Peruvian oasis
You know those movies where a deserter from the French Foreign Legion is crawling through the desert on his knees, panting for breath, then spies an oasis? He's beside himself with joy as he runs towards it, then it evaporates into thin air. Never having deserted the French Foreign Legion, I had always assumed oases were probably all of the disappearing-into-thin-air variety. But apparently they really exist, where the land is low enough for water to gush out of underground pools. Travel way out into the Peruvian desert and, if you're lucky, you'll stumble across Huacachina, a tiny, green oasis.
At about 4km from the town of Ica in the Ocucaje desert, Huacachina is not actually all that remote. But it's a tiny village (population c.100), surrounded in palm trees and phenomenally high dunes, so it looks incredible. If you love sandboarding, this may be about the best place in the world to do it, and apparently the place to stay is the Hotel Mossone, a beautiful old colonial-style inn.
Legend has it that the water appeared when a princess was chased from her bath by a young hunter. As she fled, she left a pool of water behind her and her mantle created the dunes. Apparently, the princess still lives in the water as a mermaid. A lesser-known fact is that the desert is full of fossilized whale bones and shark teeth. Or more specifically teeth from the Carcharodon Megalodon who frequented the ocean that used to be here, back when water was abundant, 25 million years or so ago. RM
2008 Mar 12
10 responses.
10 COMMENTS
Andrew
March 24, 2008
I have been here! it was unbelievable. Right next to the city of Ica. I stayed here for a week, and it was quite an experience.
alyssa
March 25, 2008
i have also stayed here. the best travel experience of my life. we sat on the dunes at night drining cusquenas, and looking down at the lights on the water. its truly amazing.
Traveller
March 26, 2008
Hey, Thanks for the information…Would definitely plan to to visit Peruvian oasis.
James
March 26, 2008
This place looks awesome..love to see it with my own eyes
Addy
March 27, 2008
I’ve been there too.. lovely for sandboarding and relaxation.. Wouldn’t stay there for more than a day though.. unless your old… or want no excitement whatsoever, or both… Have to see it once in your life as is all the rest of Peru!
Carson
April 2, 2008
I spent a week here, there is an awesome restaurant that serves all sorts of cakes, chicken wings etc. Hookahs and Boardgames along with all the free weed you can smoke. CHECK THIS PLACE OUT… There is a huge mural of Bob Marley and everybody is so nice.
LadyD71
April 12, 2008
This is going to be the place where my hubby and I retire.
coach charter
February 16, 2009
WOW! This is great! beautiful spot..I would love to visit there!!
Gina Alessia
April 21, 2009
OMG, this is amazing.
sunil
May 31, 2010
love to explore such a place