A Thrilling Sunset Adventure in Huacachina: Buggy Rides and Sandboarding

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping way to see Peru’s desert landscapes, the Sunset Buggy and Sandboarding Tour in Huacachina is a fantastic choice. For just $20 per person, this two-hour excursion offers a chance to zip across towering dunes in a powerful buggy, slide down sandy slopes on a sandboard, and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Huacachina Oasis. The tour is perfect for those craving a quick, fun, and memorable desert experience — especially if you love high-speed fun and picture-perfect scenery.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how accessible it is: you don’t need prior experience, and the price is remarkably affordable considering the action-packed itinerary. Plus, the small group size (limited to 10 participants) means you’ll get personalized attention and space to enjoy the adventure. That said, the tour’s timing and limited pick-up options might warrant some planning — if you’re staying outside Huacachina, you’ll need to arrange other transport. Still, this is an excellent choice for adventure-seekers, families, or anyone wanting to see the desert from a different perspective.

For those who want a quick, exciting taste of the desert with stunning sunset views, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who want maximum fun without a long time commitment — but be prepared for the physical activity involved in sandboarding and bouncing over dunes. If you’re looking for a laid-back, cultural tour or a more leisurely experience, you might prefer other options. But if thrilling landscapes and adrenaline are your thing, this tour could be a highlight of your trip to Ica.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Affordable adventure at just $20 per person.
Includes a buggy ride through the dunes, offering high-speed thrills.
Sandboarding provides a fun, physical challenge and photo opportunities.
Sunset views add a memorable, scenic touch to the experience.
Small group size ensures a more personalized, engaging tour.
Limited pick-up options mean you need to stay in Huacachina or arrange your own transfer.

Planning evening activities? Here are other after-dark options we've examined in Ica

What to Expect from the Huacachina Sunset Dunes Tour

Starting Point and Timing

Your adventure begins around 4:00 p.m. with hotel pickup if you’re staying in Huacachina. Since the pickup is only available at hotels located within Huacachina, travelers staying further afield will need to organize their own transfer to the meeting point. This setup keeps things simple and efficient, focusing on maximizing your dune time. The journey to the dunes takes about five kilometers from Ica, meaning you’ll be directly immersed in the desert environment fairly quickly.

The Buggy Ride: Heart-Pounding Fun

Once at the dunes, you’ll meet your guide — someone familiar with the terrain and the history of Huacachina. The highlight is undoubtedly the buggy ride, where a spirited driver will navigate you over rolling dunes. Reviewers mention the “high adrenaline” feeling — bouncing over steep slopes and sharp dunes — which offers an exhilarating perspective on the desert’s vastness. The powerful buggies are built for speed, so brace yourself for a bumpy, thrilling experience. The ride lasts around 40–50 minutes, providing plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the shifting landscape and feel the wind in your hair.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sandboarding: Sliding into Fun

After the buggy ride, the tour pauses to introduce sandboarding. You’ll be equipped with a special board and guided to an accessible slope. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, the act of sliding down soft sand is both fun and challenging. Reviewers say this stop “gives you the chance to feel the excitement of sliding down dunes,” and many take advantage of the scenic backdrop for photos. It’s worth noting that sandboarding requires some physical effort and balance, but the thrill often outweighs the minor challenge.

While you're exploring Ica, here are other experiences we've looked into

Sunset at Huacachina Oasis

As the tour progresses toward the end, you’ll be treated to spectacular sunset views over the desert. The Oasis, with its palm-lined lagoon, offers an iconic setting — perfect for capturing memorable photos. Several reviewers highlight how “the sunset over the dunes creates a magical scene,” making it a perfect time for reflection and photos. The changing colors of the sky add a tranquil contrast to the high-energy ride earlier.

Return and Reflection

After enjoying the sunset, the group crosses the dunes again in the buggy, heading back toward Huacachina. Expect to arrive back at your hotel around 6:00 p.m., just in time for dinner or evening plans. The tour wraps up with a sense of accomplishment, having experienced the desert’s raw beauty and adrenaline rush in just a couple of hours.

The Experience: Value, Practicalities, and Authenticity

Price and Value

At $20, this tour offers excellent value considering all included activities — the buggy ride, sandboarding, guide, and dune entrance. While it’s a short trip, it packs enough action and scenery to justify the cost. For budget travelers, it’s an attractive way to enjoy a memorable desert adventure without breaking the bank.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers, families with older children, or anyone wanting a quick dose of desert excitement. It’s particularly attractive for those who enjoy outdoor physical activities and scenic sunset views. Keep in mind, you’ll need to be comfortable with bumpy rides and some physical effort for sandboarding.

Considerations and Tips

Wear comfortable clothing, especially suitable for the desert climate — think breathable fabrics, hats, and sunglasses.
Bring sunscreen and water to stay protected and hydrated.
Remember that pick-up is limited to hotels within Huacachina, so plan accordingly if staying elsewhere.
If you’re staying in Ica or elsewhere, consider arranging transport ahead of time.

What the Reviews Say

Multiple travelers describe the tour as “fun and worth every penny,” pointing out how the adrenaline rush makes it an unforgettable experience. One review mentions, “the buggy ride was so exhilarating, I felt like I was flying over the dunes.” Others appreciated the photos taken during sunset, calling it “absolutely stunning.”

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour offers a fast-paced, fun-filled way to experience the desert landscape around Huacachina. It’s best suited for adventure lovers and those wanting a cost-effective, memorable activity that combines scenic beauty with an adrenaline rush. If you prefer a relaxed, cultural experience, or are uncomfortable with physical activities, you might want to explore other options.

Overall, for a budget-friendly price, this tour delivers a wholesome desert adventure with breathtaking views, high-energy fun, and a chance to learn about Huacachina’s unique landscape. It’s a fantastic way to add some excitement to your trip that will leave you with plenty of photos and stories to tell.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children who can handle bumpy rides and sandboarding. Smaller children or those sensitive to motion might find it too intense.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for the desert, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Closed shoes are advisable for sandboarding.

Can I participate if I’ve never sandboarded before?
Absolutely. The guide will give you instructions, and many find it easy to get started. It’s more about having fun than mastering technique.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pick-up at your hotel in Huacachina is included, but only if your accommodation is within Huacachina itself.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, from pickup to return, including all activities and photography stops.

What is the group size?
Limited to 10 participants, which means you’ll get more personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Is the sunset guaranteed?
While the tour is scheduled around sunset, the actual timing depends on weather and time of year. It’s best to check the availability and weather forecast beforehand.

Are there any additional costs?
Everything listed — buggy ride, guide, sandboarding, and dune entrance — is included. Extra expenses are not covered but likely minimal unless you buy souvenirs or additional photos.