Ride a dune buggy over the giant dunes surrounding the Huacachina oasis, slide down on a sandboard and end the day with one of Peru’s best sunsets.

DURATION 2 Hours
MAX ALTITUDE 406 m (Ica)
DIFFICULTY Easy
GROUP SIZE Shared group
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

Huacachina is a small oasis ringed by palm trees and sand dunes just 5 km from the city of Ica. Legend has it that the lagoon was formed by the tears of an Inca princess who, surprised while bathing, fled and turned into a mermaid. Today it’s the sandboarding capital of South America and one of the most fun adventure destinations on the Peruvian coast.

On this tour you’ll hop into a dune buggy that races across the dunes of the Ica desert, with climbs and drops that feel like a roller coaster. You’ll stop atop the dunes to go sandboarding (sitting, lying down or standing up if you’re experienced) and finish by watching the sun set over a sea of sand.

Good to know

  • Departures: 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (the afternoon tour includes the sunset).
  • Duration: approx. 2 hours.
  • Meeting point: your hotel in Huacachina or Ica.
  • No previous sandboarding experience needed.

Tips

  • Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers or secure sandals, and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap.
  • Keep your phone in a zippered pocket: sand gets everywhere.
  • Not recommended for pregnant women or people with back or heart conditions.

Signature Highlights

Dune buggy ride over the highest dunes of the Ica desert.
Sandboarding with board included, no experience required.
A spectacular sunset over the sea of sand.
Panoramic views of the Huacachina oasis.
Drivers with extensive desert experience.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Huacachina – Ica Desert Dunes – Huacachina

⛰ 406 m a.s.l. ⏱ Approx. 2 hours ⛺ Return to your hotel

We pick you up at your hotel and climb into the dune buggy to head deep into the desert. Your driver tackles the dunes with adrenaline-filled climbs and drops, stopping on several crests so you can sandboard slopes of varying difficulty. On the afternoon tour we pause on top of a dune to watch the sunset before returning to the oasis.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup from your hotel in Huacachina or Ica.
  • Dune buggy ride of approx. 2 hours.
  • Sandboard and basic instructions.
  • Driver / guide during the activity.
✕

Not Included

  • Dunes entrance fee (paid locally).
  • Food and drinks.
  • Tips.
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Huacachina Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Tour at Sunset

Do I need to know how to sandboard?

No. Most travelers slide down lying on their stomach on the board. Your driver will show you how to do it safely.

Which departure time is best?

The 4:00 p.m. tour, since it includes the sunset and the sand isn’t as hot as at midday.

Can I bring kids?

Yes, from around age 6 and always accompanied by an adult.