Ica / Huacachina: Camel Ride in the Peruvian Desert

Traveling in Peru often means exploring ancient ruins, vibrant cities, or scenic coastlines, but if you’re craving something a little different — a touch of desert adventure with a cultural twist — this camel ride tour in Ica and Huacachina offers just that. For $81 per person, you’ll spend about three hours immersed in a playful, somewhat exotic experience that blends the thrill of riding a camel with relaxed leisure activities, all within the stunning backdrop of the Peruvian desert.

What makes this tour stand out is the authentic Arab attire you get to wear during your ride — turbans, tunics, and shoes straight from Morocco — adding a fun, photo-worthy element to your adventure. We also appreciate the opportunity to interact with camels, not just ride them, which makes the experience more personal and memorable. And, after the ride, the chance to indulge in local wines produced right in this scenic region adds a sophisticated touch that rounds out the day.

A potential consideration is that this activity is geared more towards a leisurely, family-friendly experience rather than hardcore desert trekking. If you’re expecting a rugged, high-adventure ride, this might be more sedate than some other desert excursions. Also, since it’s a small group tour limited to eight participants, it feels intimate but might fill up quickly, so booking in advance is wise.

This tour suits travelers looking for a fun, culturally flavored outdoor activity that’s accessible and family-friendly. It’s ideal if you want a break from archaeological sights or city tours and are eager to experience something playful and distinctly different in the desert landscape.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Don your Moroccan-style attire and ride a genuine camel through the desert oasis.
• Family-Friendly: The tour is suitable for all ages, with opportunities to feed camels and enjoy additional activities.
• Relaxed Pace: The three-hour duration offers a leisurely experience, including time at the pool and other amenities.
• Wine Tasting: Conclude with a guided tasting of regional wines, adding a nice local touch.
• Included Activities: Access to pools, mini zoo, toboggan slides, and farm areas make this a well-rounded day.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at What to Expect

The journey begins with pickup from your hotel in Huacachina or Ica, making the logistics straightforward and hassle-free. Once at the DROMEDARIUS recreational center, the heart of this desert adventure, you’ll step into a world that feels a little like stepping into the pages of a travel magazine. The first thing you’ll notice is the effort to create an authentic Middle Eastern ambiance, from the traditional Arab attire to the sand-colored decor.

Wearing the Arab costumes is part of the fun. You’ll slip into turbans, tunics, and shoes that give you a taste of Moroccan or Arabian dress. This isn’t just for a quick photo op — it enhances the experience, making you feel transported to a distant land. Then, mounted on a real camel, you’ll set out across the dunes. The ride is described as both fun and a bit adrenaline-pumping, especially if you’re new to camel riding. As one reviewer mentioned, “It was a new experience, and surprisingly comfortable,” which is encouraging for first-timers.

The camel interaction doesn’t end with just a ride. You’ll get opportunities to feed and pet these gentle giants, fostering a personal connection that many find rewarding. The camels are well-cared for, and the staff is typically friendly and eager to share insights about these fascinating creatures.

After your camel adventure, you’ll have time to explore the Dromedarius center’s other amenities. This includes a small zoo, where you might see some local farm animals, a pool to cool off in, and toboggan slides for some playful fun. The inclusion of these activities makes the trip more than just a ride — it becomes a full mini-escape into leisure and nature.

One of the unexpected highlights is the guided wine tasting. You’ll sample regional wines like Mio Cid and El Campeador, produced right here in the Ica region. Expect to taste white torontel, red wines, and rosé, and learn about their unique flavors. Several visitors have noted that these wines are quite good and add a relaxing end to the tour.

The entire experience lasts about three hours, which strikes a good balance between enough time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed. The tour’s small size (up to 8 people) ensures a more intimate, personalized experience, and the inclusion of an express security check helps keep things moving smoothly.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Arrival: The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, a real plus for convenience. You’ll be transported directly to Dromedarius, avoiding the hassle of figuring out transportation on your own.

Arabian Attire and Camel Ride: Once there, you’ll change into traditional attire, which is part of the fun and a photo opportunity. The camel ride itself is usually around 30-45 minutes, offering enough time to enjoy the dunes and take plenty of pictures.

Interaction with Camels: After the ride, feeding and petting the camels make for a closer interaction, which many reviews highlight as a highlight.

Leisure Activities: You can then explore the mini zoo, cool off in the pool, or enjoy the slides. The variety of activities allows everyone to find something they enjoy.

Wine Tasting: The last segment is a guided tasting of regional wines, providing insights into local production and flavors. This is both relaxing and educational.

Return: The tour concludes with transportation back to your hotel, leaving you with plenty of time to reflect on your desert adventure.

Authenticity and Value

Most travelers find the authenticity of the Arab attire and the personal feel of the small group to be a significant plus. It’s a playful way to indulge in a bit of fantasy while actually being in Peru’s desert. The price of $81 per person seems reasonable considering the inclusion of transportation, a camel ride, attire, activities, and wine tasting.

Several reviews mention that the experience feels genuine and well-organized. One said, “The staff was friendly, and it was clear they wanted us to enjoy every moment,” which is always nice to hear. Others appreciated the chance to interact closely with the camels, describing it as a “heartwarming experience that made the trip unforgettable.”

Practical Tips

• Book in advance since small groups fill quickly, especially in peak season.
• Wear comfortable clothing, especially if you plan to participate in other activities.
• Bring a camera or smartphone — the photos with traditional attire and camels are sure to be treasured.
• Remember, lunch isn’t included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.
• If you’re interested in souvenir photos, consider purchasing the Moroccan attire for pictures, though it’s optional.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, culturally fun experience in Ica. If you enjoy animals, are curious about desert landscapes, or want a break from archaeological sights, it offers a memorable, lighthearted option. It’s also perfect for those who want a little exotic flair without leaving Peru or undertaking a strenuous adventure.

The Sum Up

This camel ride tour in Huacachina and Ica offers more than just a ride — it’s an interactive cultural escape, a chance to dress up, feed camels, and enjoy stunning desert scenery with a side of regional wine. The small-group setting makes it feel personal, and the variety of activities ensures you’ll leave with plenty of stories and photos.

While it isn’t a rugged desert expedition, it’s a well-paced, enjoyable outing perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone seeking a playful and authentic experience in the desert. If you’re after a blend of fun, cultural flavor, and beautiful surroundings, this tour delivers good value and a day you’ll remember.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Huacachina or Ica are included, making the experience hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to enjoy each segment without feeling rushed.

Can I wear normal clothes instead of Arab attire?
While the attire is provided for pictures and fun, you are welcome to wear your own clothes, but the experience is enhanced by dressing in traditional Arab-style garments.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with opportunities for children to feed camels and enjoy the pool and slides.

Is the camel ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, most beginners find the ride comfortable and enjoyable, with staff there to assist and ensure safety.

Is this experience authentic?
The activity aims to give a taste of Middle Eastern culture within the Peruvian desert setting, with genuine camel riding and traditional attire, making it a fun, semi-educational experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Remember that lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

This tour combines a playful cultural encounter with the stunning backdrop of Ica’s desert and Huacachina’s oasis. It’s a delightful way to add a dash of fun and novelty to your Peruvian adventure.

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