We thankfully had a day bus this time, just a four hour journey south to Huacachina. Although it takes us so long to get anywhere we still managed to arrive in the dark. Completely unsure how we get there past the dunes.. camel? buggie? tuk-tuk? car? we naively weren't sure we would even get there in the dark. Turns out they have fully functioning roads to these kind of places so we were ok. We took a 5 Sole tuk-tuk along the 8km stretch of road from Ica city.

Huacachina was built around a small natural lake and is surrounded by enormous sand dunes that stretch hundreds of feet high, Huacachina seems to be a new tourist destination for the wealthy local families from the nearby city of Ica, and lately a major destination for sand borders who travel far to ride the Huacachina peaks- or if you're like us just slide down on our bellies.

The oasis was a collection of resorts and restaurants around a blue-green lagoon surrounded by huge sand dunes, with a permanent population of around 100, who depend entirely on tourism.

Huacachina has everything a backpackers needs and is a great break for a few days to try some boarding or to go out on their airborne buggy rides over the sharp sand edges, Although, tourism seems to be taking its toll on the lagoon. Groundwater consumption has caused the water level of Huacachina's lagoon to sink sharply. For the past several years, the lagoon is fed by water from other sources to prevent it from drying up.

Called the "Oasis of America," Huacachina is one of the few natural oases' left in North and South America.

For only 35 Soles pp (£7) you can take a two hour buggy tour up to the dunes (driven by a guide unfortunately) where they drive the buggy somewhat erratically but its really good fun. Our driver did manage to get us fully wedged at own point with the men trying to push the buggy from the sand ditch but help was quickly at hand and we were towed out on and we went. If you wish you can sand board and then stay on the top of the dune peak to watch the sunset before returning to the oasis.

Great tiny little place with really lovely people, great activities and if wanted a lively night scene; all be it between two pubs, again, sad to leave.