Huacachina oasis

The drive to Huacachina only took around 90 minutes.  The reason for coming here was for an optional Mad Max style dune buggy ride up to some high dunes, the chance to sand board down the dunes, and the opportunity to camp out in the desert overnight.  Those who weren't doing this could just chill around the pool at the hostel.

We had upgraded from a dorm room to a glamping tent.  I wouldn't call it glamping (no bathroom), but it was a private space and would do for one night.

While we waited for our rooms to be ready, most of us ordered lunch in the bar by the pool.  Inevitably, conversation turned to the political situation unfolding in Peru.  A couple of people have already decided to return to Lima and make their own way to Cusco.  We are loathe to do that, mainly because we are then certain to miss out on the flight over the Nazca Lines.  We will still wait and see.

After lunch, we went for a walk around Huacachina.  It didn’t take long!  The village grew up around a desert lagoon surrounded by palm trees.  Visitors are attracted by the chance to sandboard down the dunes that circle the place, but the village itself is very run down and tired looking.  It isn't a very appealing place to get stuck, so fingers crossed we can move on tomorrow!

We spent the evening chatting to other group members.Read more