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Where in the World is the Huacachina Oasis?
The Oasis of America is not a mirage
This week’s “Where is the World?” takes us to a natural paradise in the middle of an enormous, desert landscape.
The Huacachina Oasis, also known as the “Oasis of America”, is located approximately 300 km south of Lima, Peru. It is the only natural oasis in South America and one of the few in the world.
Known for its crystal blue-green waters and towering sand dunes, Huacachina is no mirage and is truly a visitor’s retreat like no other.
It is a collection of resorts and restaurants with a permanent population of around 100 people.
Huacachina ‘s History
The oasis was first discovered by the Spanish during the 16th century. The lagoon was used as a stopping point for those traveling to Lima. In the 1950s, it became popular with Hollywood celebrities and elite visitors, which allowed for its growth into a tourist destination.
There is a Peruvian legend that tells the story of the Huacachina lagoon’s creation. It claims that a mourning woman, heartbroken over the loss of her true love, an Incan warrior, shed so many tears that they puddled and formed the lagoon.
