QUNTU, aromas de Arena is a Peruvian restaurant at the registered address of Ica 11000, Peru, on the Huacachina oasis side of Ica. It pairs traditional Peruvian cooking with a contemporary touch and local produce from the Ica region; travelers come after exploring the lagoon and dunes for ceviche, lomo saltado and a relaxed sit-down meal close to the desert.
What to Expect at QUNTU, aromas de Arena
The kitchen’s identity is rooted in recognizable Peruvian flavors rather than a single regional specialty. Mango ceviche is a notable choice, bringing sweet fruit and citrus to the classic seafood preparation, while lomo saltado offers the familiar Peruvian combination of stir-fried beef, onions, tomato and potatoes. Fried rice dishes add a nod to Peru’s enduring Chinese-Peruvian culinary exchange. Fresh local ingredients are central to the restaurant’s appeal, particularly in a region known for fruit, pisco grapes and agricultural production.
Expect a leisurely lunch or dinner rather than a quick snack-stop. QUNTU opens from 1:30pm, making it especially practical after a morning dune-buggy outing or before an evening around Huacachina Lagoon. The name translates as “aromas of sand,” fitting its setting by the oasis and towering dunes. Order several dishes for the table if dining with friends: ceviche makes a bright opening, lomo saltado is a substantial main, and rice dishes work well for sharing. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays.
- Mango ceviche: A fresh, citrus-led ceviche variation with mango, suited to Ica’s warm desert climate.
- Lomo saltado: Peru’s beloved beef stir-fry, combining wok technique with onions, tomato, potatoes and rice.
- Fried rice dishes: A satisfying expression of the Chinese-Peruvian influence that shapes much everyday cooking in Peru.
- Local-ingredient focus: Produce-driven cooking that connects the menu with Ica’s agricultural valley and nearby vineyards.
- Huacachina location: An easy meal pairing with the oasis lagoon, dune walks and sunset views over the sand.
QUNTU, aromas de Arena at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Ica 11000, Peru |
| Neighborhood / Area | Huacachina oasis area, Ica |
| Operating Hours | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 1:30pm–10pm; Friday 1:30pm–10:30pm; Tuesday closed |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ for a mid-range sit-down Peruvian meal. Current dish prices are not published. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Taxi or mototaxi from central Ica; limited informal parking around Huacachina’s narrow oasis lanes |
| Official Website & Phone | No official website or telephone number is publicly listed |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near the 1:30pm opening for a late lunch, or go before the main evening rush after sunset activities on the dunes. QUNTU’s Friday closing time extends to 10:30pm; on other opening days it closes at 10pm. With no published reservation channel, travelers planning a group dinner should ask their hotel or tour operator to contact the restaurant locally before heading over. Smart-casual, sand-ready clothing is entirely appropriate in Huacachina.
From central Ica, taxis and mototaxis are the simplest transport to Huacachina; the ride commonly takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. The immediate area rewards a short walk: Huacachina Lagoon is moments away, the surrounding dunes are the departure point for sandboarding and buggy excursions, and the palm-lined oasis promenade is ideal before dinner. Oasis streets can be sandy, narrow and uneven. Travelers using wheelchairs, strollers or mobility aids should arrange vehicle drop-off as near as possible and confirm the restaurant’s current entrance and restroom layout before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are QUNTU, aromas de Arena’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
QUNTU opens at 1:30pm Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, closing at 10pm except Friday, when it closes at 10:30pm. It is closed Tuesday. Go at opening for a quieter late lunch, or arrive before sunset if dinner follows a walk around Huacachina.
How expensive is QUNTU, aromas de Arena, and are reservations needed?
This is a $$ mid-range restaurant, with no admission charge and no current published menu prices. A formal online reservation channel is not listed, so advance local contact is sensible for larger parties and peak dinner times.
How much time should I allow for a meal?
Allow about one to one-and-a-half hours for a full meal, especially if sharing starters and mains. It works naturally as a recovery meal after a morning dune excursion or as dinner after sunset at the lagoon.
Is QUNTU suitable for families or guests with limited mobility?
The familiar rice dishes, ceviche and lomo saltado make it an approachable option for families willing to share. Huacachina’s surrounding paths are often sandy and uneven, so a close vehicle drop-off is useful; confirm step-free access and restroom facilities directly before visiting.
When planning your Huacachina travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Huacachina, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hotel El Parral Suite, Nuna Cocina-Bar, Restaurante La Laguna, and Huacachina Oasis (nearby).
