From Ica: City Tour – Tubulars and Sandboarding

If you’re heading to the Ica Region in Peru and craving a taste of both cultural charm and adrenaline-pumping fun, this tour offers a well-rounded snapshot. For just $59 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring key sights—from the colorful House of Tiles to the mysterious Cachiche village, all topped off with the thrill of sandboarding in Huacachina and buggy rides across the dunes. This experience is ideal if you want a lively mix of history, local flavor, and outdoor adventure.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how smoothly it combines cultural insights with adventure activities. Visiting an artisanal winery with tastings is a delightful bonus, giving you a chance to savor Peru’s famous pisco and wines. Plus, the dune buggy and sandboarding add a splash of excitement—something you won’t find just anywhere.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour guide speaks only Spanish, so a basic understanding of the language helps. Also, the lunch isn’t included in the price, so you’ll want to budget extra for a meal during the day. This tour best suits those eager for a full-day adventure that balances cultural discovery with outdoor fun—perfect for couples, groups, or solo travelers seeking a lively day out.

• Cultural Highlights: Visit the House of Tiles and Cachiche, learning about local architecture and legends.
• Wine Tasting: Experience an artisanal winery with sampled pisco and wines, adding a taste of local craftsmanship.
• Adventure Activities: Enjoy sandboarding and buggy rides in Huacachina, designed to get your adrenaline flowing.
• Flexible Timing: Tour lasts around five hours, with a start time that varies by availability.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Self-Expense Lunch: Lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose where to dine.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at the Plaza de Armas de Ica, a central and lively spot that’s easy to find and a great place to soak in local atmosphere. The transport is included, and the entire journey from Ica to Huacachina and back is covered, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without fussing over logistics. With a small group size, the experience feels intimate—think of it as exploring with a knowledgeable friend rather than a large tour bus.

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Visiting the House of Tiles

Your first stop is the House of Tiles, a building famed for its colorful façade decorated with traditional tiles. This site offers a glimpse into the local architecture and artistic craftsmanship. It’s a quick visit, but enough to appreciate its charm and take some photos. Visitors often comment on how vibrant and photogenic the tiles are, giving a flavor of Ica’s artistic side.

Exploring Cachiche and Its Legends

Next, you’ll head to Cachiche, known for its legendary “witches’ village.” Here, you’ll see the monument to the head witch and the seven-headed palm tree, both symbols of local folklore. This stop adds a layer of cultural storytelling, as guides often share tales that have been passed down for generations. Be prepared for some light walking and possibly some curious looks from locals; Cachiche retains a mystical aura that travelers find intriguing.

Tasting Peru’s Fine Wines

The artisanal winery visit is a highlight, where you’ll taste pisco and local wines. This isn’t a hurried stop—expect a brief but informative tasting session that allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship behind Peru’s famous spirits. Many visitors mention that the wines are surprisingly good, and the guide’s explanations make the tasting more meaningful. It’s an authentic experience, not just a quick sip, and provides insight into Peru’s wine-making traditions.

Lunch Break (Your Expense)

At this point, you’ll have some free time for lunch—an opportunity to sample local cuisine or grab a snack. Since the tour doesn’t include lunch, you can choose a restaurant or street food stand that suits your preferences. Some reviews suggest bringing snacks if you’re particularly hungry, as eating options are plentiful around Huacachina.

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Huacachina: Dunes and Adventure

The final part of the tour takes you to Huacachina, the famous desert oasis. Here, the real fun begins with sandboarding and a buggy ride across the dunes. The adventure tour is designed to be safe and exhilarating—your guide will instruct you on sandboarding, and the buggies will take you off-road through the shifting sands. Expect plenty of thrills and photo opportunities amid stunning desert landscapes.

Visitors often describe the sandboarding as addictive—some say it’s the highlight of the day. The buggy ride is equally fun, with drivers skilled at navigating the dunes and giving you a sense of freedom as you bounce across the terrain. You might find that these activities are more than just fun—they’re a memorable way to experience the natural beauty and unique environment of Huacachina.

Free Time and Optional Extensions

After the activities, you have the option to stay longer in Huacachina or head back to Ica. The tour ends at the original starting point, but you’re free to linger in Huacachina or explore further on your own—many visitors enjoy wandering around, taking photos, or simply relaxing by the lagoon.

At $59, this tour offers a good mix of cultural learning, local flavor, and outdoor adventure. The included activities—wine tasting, guided cultural visits, buggy rides, and sandboarding—are carefully curated to give you a well-rounded experience. The price is quite reasonable considering the small group setting, which enhances your comfort and interaction with the guide.

However, keep in mind that lunch isn’t included, so budgeting for a meal is wise. The Spanish-speaking guide is a plus if you speak the language, but non-speakers should consider this when booking. The entrance fee to the dunes (S/3.80) is small, but an extra expense to be aware of.

Many users have praised the friendly guide and the organized logistics. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the tour mixed cultural insights with adventure—something for all.” Another pointed out that the small group size made it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention.

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a half-day adventure that balances history, local culture, and outdoor fun. It suits travelers who:

• Want a taste of Peru’s wine and local stories
• Desire thrilling activities like sandboarding and buggy rides
• Appreciate small group tours for a more intimate experience
• Don’t mind a Spanish-speaking guide or want to brush up on their Spanish
• Are flexible with lunch arrangements and willing to spend extra on meals

If you’re a curious traveler eager to experience both the cultural and natural highlights of Ica and Huacachina, this tour offers a lively, memorable day.

Is transportation included? Yes, your transport from and back to Plaza de Armas de Ica is included in the tour price.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience takes about 5 hours, but start times vary based on availability.

What activities are included? The tour includes visits to key sites, wine and pisco tasting, sandboarding, and buggy rides in Huacachina.

Is a guide provided? Yes, a Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group, ensuring you understand the cultural and scenic points of interest.

Can I stay longer in Huacachina after the tour? Absolutely. The tour ends at the starting point, but you’re free to continue exploring or relaxing in Huacachina on your own.

Do I need to pay extra for the dune activities? Yes, the entrance fee to use the dunes (S/3.80) is not included in the tour price and must be paid on-site.

This tour provides a lively, well-balanced day of culture, adventure, and authentic local experiences. It’s especially suitable for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with some high-energy fun. With its small group size and comprehensive itinerary, it offers good value for exploring Ica’s highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a curious explorer, this experience promises a memorable slice of Peru’s desert charm and vibrant culture.

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