Experience the thrill of the dunes with a 45-minute buggy ride and sandboarding near Huacachina. For just $20, you’ll embark on an off-road adventure led by friendly guides.
What we love about this tour is how accessible and flexible it is—you can do it anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., making it easy to fit into your travel schedule. The full adrenaline experience with sandboarding down the dunes creates a rush of fun, especially for those craving a taste of Peru’s desert landscape in an active, memorable way.
One consideration is the short duration—45 minutes might leave some wanting more, especially if you develop a real love for the sandboarding. Also, it’s not suitable for travelers over 70, so older adventurers should keep that in mind.
This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers of all ages who want a quick, exhilarating taste of desert life, or families seeking a lively outdoor activity. It’s also ideal for those with limited time but eager to try something truly unique in Huacachina.
Key Points
- Affordable adventure: At $20, it offers a good bang for your buck with a full hour of fun.
- Flexible timing: Available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing for easy integration into your day.
- Inclusive safety equipment: All necessary gear is provided, making the activity safe and accessible.
- Authentic experience: Guides are present throughout, ensuring a genuine and personalized adventure.
- Photogenic landscapes: The dunes and desert scenery offer perfect photo opportunities to remember your trip.
- Limitations: Not suitable for travelers over 70 and those seeking longer or more intense excursions.
The Dunes and Desert: A Closer Look
Starting from La Casa de Bamboo, the tour offers a simple, easy-to-find meeting point where you’ll gather with your group and guide, Kevin (or a similarly friendly guide). The initial meeting is relaxed, and you’ll get all the instructions you need. Expect to spend your hour—a full 45 minutes of actual dune riding and sandboarding—with the guide at your side to ensure safety and help you get the most out of the experience.
The off-road buggy will whisk you through the sands, giving you a real sense of adventure. The dunes are impressive and varied—some gentle enough for beginners, others steep enough to get your adrenaline pumping. The guides emphasize safety, offering all necessary equipment, including a sandboard, so you can slide down the dunes multiple times.
One traveler remarked, “This was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. The guides kept us safe but also let us enjoy the thrill of sliding down the dunes.” The landscape itself is a highlight—vast, undulating sands stretching in all directions, perfect for photos and creating a memorable background for your adventure.
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What makes the sandboarding experience special?
Sandboarding in Huacachina is surprisingly accessible. The boards are provided, and the guides are patient with newcomers, which is great if you’re trying it for the first time. You’ll find yourself gliding down the dunes, with the wind in your face and the desert spreading out before you. The variety of dunes means a mix of easy rides and more challenging slopes, depending on your confidence level.
Safety and Comfort
All necessary safety equipment is supplied, and the guides are attentive throughout. We found this reassuring, especially if you’re concerned about the activity being too risky. The waiting room at La Casa de Bamboo offers a comfortable space, toilets, and shade—handy for before and after the ride.
Timing and Flexibility
Since the tour is available throughout the day, you can choose a time that suits your itinerary. Whether you prefer a morning start to beat the heat or a late afternoon ride to catch the sunset glow over the dunes, the flexibility is a big plus.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Itinerary in Detail
Start at La Casa de Bamboo, where you’ll meet your guide and join your group. This spot serves as the staging ground for the adventure, and it’s convenient to find, especially if you’re staying nearby in Huacachina.
After a short briefing, you’ll hop into the off-road buggy, which will take you out into the dunes. The ride itself is a highlight—bouncing over the sand, feeling the engine’s power, and taking in the spectacular desert scenery. The dunes are a natural playground—no two rides are the same.
Your guide will help you with sandboarding, giving you a board and instructions. Expect to slide down several dunes, with plenty of opportunities to try different slopes. The sandboarding is included in the price, making this a great deal for a full hour of high-energy fun.
Once your time is up, you’ll return to La Casa de Bamboo, where you can relax in the furnished waiting room, use the toilets, and reflect on your adrenaline-filled experience.
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Authenticity and Local Flavor
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to enjoy a local, straightforward adventure with the guidance of knowledgeable locals. Kevin and other guides are friendly and attentive, making you feel safe and welcomed. Many reviews mention how guides kept the experience fun while prioritizing safety, which is crucial in an activity involving speed and sand.
The dunes themselves are a striking natural environment, and participating in sandboarding and buggy rides gives you a tangible connection to Peru’s desert landscape—far from touristy gimmicks, this feels like a genuine outdoor activity.
Price and Value
At $20 per person, this tour offers excellent value. It includes the sandboarding, safety gear, and a dedicated guide—all the essentials for a memorable desert adventure. The additional tourist tax of S/3.60 soles is minor but worth noting.
Compared to longer or more elaborate tours, this is a quick but highly engaging experience, perfect if you’re short on time or want a straightforward, fun activity without breaking the bank.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for adventure seekers, families with children (age restrictions apply, so check if you’re over 70), and anyone eager to try sandboarding in a safe, guided setting. It’s perfect if you want a fun, active way to spend part of your day in Huacachina, especially if you’re interested in off-road desert rides and don’t need an extensive or more complex tour.
If you’re arriving in Huacachina and want a quick adrenaline rush, this tour checks all the boxes—affordable, accessible, and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tour last?
The activity itself lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, including riding and sandboarding.
Can I do this activity at any time of day?
Yes, it’s available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so you can pick a time that fits your schedule.
Is there an age restriction?
The tour is not suitable for people over 70 years old, but most other ages are welcome.
What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers sandboarding, safety equipment, a furnished waiting room, toilets, and a guide for the duration of your adventure.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring light, comfortable clothing, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses (optional), and prepare for sunny conditions.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, but with age restrictions in mind—children usually enjoy the activity, especially with guidance and proper safety gear.
How challenging is sandboarding?
It’s suitable for beginners and those with no prior experience. Guides are there to help you and ensure safety.
What is the tourist tax?
A small fee of S/3.60 soles per person is charged for desert entry.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at La Casa de Bamboo, your designated starting point, where guides will gather everyone before heading out.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—perfect for flexible travel plans.
In the end, this buggy and sandboarding tour offers a lively, authentic taste of Huacachina’s dunes at a reasonable price. It’s straightforward, fun, and safe, making it a perfect choice for travelers craving a quick dose of adventure. Whether you’re looking to capture some great photos or just feel the rush of sliding down sand in a wide-open landscape, this experience is sure to leave you with a smile—and possibly some sandy shoes.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Ica
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- Huacachina: Buggy en las Dunas al Atardecer y Sandboarding
- Huacachina: Sandboarding and 4×4 Adventure
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