From Paracas to Huacachina (07.03.2022)

After a nice breakfast on the terrace overlooking the bay of Paracas served by the mother & son of the small Bed & Breakfast, we were well prepared for the day. Paracas, as mentioned before, is really small and tranquil, and primarily thrives on the national park as a tourist destination. Our plan for today would have been to visit the national park by boat before heading into the desert.

Unfortunately, the wind did not play in our favor today, just as it did last week in Cozumel while diving, which resulted in a closed port and no boat ride. Kathi decided to relax at the hotel until we continue to Huacachina, while I took advantage of the free tour to the national park. Even though I had already seen a lot through the buggy ride the day before, our very dedicated guide provided us with additional background information about the park's formation and its flora and fauna.

At 1:30 pm, we continued to Huacachina in a fully packed bus, a small oasis village near the city of Ica. After a 1.5-hour drive, we arrived in the idyll of a (hostel)village surrounded by sand dunes and checked in at the Bananas Hostel. The hostel and room make a really good impression for 50 € per night including breakfast (https://www.bananasadventure.com).

At 3:30 pm, we booked the buggy & sandboarding activity together with other travelers from Peru Hop. The small desert behind the oasis is extensive and the perfect playground for this. In groups of 10, we cruised with our driver "Chopau," a tan man in his fifties with black sunglasses and a mischievous, almost roguish expression. We were not disappointed, and adrenaline was rushing through our veins as we jumped and drifted over sand hills. In between, we could also slide down various sand hills lying on our stomachs or sitting on our butts with a board, I didn't expect this to be fun.

Unfortunately, Kathi had an unfortunate "finish" at the last sand hill, which resulted in her head diving into the sand at a brisk pace. A bit shaken in the face and after digesting the shock, we could still go to the viewpoint for the sunset. The sunset between the sand dunes was a great sight, and as the desert cooled down, we returned to the oasis.

Since Kathi had a stronger impact and we really wanted to be on the safe side, we went together with Sherly, our guide, in a tuk-tuk to the nearest medical station. We were surprised that we were seen immediately, and after an initial conversation and an X-ray, we received reassurance that nothing was broken or damaged, just take it easy, a few pills, cream, and an injection should be enough. In between, I had to pay at different points for each step, from the initial conversation to the injection. Sherly, our guide, a young and very dedicated Peruvian from the northern part of the country, helped us with every step on-site and took care of interpretation and detailed questions. It's a good thing we had this service through Peru Hop; otherwise, it would have been much more complicated.

With a richer experience and now somewhat exhausted, we reached the hostel around 8:30 pm. After a quick meal right in the hostel's restaurant and a hot shower to get rid of the desert sand, we fell into bed, exhausted.

The daily two:

Insight: The process at outpatient clinics in Peru was extensively tested by us today, and overall it is well organized. Except for the fact that you have to pay for everything separately and it is all divided, the patient admission and the process with X-ray, diagnosis, injection, etc., were very quick. We had to pay around 65 € (including X-ray), which will be covered by our international health insurance.

Moment of Happiness: The shower after a really long day with buggy action in the sand, including some action in the clinic.