses will take you directly to Huacachina from Lima or Cusco for either a day trip or an overnight visit.
Is it worth staying in Huacachina? Honestly, you don’t NEED to stay in Huacachina. It’s possible to visit Huacachina as a day trip from Lima, although be prepared for an extremely LONG day. This is the Peru Hop full-day tour you can take from Lima that visits Huacachina and the Ballestas Islands.
How many days in Huacachina do you need? You only need two days and one night in Huacachina. If you travel with Peru Hop, you will get dropped off in Huacachina around 4 p.m. and then be able to leave on the bus back to Lima at 7:45 p.m. the next day. Or you can continue on one of their other buses towards Cusco.
Best Places to Stay in Huacachina
Huacachina is a very small town, but it’s entirely tourist-centric.
There are a number of hotels and hostels to choose from in Huacachina. Note that I am only recommending places to stay that are IN the small town of Huacachina itself, although you can find even more options in Ica, which is the larger town nearby. But staying in Huacachina itself will give you the full experience.
Most activities happen in the morning or the late afternoon and evening, once it starts to cool down a little. During the hottest part of the day, you won’t want to do anything but relax by the pool! By night, Huacachina transforms into a lively party town, so be prepared for that if you’re staying overnight!
Here are my top picks for the best places to stay in Huacachina:
- Best overall: Banana’s Adventure Hostel
- Best party hostel: Wild Rover Huacachina
- Best hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero
And here’s a full breakdown of where to stay in Huacachina:
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Wild Rover Huacachina
Wild Rover is known for being the biggest party hostel in Huacachina. If you are not looking to party, or you value your sleep and peace and quiet, then this is probably not the best place to stay.
But if you are looking to have a good time in the middle of the desert, this is the place to stay, with planned social events during the day and crazy nightly parties. Wild Rover has an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy, and an on-site bar and restaurant where you can eat. Dorms are available for travelers on a budget, along with private rooms with en-suite bathrooms for travelers who want a little more privacy.
Bananas Adventure Hostel
Banana’s Adventure Hostel is the top-rated place to stay in Huacachina. It’s on the nicer end for a hostel and has dorms and private rooms available. If you want to stay somewhere that is not as crazy as Wild Rover but still want a fun, social atmosphere, then this is the best place to stay in Huacachina.
Breakfast is included in your stay, and there’s a great outdoor pool where you can cool off during the hottest time of the day. There’s also an on-site restaurant and bar, and a shared guest lounge.
Ecocamp Huacachina
Ecocamp Huacachina is a unique place to stay for an unforgettable desert glamping experience. You can sleep in your own luxury tent beneath the stars while enjoying Ecocamp’s modern facilities.
All tents come equipped with electricity, fans, comfortable beds, and lockable storage. The property also has a great swimming pool with a swim-up bar, an on-site restaurant, and a common kitchen.
Wild Olive Guest House
Wild Olive Guest House is one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Huacachina. Bonus: This hotel also has an attached Italian restaurant if you’re really craving some pizza or pasta.
However, one of the drawbacks to Wild Olive Guest House is that there’s no swimming pool. But if you’re looking for an affordable, simple private room or a cheap dorm bed, this is the place to stay.
Hotel El Huacachinero
If hostels are not your thing and you prefer hotels, Hotel El Huacachinero is the best place to stay in Huacachina. This hotel is on the nicer end for the town, with some air-conditioned rooms (a huge plus!)
There’s a nice outdoor swimming pool that is the perfect place to relax in the afternoons. There’s also an on-site restaurant where a free daily breakfast is served in the morning. If you’re looking for somewhere that is calmer and more tranquil to stay while in Huacachina, this hotel is the perfect oasis.
Carola Lodge
If you visit Huacachina with Peru Hop, as many people do, this is the hotel where you will be dropped off and picked up, and Peru Hop’s recommended accommodation. It’s not a bad place to stay, but it’s also not one of the top-rated properties in town, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Carola Lodge does have a nice outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant and bar. If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in Huacachina with basic private rooms, this can be a good option.
Desert Nights Hostel
One more place to stay in Huacachina is Desert Nights Hostel. If you are on a budget, this hostel is a good option. They have affordable dorm rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms.
While there is unfortunately no swimming pool at Desert Nights Hostel, there is a shady outdoor terrace and common space for guests with great views over the surrounding dunes where you can relax during the day. This hostel also has an on-site restaurant and bar where you can grab a bite to eat.
Where to Stay in Huacachina
This guide showed you the best hotels in Huacachina, Peru.
To recap, my top three picks for where to stay are:
- Best overall: Banana’s Adventure Hostel
- Best party hostel: Wild Rover Huacachina
- Best hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Huacachina!
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