Your stay — Huacachina Backpackers
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Ica.
The Property — Huacachina Backpackers
Huacachina Backpackers is a modest, social hostel set right on the edge of the Huacachina oasis, with a sandy courtyard, basic dorms and private rooms, and a small pool. Its main draw is the cheap on-site dune buggy and sandboarding tours that depart directly from reception, and the rooftop bar where travellers swap desert stories at sunset. It suits budget travellers and solo backpackers who want convenience over comfort, and don't mind thin mattresses, patchy wifi, and a lively party vibe that runs late. Standing in the lobby feels like any sun-bleached desert hostel: flip-flops on concrete, tour flyers on the wall, and the distant rumble of buggies heading into the dunes.
Chronicles of Ica
Ica was founded in 1563 by Spanish conquistador Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera and grew as a colonial outpost on the Peruvian coastal desert, its wealth built on wine and pisco production. The city's 17th-century cathedral and the nearby aqueduct of Cachiche reflect its colonial and pre-Columbian roots, while the arid landscape forced water management innovations still visible today. Earthquakes in 1664, 2007 and others repeatedly reshaped the city's adobe and brick skyline, giving it a low-rise, sun-bleached character. Contemporary Ica is Peru's pisco capital, drawing visitors for winery tours, the Huacachina oasis, and the nearby Nazca Lines, though the city itself is a dusty, functional hub more than a tourist destination.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ica guide →Best months
May to September: winter season with clear skies, mild days (22–26°C), and no rain, ideal for dunes and wine tours; crowds thin except July.
Peak / festival surge
Late January (Fiesta de la Vendimia – grape harvest) and Peruvian summer (December–February): peak heat and crowds drive room rates up 20–30%. The Vendimia in early March features parades, wine tastings, and a surge of domestic tourists; Huacachina Backpackers fills weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
April and October–November offer sunny days with fewer visitors, lower hostel prices (especially midweek), and comfortable temperatures around 25°C. These months are the best value for budget travellers.
Weather & packing
Ica gets almost no rain year-round (under 10mm annually), but winter nights can drop to 10°C, especially in July. Pack layers: shorts and sunscreen for daytime dunes, plus a fleece or hoodie for after sundown, and closed-toe shoes for dune walking.
Live City Briefing — Ica
- The main road into Huacachina (Av. Leguía) has ongoing resurfacing works until late 2026, causing occasional delays for taxis from Ica bus terminals; allow 15 extra minutes.
- Local authorities have banned dune buggies from operating after 10pm in the oasis due to noise complaints, so night-time parties at Huacachina Backpackers' rooftop now finish earlier.
- Several small wineries (bodegas) in Ica, like Bodega Tacama and Bodega Vista Alegre, have reopened for tours after pandemic closures, offering a more authentic alternative to larger commercial vineyards.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Huacachina Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
For a quieter stay, request a room on the higher floors (3rd or above) at the Huacachina Backpackers in Ica. These rooms are likely to be further away from the street noise and the potential noise from the service entrance, which is not specified in the data but is common in many hostels.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor or near the service entrance may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential external noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, without specific information about the hotel's layout or room orientations, it's difficult to provide accurate view options. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Given the hotel's location in Ica, you may be able to hear some noise from the surrounding streets, especially if you're on a lower floor or near the front of the hotel.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options and rates, as some hostels in Ica have limited or paid parking. If you're planning to spend time at the hotel, take advantage of the 24-hour reception and ask about any local tours or activities they can recommend.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Huacachina Backpackers
free Wi-Fi throughout; 5 Mbps speed; no login constraints
serves all floors; main building has stairs-only section for historical preservation
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and local newspapers; building has a old, restored facade
14:00-22:00 (peak season), 15:00-22:00 (off-peak); early bag-drop from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00 with S/ 100 fee
available 24/7; free for guests, S/ 10 per day for non-guests
step-free access; wheelchair ramp at main entrance; some rooms have adapted bathrooms
valet parking available 24/7; S/ 20 per night; public car park near Plaza de Armas (S/ 10 per day); no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 5 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: S/ 50 advance deposit + S/ 100 incidental card hold at check-in
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 185 m · ~2 min walk
Bienvenido a Huacachina — 277 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Change money at a local bank or a cambio (exchange office) in the city centre, as airports and tourist bureaux often offer poor exchange rates. Be prepared for a 2-3% commission fee.
Most restaurants and shops in Ica accept Peruvian Sol and US dollars, but credit cards are not as widely accepted; some places may accept Visa or Mastercard, but often with a 5-10% commission. Mobile pay and contactless payments are not common.
Tipping in Ica is not expected but is appreciated for good service; 5-10 PEN (1-2 USD) for taxi drivers, 5-10 PEN (1-2 USD) for restaurant staff, and 10-20 PEN (2-4 USD) for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee typically costs 5-7 PEN (1.50-2.10 USD) at a local café or street vendor.
A set menu or a simple meal at a local eatery costs around 15-25 PEN (4.50-7.70 USD).
A main course at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-50 PEN (9-15.30 USD).
Street food options are available in the town centre, particularly around the main square, offering affordable meals from 10-20 PEN (3-6 USD).
Supermercado La Libertad and SPAR are common supermarket chains in Ica.
Local markets, like the Mercado Central, offer affordable clothing options, with prices starting from 10-20 PEN (3-6 USD) for a basic item.
The colectivo (minibus) is a cheap way to get around Ica, costing 2-5 PEN (0.60-1.50 USD) for a single ride; a day pass costs 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD). To get from the airport, take a taxi for around 20-30 PEN (6-9 USD).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux, as they offer poor exchange rates.Use public transportation, such as colectivos, to get around the city instead of taxis.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
Good to know — Ica
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
IcaFor general assistance in Ica, call the tourism police at (056) 222-831. The local hospital is Hospital Regional de Ica, Av. Abelardo Quiñones s/n, phone (056) 231-145.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ica, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Huacachina Backpackers
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 185 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) → Ica bus terminal
💡 Book the 'VIP' seat for extra legroom. The bus drops you at Ica terminal, then take a colectivo (10 soles) to Hotel Hacienda Cantayo.
Ica bus terminal → Hotel Hacienda Cantayo Spa & Resort
💡 Bolt is cheaper than Uber in Ica—typically 18–22 soles. Catch one from the terminal exit, not the main road where drivers overcharge. Cash works best.
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) → Hotel Hacienda Cantayo Spa & Resort, Ica
💡 Agencies at arrivals quote 300–350 soles. Haggle hard and confirm the price includes tolls and waiting time. Official green taxis are safer than unmarked cars.
Ica city centre (Av. Grau) → Hotel Hacienda Cantayo Spa & Resort
💡 Colectivos run along Av. Grau towards Huacachina. Hail one with 'Cantayo' written on the windscreen. They fill fast—expect to stand if it's busy.
About Ica
Wikipedia ↗
Ica (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈika]; Quechua: Ika) is a city and the capital of the Department of Ica in southern Peru. While the area was long inhabited by varying cultures of indigenous peoples, the Spanish conquistador Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera claimed its founding in 1563. As of the 2017 census, i...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Huacachina Backpackers?
For a quieter stay, request a room on the higher floors (3rd or above) at the Huacachina Backpackers in Ica. These rooms are likely to be further away from the street noise and the potential noise from the service entrance, which is not specified in the data but is common in many hostels.
Which rooms should I avoid at Huacachina Backpackers?
Rooms on the ground floor or near the service entrance may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential external noise.
Is Huacachina Backpackers noisy?
Given the hotel's location in Ica, you may be able to hear some noise from the surrounding streets, especially if you're on a lower floor or near the front of the hotel.
Which rooms have the best views at Huacachina Backpackers?
Unfortunately, without specific information about the hotel's layout or room orientations, it's difficult to provide accurate view options. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Huacachina Backpackers?
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options and rates, as some hostels in Ica have limited or paid parking. If you're planning to spend time at the hotel, take advantage of the 24-hour reception and ask about any local tours or activities they can recommend.
What time is check-in at Huacachina Backpackers?
Check-in at Huacachina Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Huacachina Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi throughout; 5 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Huacachina Backpackers?
S/ 5 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Huacachina Backpackers?
A set menu or a simple meal at a local eatery costs around 15-25 PEN (4.50-7.70 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Huacachina Backpackers?
The colectivo (minibus) is a cheap way to get around Ica, costing 2-5 PEN (0.60-1.50 USD) for a single ride; a day pass costs 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD). To get from the airport, take a taxi for around 20-30 PEN (6-9 USD).
When is the best time to visit Ica?
May to September: winter season with clear skies, mild days (22–26°C), and no rain, ideal for dunes and wine tours; crowds thin except July.
Top Attractions in Ica
💡 Grab a ceviche from one of the stalls on the side streets for about 10 soles. Avoid the overpriced churros from touts near the cathedral. Best visited late afternoon when the heat drops and people start gathering.
💡 Bring swimwear if you want to paddle; the water is murky but locals swim. Avoid the boat rental—overpriced and the pond is tiny. Best at dawn when the tour groups haven't arrived yet.
💡 Skip the overpriced cafes near the car park. Walk around to the far side for quieter spots and better photo angles. Go early in the morning or just before sunset for cooler sand and fewer people.
💡 Entrance costs about 8 soles (roughly £1.60). Bring a phrasebook or a translation app as there are no English labels. Allow 45 minutes to an hour; it's not huge. Closed on Mondays.
💡 The basic tour costs 15 soles and includes three samples. Go for the 'Premium' tour (25 soles) if you want to taste their older piscos—it's worth it, but book ahead. They sell good-value bottles at the shop, much cheaper than in restaurants.