Area: Ica, Peru
This is essentially the extreme northern end of the vast Atacama desert, the driest place on Earth. As such, the desert here is classic 'erg', with sand dunes stretching into the distance. It is marred a little by Huacachina, a famous oasis that is now a backpacker's hangout. I didn't want to stay there, so instead I stayed in a hostel at the edge of nearby Ica, a big and bustling lowland Peruvian town. I had arrived in Lima in the middle of Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, then travelled to Ica via the Ballestas Islands today. I set off from Ica (just after seeing a superb vermillion flycatcher from my room window!) and made my way towards the huge north dune which throws down a sandy north-east 'ridge', which I ploughed up. The sand was fine, making the going ridiculously hard, constantly sliding downwards. But at the top, stunning views over Ica, the oasis, and most notably the vast dune system stretching into the interior: a spectacular sight and far more impressive than I had expected. A level wind-formed 'ridge' led along the top of the dune where I rested before plunging down the other side of the dune to the south-west. A jog through the oasis led back to the hostel for lomo saltado and chilcado.
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