From Lima: excursion to the desert of Chilca or Marcahuasi

If you’re visiting Lima and craving a break from city streets, this tour offers an invigorating escape into Peru’s stunning deserts and surreal landscapes. For around $280, you get a full day (11 hours) of adventure—either zooming through sand dunes on a 4×4, trying sandboarding, or hiking amid imposing rock formations and lagoons. The tour is led by bilingual guides, making it accessible whether you speak Spanish or English, and groups are kept small—limiting to 10 participants—which adds a personal touch.

What we love most? First, the variety of activities packed into one day—you can choose between the adrenaline rush of sandboarding or the scenic trek through Marcahuasi’s dramatic terrain. Second, the delicious local lunch in the Chilca desert, complete with wine and snacks, adds a genuine flavor of rural Peru. However, a possible drawback is the early start for the Marcahuasi hike—at 4:00 am—which might be tough for some travelers but ensures you beat the crowds and enjoy the pristine landscapes.

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers with limited time in Peru who want an active, memorable experience that combines natural beauty and excitement. If you’re looking for a relaxed sightseeing tour, this might feel a bit intense, but for those craving adrenaline and stunning vistas, it’s a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Versatile Experiences: Choose between thrill-seeking sandboarding or scenic hiking.
• Authentic Adventure: Small group size enhances personal attention and safety.
• Cultural Flavors: Enjoy a hearty local lunch with wine and snacks.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Bilingual Guides: Guides speak both English and Spanish, broadening accessibility.
• Stunning Scenery: From dunes to lagoons, the visuals are memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Chilca and Marcahuasi Tours

The Chilca Desert Sandboarding and Picnic

This part of the trip is geared toward those craving a dose of adrenaline. After being picked up from your hotel in Lima, you’ll head south toward the Chilca Desert, a place renowned for its beautiful terraced dunes. Once there, your guide and driver—who make small maneuvers with the all-terrain vehicle—will introduce you to the art of sandboarding. It’s a sport similar to snowboarding but on warm, golden sands.

For about two hours, you’ll learn to slide down the dunes, which can be surprisingly exhilarating. The equipment rental is included, so no need to worry about bringing your own gear. We loved the way the guides make the activity accessible, even for first-timers, with a quick lesson before you dive into the dunes.

After your sandboarding fun, you’ll settle in for a traditional country lunch. The meal includes a ham and cheese board, bread varieties, water, snacks, and even red wine—an unexpected treat in the middle of the desert. This hearty meal offers a well-deserved break, giving you energy for the rest of your afternoon.

We found this part of the tour very well-paced: a perfect mix of action, relaxation, and good food. The tour concludes around 3 pm, and you’ll be dropped back at your hotel in Lima, feeling satisfied and tired in all the right ways.

The Marcahuasi Hike: Surreal Rock Formations and Lagoons

For those with a taste for more serious adventure and breathtaking scenery, the Marcahuasi hike is a highlight. This option kicks off very early—at 4:00 am—so be prepared for a long day. The journey begins with a 4×4 ride to San Pedro de Casta, followed by a trek to the famous Marcahuasi Plateau.

The walk is about 11 hours round-trip, but it’s well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll pass imposing rock formations that look like giant animals, mythical creatures, and abstract sculptures—each telling a story or sparking the imagination. The landscape is dotted with colorful lagoons and archaeological sites, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet reflection.

Traveling with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the area’s geological and archaeological significance, which adds depth to the visual spectacle. The hike is physically demanding but manageable for those in moderate shape, and the experience is described as “impressive” by past participants who appreciated the unmatched views and sense of wilderness.

While the early start may be a challenge, the payoff is being among less crowded, pristine landscapes. After a full day, you’ll be back at your hotel in Lima, often around late evening, tired but enriched by the experience.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

This tour offers good value for those eager to maximize their time and get a taste of diverse environments. Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable 4×4, and guides fluent in both English and Spanish. Sandboarding equipment is also provided, making it easy to just show up and enjoy.

However, meals are not included unless specified, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan for additional food stops. Also, travel insurance isn’t covered, so make sure your policy is up to date if you plan on doing the Marcahuasi hike.

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How the Experiences Feel in Practice

Past travelers appreciate the small group size, which lends a more intimate and flexible atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guides took us to the dunes and showed us how to sandboard. It wasn’t just about the activity but enjoying the landscape.” Another praised the lunch in the desert: “It was surprisingly good, with local flavors and a relaxing vibe after the adrenaline rush.”

Some mention the early start for the Marcahuasi hike as a challenge but acknowledge that waking up early pays off with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures during the hike. The stunning vistas and unique rock formations often leave travelers speechless, making the effort worthwhile.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Confirm your starting time—8:00 am for Chilca or 4:00 am if you choose Marcahuasi.
• Dress in layers, as desert temperatures fluctuate and the early morning hike can be chilly.
• Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes for walking.
• Consider bringing a small backpack for snacks and personal items.
• Book ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and enjoy the flexibility of a pay-later reservation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts in Lima with limited time who want a full day of diverse activities. If you’re craving exhilarating sandboarding, the Chilca option will hit the spot. For those intrigued by mysterious rock formations and high-altitude hiking, the Marcahuasi trek offers a unique, awe-inspiring journey.

It’s also a great choice if you prefer small groups and guided experiences that highlight local landscapes and cultural touches, like the included lunch.

The Sum Up

This tour from Lima offers a rare chance to see Peru’s desert landscapes and surreal rock formations in one adventurous day. Whether you’re zooming down dunes or hiking among strange shapes, you’ll come away with vivid memories of stunning scenery and adrenaline-fueled fun. The inclusion of local food, bilingual guides, and small groups ensures a personal, authentic experience that feels both exciting and manageable.

If your idea of travel includes active pursuits, breathtaking vistas, and a taste of rural Peru, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially suited for adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone eager to experience the wild side of Lima beyond its historic centers.

FAQ

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $280 per person, which covers transportation, guides, and equipment rental for sandboarding.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience runs about 11 hours, with starting times at 8:00 am for Chilca or 4:00 am for Marcahuasi.

Are meals included?
Not all meals are included, but the Chilca tour provides a delicious country lunch with wine and snacks. You may want to bring additional snacks or water.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for active travelers, the early start and physical activities like hiking or sandboarding might be challenging for very young children.

What should I bring?
Dressing in layers, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a small backpack for personal items is advisable.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

Is bilingual guidance available?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making the tour accessible to a wider range of travelers.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Embark on this journey to Peru’s desert and mountain landscapes for an active, authentic adventure that will leave you with stories to tell long after you’ve returned home.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby