La Laguna de la Victoria (Victoria Desert Lagoon & The Ancient Wetland Oasis of Pueblo Nuevo) is a serene, ecologically vital, and historic natural desert lagoon in the southern Ica Valley, **situated in the rural district of Pueblo Nuevo / Santiago, approximately 14 kilometers (20 minutes driving) south of Huacachina and Ica city center**. Formed **by the natural surfacing of the underground Ica Valley water table amid ancient agricultural plains**, this peaceful freshwater wetland represents what the Ica desert valleys looked like for centuries before modern urbanization. The tranquil desert sanctuary features **peaceful water surfaces reflecting azure skies and sand dunes, lush thickets of native totora reeds and flowering water lilies, ancient *Huarango* (*Prosopis pallida*) and carob trees providing cooling shade, rich habitats for native and migratory desert birds (herons, ducks, and flycatchers), and an unhurried, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere for peaceful nature walks and birdwatching**.
Good to Know
Physical Effort: Easy; flat natural dirt walking paths and trails circling the shoreline of the lagoon
Time to Budget: 1 to 2 hours for a quiet nature walk, birdwatching, and enjoying the peaceful desert oasis scenery
Footwear & Gear: Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers, sun hat, sunglasses, binoculars for birdwatching, and drinking water
Historic Natural Desert Oasis, Ancient Huarango Trees & Migratory Bird Sanctuary: Tranquil freshwater desert lagoon with native totora reeds, carob groves, and peaceful trails
Operating Hours: Accessible daily: 07:00 to 18:00 (best visited in early morning for active birdlife and cool air)
Entry & Cost: 100% Free public natural lagoon access
Key Dimensions: Natural 3-hectare freshwater desert lagoon and wetland reserve in the southern Ica Valley
What's Worth Your Time
Early morning birdwatching, walking under ancient huarango trees, and peaceful desert reflections.
Must-See Highlight: Walking beneath **the massive, twisted branches of ancient centenary Huarango trees**, observing white egrets and desert herons wading in the reed-fringed lagoon!
Local Tip: Visit in **the early morning between 07:30 and 09:30**; the morning light is soft, the water is mirror-still, and dozens of migratory bird species are active.
Skip If Rushed: Visiting during the heat of midday (12:00–14:00) when birds seek shade; **pair an early morning visit here with a winery lunch at nearby Bodega Nietto**.
Getting There
Located in Pueblo Nuevo / Santiago, 14 km south of Huacachina. Take a 20-minute private taxi from Huacachina (~20–25 PEN / ~$5–$7 USD) or arrange a driver for a half-day southern valley tour.
100% Free / ~22 PEN taxi · 20 min drive from Huacachina
Laguna Victoria (2026)
Natural Desert Lagoon & Wetland Trail Public Access: 100% Free Public Entry
Private Taxi Ride (Huacachina ↔ Laguna de la Victoria): 20.00–28.00 PEN (~$5.50–$7.50 USD)
Fresh Chilled Coconut Water / Fruit Soda at Nearby Hamlet: 3.00–5.00 PEN (~$0.80–$1.35 USD)
Traditional Criollo Lunch at Nearby Santiago Rural Countryside Tavern: 18.00–30.00 PEN (~$4.80–$8.00 USD)
Whispering Reeds, Ancient Huarangos & Mirrored Calm
Crowd: low · Noise: quiet · Best time: 07:30–10:30 (Morning for crisp light, calm mirror water, and optimal birdwatching)
: Laguna de la Victoria is in a rural area; arrange for your taxi driver to wait or schedule a return pickup.
: Natural wetland areas have midday insects; apply insect repellent and sunscreen.
Depart from **Huacachina in a taxi driving 20 minutes south to Laguna de la Victoria (~22 PEN)** (08:00) → Arrive at **the peaceful shoreline trail entering the wetland sanctuary (100% free)** (08:20) → Stroll along **the dirt footpath circling the freshwater lagoon under ancient Huarango canopies** (08:35) → Observe **native and migratory waterbirds (white egrets, ducks, herons) feeding among the reeds** (09:00) → Rest in **the cooling shade of twisted carob trees enjoying panoramic desert oasis views** (09:30) → Meet **your driver for the short 10-minute transfer to nearby Bodega Nietto for lunch** (10:00–10:15)
Take a morning taxi from Huacachina to Laguna de la Victoria for birdwatching and a peaceful walk.
The *Huarango* tree (*Prosopis pallida*) native to the Ica desert has the deepest known taproots of any tree on Earth—reaching up to 70 meters (230 feet) deep into the subterranean water table, allowing these resilient desert giants to survive for over 1,000 years in regions with zero annual rainfall!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laguna de la Victoria in Ica?
It is a historic natural freshwater desert lagoon and wetland oasis in the southern Ica Valley, surrounded by huarango trees, reed beds, and migratory birdlife.
How far is it from Huacachina?
Approximately 14 kilometers south (about 20 minutes driving by taxi).
Is admission charged?
No, access to the natural lagoon and surrounding trails is 100% free and open daily.
What can you see here?
Ancient centenary huarango trees, native totora reeds, white egrets, desert herons, wild ducks, and peaceful reflections of desert sands.
Where is it located?
In the district of Pueblo Nuevo / Santiago, southern Ica Valley, Peru.
💡 Local Wisdom & Traveler Tips
Share advice, best times to visit, or helpful hints for fellow travelers.
Sacred Valley of the Incas — The fertile Urubamba River valley stretching between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, long favored by the Inca for its mild…
Baños Termales de Aguas Calientes — The natural sulfur-rich thermal hot spring baths located at the upper end of the Aguas Calientes canyon, featuring…
Isla Suasi — The exclusive 43-hectare private ecological island sanctuary on northeastern Lake Titicaca (Isla Suasi), famous for…
Lagunillas Beach — The picturesque sheltered fishing cove and emerald bay inside the Paracas National Reserve (Lagunillas Beach / Caleta…
Pastoruri Glacier — The high-altitude glacial peak at 5,000 meters on the Route of Climate Change, featuring giant 12-meter Puya Raimondii…
Camino Inca (Inca Trail Entrance) — The world-famous Inca Trail entrance checkpoint along the Urubamba River at Km 82 (Piscacucho) and Km 104…
Reserva Nacional del Titicaca — The 36,180-hectare protected Ramsar wetland reserve on Lake Titicaca (Reserva Nacional del Titicaca / RNT), famous for…
Patacancha Valley — The pristine high-altitude indigenous valley extending northeast from Ollantaytambo to 3,800+ meters (Valle de…
Amazon Rescue Center (ACOBIA) — The inspiring wildlife rehabilitation center at Km 13.8 on the Iquitos–Nauta Highway, dedicated to rescuing endangered…