00:03Hidden among the largest sand dunes in South America is this natural desert oasis.
00:09Huacachina is a lush paradise amidst a harsh desert landscape in Peru,
00:14and it's been a tourist hotspot for over 70 years.
00:17Lush palm trees, eucalyptus, and carob trees surround the pool,
00:21and according to the official town website, it's the only true desert oasis in the Americas.
00:26The oasis of Americas was once a favorite getaway for wealthy tourists traveling through the desert.
00:32Though the oasis town is very small, it doesn't lack excitement.
00:36The huge sand dunes are like Peru's natural roller coasters.
00:39Many travel from all around to sandboard down them or to go for an adrenaline-pumping dune buggy ride.
00:46The town's website says according to legend,
00:49the oasis came from the tears of a woman named Huacachina mourning the death of her love.
00:54Until one day, a man spotted her crying, and she hid underwater only realizing she couldn't leave the pool
01:00and was transformed into a mermaid.
01:03But every full moon, the legend says, the woman leaves the lagoon and weeps for her dead beloved.
