DUNE EXPERIENCE:

When visiting the dunes of Huacachina we rode dune buggies, did sand sledding, and skiing, and saw a desert sunset.  The dune buggy rides were probably some of my favorite parts. Our driver was very skilled. He took us down and up steep dunes and used dunes like half pipes to pick up speed. 

The desert was completely like nothing I have ever seen. There were huge sandy dunes for as far as I could see! It was super hot and very dry. It was cartoonishly insane! If you were alone out there, and you closed your eyes, it would be silent. All you would be able to hear or see or feel was the sand stinging your legs.

Many things surprised me. The sunset out on the dunes was very beautiful, more beautiful than the ocean. Our sand sleds also went a lot faster than I thought! As the dunes were a lot steeper than I thought.I experienced so many things all at once excitement on the dune buggies. Then on the sleds, nervousness, and excitement again, but also in awe of the size of the dunes. The sunset was so beautiful, I will never forget that sunset.

The dune sledding is also very memorable. The first time I went down a steep dune is something I will never forget. The speed you can pick up on those things is crazy! Finn wiped out once, but he was fine. Finn is a trooper, in less you tickle him!

LOCAL FOLKTALE:

The local Folktale on how the lagoon was created is the legend of the mermaid. It is connected to the town because the only reason Huacachina is there is because of the lagoon . Here is how the story goes: An Ican princess was being chased by a hunter. Upon her escape, her mirror shatters creating the Lagoon and transforming her into a mermaid. She dives in to escape the hunter and now, supposedly, she can be heard singing a song when the moon lights up the lagoon!

People believe the lagoon has healing properties due to the local legend. Historically, tourists have come to relax in the water and mud for its healing properties.

CREATION AND CONSERVATION:

The sand dunes are made by blowing sand coming from the beaches. The farther you get from the ocean, the more rock, and less sand. Tourism is leading to increased need for water for hotels, stores, and restaurants. Water is becoming scarce due to over drilling of the aquifers. The people are now pumping water into the lagoon to preserve it!

 Huacachina is a magical place and I hope to come back when I am older!