Huacachina Adventure Tour

Our Huacachina tour takes you across the giant dunes surrounding the oasis in dune buggies; then you slide down on a sandboard and, finally, watch the sunset over the Ica desert.

5.0
Duration Noon
Difficulty Moderate
Maximum altitude 406 m a.s.l.
Group Size Max. 16 people
Destination Ica
Availability All year

Pure adrenaline at the oasis of the Americas

Summary

Huacachina is a small oasis surrounded by palm trees and some of the tallest dunes in South America, just minutes from the city of Ica. Therefore, it is the perfect setting for an afternoon of desert adventure.

On this Huacachina tour, you race across the dunes aboard a dune buggy, with climbs and drops that feel like a natural roller coaster. Then, on the highest dunes, you stop to go sandboarding, sliding down the sand standing up or lying down.

Finally, the experience ends with the sunset from the top of the dunes, one of the most photogenic landscapes on the Peruvian coast, while the oasis lights up at your feet. You can combine it with the Pisco Route in the morning; also, the Ballestas Islands are just over an hour away.

Highlights

Dune buggy ride through the desert
Sandboarding on towering dunes
Sunset over the Ica desert
Huacachina oasis
Experienced drivers and safety equipment
Half-day adventure

Itinerary

15:30 - 16:00

Hotel pickup

We pick you up at your hotel in Ica or Huacachina before the adventure.

Our team picks you up at your hotel in Ica or Huacachina and then takes you to the starting point of the adventure, on the shores of the oasis.

16:00 - 16:15

Safety briefing

Instructions before getting into the buggy, especially about safety.

The driver gives you safety instructions and then assigns your seat in the buggy, which is equipped with seat belts.

16:15 - 17:00

Dune buggy ride

Climbs and drops across the dunes at full speed.

Then you ride across the desert dunes on an adrenaline-filled route, with steep climbs and descents as well as panoramic views of the sea of sand.

17:00 - 17:45

Sandboarding

Slide down the highest dunes.

Later, on the highest dunes, you receive your sandboard and can slide down lying down or standing up, on slopes of different difficulty levels.

17:45 - 18:15

Desert sunset

Sunset from the top of the dunes.

Finally, you enjoy the sunset from the top of a dune, overlooking the Huacachina oasis and the Ica desert.

18:15 - 18:45

Return to your hotel

Back to the oasis, then the transfer to your hotel.

Then we return to the oasis by buggy and take you back to your hotel in Ica or Huacachina.

Include

What does it include?

  • Pickup from hotels in Ica or Huacachina
  • Dune buggy ride with an experienced driver
  • Sandboard
  • Safety briefing
  • Permanent assistance during the tour

What's not included?

  • Dune area entrance fee
  • Food and drinks
  • Tips for the driver
  • Travel insurance

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable, light clothing
Light jacket for the sunset
Sneakers or closed sandals
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Scarf or buff for the sand
Water

Weather

Ica has a warm desert climate all year, with temperatures between 18 and 30 °C. It hardly ever rains; however, the midday sun is intense and nights can be cool.

Best season

The tour operates all year. However, the afternoon departure avoids the most intense heat and lets you enjoy the sunset.

Safety

Always wear your seat belt in the buggy and follow the driver’s instructions. Also, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems.

Gallery

FAQ

Is the buggy ride safe?

Yes. The buggies on the Huacachina tour have seat belts and are driven by experienced drivers. Even so, it is an adventure activity with sudden movements.

Do I need experience to sandboard?

No. You can slide down lying face down, which is the easiest way, or try it standing up if you have board experience.

Can children take part?

Yes, from a certain age and always while accompanied by an adult. Therefore, ask us when booking.

What about my belongings?

On the Huacachina tour, we recommend bringing only the essentials and, also, protecting your phone or camera from the sand with a bag.

Can I do this tour from Lima?

Yes. We can organize a full day from Lima combining the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina, or a program with a night in Ica.

Can I book this tour as a private service?

Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.