For several centuries, the people living on the southern coast of Peru found themselves nestled between the Pacific Ocean and desert dunes. One day, they discovered an oasis just a bit more than five kilometers inland. In the middle of this oasis, they came across a big lagoon surrounded by lush greenery, its waters reflecting the vibrant vegetation. According to local legend, an ancient Indian girl who turned into a mermaid after losing her love in war lives in this lagoon.
Today, a road connects the lake to the city of Ica. Since the early 20th century, hotels and resorts have sprung up around it. The lagoon’s waters were reputed to be beneficial for rest and health, leading to the development of Huacachina. From its peak in the 1920s and 1940s, some hotels and a spa still stand, marking an elegant and exotic time in history.