Oasis in the Desert
Trip Start
Feb 15, 2008
1
6
57
Trip End
May 31, 2008
Huacachina,
Peru
Sunday, February 24, 2008
That morning I took a dune buggy and sand boarding trip which is operated by the hostel. This is a must do experience for anyone travelling in this region. The dune buggies are basically a roll cage on wheels with an engine that would put any rev-head in their element. The speed that these vehicles reach is exhilarating and as the vehicle traverse down one side of a dune and then up the other side you'll feel your stomach and perhaps its contents being left behind. Sand boarding, I discovered, is a sport which some people actually take seriously. It's done on what is basically a piece of wood with velcro bindings and is shaped much like a snowboard. The board needs to be waxed prior to every run. Having done a bit of snowboarding I was keen to try make my way to the bottom of the first run standing up; which I basically pulled off. Though I'd say that this is not a lot like snowboarding and turning and stopping are difficult. Fortunately there is no walking back up the hill as the dune buggy runs down to collect everyone. By the third or fourth go most of the group had taken to riding the board down the sand dunes face first on the belly; it's faster, easier and more fun!
That afternoon we took a trip by taxi to a local winery and distillery where high quality pisco spirit is made. The tour was interesting and the wine tasting was ok, but the 43% proof pisco spirit was phenomenal! This spirit is so pure and refined that I bought a small bottle of the stuff. There was also a nice restaurant where we had something to eat prior to returning.
That afternoon it was back to Ica to find a bus for Nazca; home of the mysterious Nazca Lines. The trip takes about four hours, most of which is straight through the desert. There are also some impressive mountain crossings during the route.
