PICS: How cool is this real-life desert oasis?

Cape Town - If you read a lot of travel writing, you will know that places are often referred to as 'oases.' Maybe because they're comfortable, or provide some peace and quiet or have something attractively tropical about them. 

However, when we say the Peruvian village of Huacachina, is an oasis, we really mean it!

Yup, it's an actual village, snuggled between sand dunes in the arid Ica Region in the southwestern part of Peru. Home to only 115 people, it is known as the 'oasis of America' and a popular holiday spot for local families. 

It has also gained a lot of tourist traction, as dune buggy adventures and desert safaris have taken off there. 

Take a look at this mesmerising pics of Huacachina:

Huacachina- A tiny town surrounding a lake which is surrounded by amazing sand dunes! ?? #100daysinsouthamerica #huacachina #peru #desert #sanddunes

A photo posted by Ellie Quinn (@thewanderingquinn) on Feb 26, 2015 at 9:18am PST

Huacachina, Peruvian Desert. Small town of about 100 people around an oasis and otherwise barren desert. Amazing. #huacachina#beautiful#earthporn#destination#peru#canimovetherenow

A photo posted by Bryan Stanley (@killabtwosix) on Feb 26, 2015 at 5:09pm PST

One of my favorite places. Definitely have to go back!???? #tbt #peru #oasis #huacachina #summer #sandboarding

A photo posted by Kelly Villagomez (@kellyvilla) on Feb 26, 2015 at 6:35pm PST

#peru #ica #huacachina #desierto #laguna

A photo posted by cheesecake (@cheeeseecake) on Feb 26, 2015 at 5:12pm PST

Observando desde lo alto #Huacachina #Ica #Perú #desierto

A photo posted by José Román Vargas (@ronald_roman_vargas) on Feb 26, 2015 at 4:20pm PST

#travel #Perú #ica #life #live #wonderful #place #natural #nature #trip #natureza #naturalplace #desert

A photo posted by ?????? (@tata22t) on Feb 26, 2015 at 6:06am PST

#oasis #ica #peru #perú #huacachina #desert #travelgram #instatravel

A photo posted by @peruskii on Feb 24, 2015 at 4:50pm PST