Huacachina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Huacachina
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Village
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Huacachina from a nearby sand dune
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| Country | Peru |
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| • Total | 100 |
Huacachina is a small village in southwestern Peru. It is built around a beautiful oasis (a green spot in the desert). This special place is surrounded by huge sand dunes.
Huacachina is about five kilometers from the city of Ica. The village is home to about 100 people. However, many thousands of tourists visit it every year! The oasis was even shown on the back of the 50 nuevo sol money note in 1991.
The name Huacachina comes from the Quechua word Quechua: wakachina. This word means "guard" or "conceal." It might be a shorter version of wakachina qucha, which means "hidden lagoon."
Contents
The Amazing Oasis and Lake
Huacachina is famous for its small natural desert lake. People often call it the "oasis of America." Local stories say that the water and mud here can help you feel better. Both locals and visitors often swim in the lake or cover themselves with the mud. They believe it can help with problems like arthritis or asthma.
The Legend of Huacachina Lagoon
A popular legend tells how the lagoon was formed. It says a beautiful native princess was bathing when she saw a hunter watching her. Startled, she ran away. As she fled, her mirror fell and turned into the lake.
Other versions say the pool of water she was bathing in became the lagoon. The folds of her mantle (a type of cloak) flowed behind her as she ran. These folds then became the huge sand dunes around the oasis. Some people even say the princess still lives in the oasis as a mermaid!
Protecting the Oasis Water
The lake was naturally filled by water from underground. But in the early 2000s, too many wells were drilled nearby. This started to make the water level drop. To save the oasis for tourists, local businesses began pumping water into the lake in 2015. This helps keep the lagoon full and beautiful.
In 2016, a Peruvian scientist named Marino Morikawa announced a plan. He wanted to use a special system to clean and restore the Huacachina lagoon. As of 2020, there hasn't been much news about this project.
Fun Activities in Huacachina
Huacachina is a popular spot for families from the nearby city of Ica. It's also becoming a big hit with tourists from all over the world! People love coming here for exciting desert sports.
Sandboarding and Dune Buggy Rides
One of the most popular activities is sandboarding. This is like snowboarding, but on sand! The sand dunes around Huacachina can be as tall as 500 meters (about 1,640 feet). Imagine sliding down those!
Another thrilling activity is riding in dune buggys. These special vehicles are called areneros by the locals. They are designed to drive fast over the sandy hills. Huacachina has been a favorite family vacation spot for many decades. In the 1960s, it was a very popular summer resort for tourists worldwide.
See also
In Spanish: Huacachina para niños
