Huacachina

Lima - Huacachina : 210 miles

I left Lima with an agenda to visit the Ballestas islands, (according to my book of lies) also nicknamed the "poor man's Galapagos". Supposedly Pisco is the base for the boat tours, but I found the tour agencies further south, in Paracas. After inquiring about what I should expect to see, I decided to continue. I do love sea lions, but we already know each other well and I can always do better than looking at them from a 2 hour $15 boat ride.


The flag is enormously popular



Pisco. Not the type of scenery you'd expect on your way to Galapagos no matter how poor.


Paracas is where I found the boat tours.



Ballestas scratched out, I continued on to Ica and the oasis among sand dunes called Huacachina right next to it. This really is a must see place. After checking out all the hotels and hostels, I found a new, unmarked place at a great deal. A nice, large room three steps from an ice cold swimming pool for $14. Then, before I could even unload, I got a last minute buggy ride deal for only $10, and got to do a lot of sandboarding. Different for sure, but not half as much fun as snowboarding. Would be perfectly fine to chill here for a while, but sometimes the "gotta go" mood doesn't let go. Nazca couldn't wait I guess.


Another scene from the road. See? There are green fields!


Ica main street.


Huacachina



The first building you'll see is a buggy garage...


that also is the best value accommodation in Huacachina.


The whole point of being here.


Buggy rides are fun, but sand boarding is too slow.


How are my new wheels?


Next : Nazca