Ica City Tour + Buggies & Sandboarding

If you’re headed to southern Peru, you shouldn’t miss a full-day adventure around Ica. For around $38.50, you’ll get a taste of local culture, history, and adrenaline-pumping fun, all wrapped into an approximately 8-hour experience. Led by knowledgeable guides like Samael and Kevin, this tour covers everything from the city’s main square to the spectacular dunes of Huacachina, with plenty of stops that keep the trip lively and varied.

What we love about this tour is how it balances cultural exploration with adventure. Visiting a local winery and learning about Peruvian wines and piscos makes the experience more authentic, while the dune buggy rides and sandboarding give you a rush of excitement — all with stunning sunset views. One thing to consider is that the Huacachina tourist tax isn’t included, so be prepared for that extra cash. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, fun-filled day that offers both cultural insights and outdoor thrills.

If you enjoy guided experiences that are both educational and exhilarating, this tour is likely to suit you. It’s especially great for those who like a bit of everything — history, local flavors, and adventure sports. Families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a full-day activity will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Diverse Experience: Combines city sightseeing, wine tasting, and desert adventure in one day.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Samael and Kevin deliver detailed insights and keep the group lively.
• Adventure & Culture: Perfect mix of cultural stops and adrenaline-filled activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
• Value for Money: For about $38.50, you get a full day of activities, transportation, and expert guidance.
• Authentic Encounters: Visits to local spots like Cachiche and a winery enhance the Peruvian experience.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized, less rushed experience.

A Deep Dive into the Ica City Tour + Buggies & Sandboarding Experience

Starting the Day: City Highlights and Sweet Treats

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your Ica hotel or bus station at 11:00 am, making it easy to settle in and relax. The first stop is the Santuario del Señor de Luren, a religious site and the main square, where we loved watching the local energy unfold. Your guide will share insights into Ica’s history, making this more than just a sightseeing stop — it’s a window into daily life.

Next, a visit to Margarito candy store is a delightful break. It offers a variety of traditional Ica cookies made with Pisco, which add a sweet touch to the morning. As one reviewer put it, the stop includes a “variety of typical Ica cookies made based on Pisco,” giving you a true taste of local flavors.

Exploring Cachiche: The Town of Witches and Mysteries

After a brief drive, you’ll arrive at Parque de las Brujas de Cachiche. This small town has a reputation for its legendary witches and mysticism. You’ll see a special circuit dedicated to tales of local witches, and marvel at the 7-headed palm tree — a genetic anomaly that fuels local stories and curiosity. Reviewers describe this stop as fascinating, with one noting that it “hides many mysteries,” making it a perfect spot for those interested in local folklore and quirky sights.

Huacachina Oasis: Photos, Relaxation, and Sunset Views

Next, it’s just a short drive to the Huacachina Oasis, a true highlight of the trip. The natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes promises stunning photo opportunities and a tranquil break from city life. Visitors often comment on the peacefulness and beauty of the place, with some noting how “beautiful” the scenery is and how it’s ideal for quick walks and picture-taking.

For approximately an hour, you’ll have time to walk around, soak in the scenery, or simply relax. It’s a perfect photo backdrop, especially as the light begins to soften towards sunset.

Vineyards and Tastings: A Sip of Peruvian Flavor

A special feature of this tour is the visit to Fundo – Hotel El Arrabal, a family-run winery established in 1982. Here, you’ll see how local piscos and wines are made using traditional methods. The tasting sessions are highly praised; some reviewers mentioned enjoying “varieties of products” and appreciated the opportunity to learn about the local wine and pisco industry. You’ll also have time for a leisurely lunch at the vineyard’s restaurant, where you can taste regional dishes, making this a relaxing and delicious stop.

Dune Buggies and Sandboarding: Adventure in the Dunes

The adventure truly heats up with sandboarding and dune buggy rides. The professional drivers will take you into the vast dunes, offering thrilling rides that make your adrenaline spike. As one reviewer enthusiastically shared, “My experience in the buggies is full adrenaline, very fun,” emphasizing how exhilarating the ride can be.

Sandboarding is often described as “an exhilarating experience,” with some travelers quoting that it’s “full of adrenaline” and “super fun.” Expect to slide down the dunes on a board, sometimes with the assistance of your guide, as you soak in the spectacular sunset view over the desert. The sunset adds a magical touch to the experience, making it ideal for those who love outdoor adventures with a scenic backdrop.

Practical Details and Group Dynamics

The tour is capped at 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and lively. The transportation is comfortable, and the guides, including Samael and Kevin, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. They provide detailed explanations, making sure you appreciate each stop’s significance, whether it’s the local folklore or the production process of Pisco.

The full-day itinerary balances sightseeing, tasting, and adventure, with the total time roughly 8 hours. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, which saves the hassle of arranging transport, and an optional mobile ticket makes planning easier.

Additional Considerations

While the tour covers many memorable highlights, the Huacachina tourist tax isn’t included in the price, so be prepared to pay cash at the site. Also, weather can impact the dune activities, especially during holidays or inclement conditions, where the buggy ride might be reduced to about an hour, or the tour could be canceled with a full refund.

For those with limited time, this experience packs a lot into a single day — city sights, folklore, desert adventure, and local flavors — making it an excellent value for the price.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideally suited for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Ica in one day. It’s perfect for those interested in local culture, wine tasting, and outdoor adrenaline activities. Families, couples, or friends looking for a mix of relaxation, discovery, and adventure will find plenty to enjoy. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guides who are friendly, informative, and attentive.

This tour also appeals to those who want a small-group environment, with personalized attention and the chance to meet fellow travelers. For anyone eager to combine sightseeing with a thrill, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Is pick-up included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or bus station in Ica, making it straightforward to start your day.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but you’ll have time at the winery to lunch. You might want to bring some snacks or extra cash for additional purchases.

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $38.50 per person, representing good value for a full day of diverse activities.

What activities are part of the desert experience?
You’ll go dune buggies in the dunes, with options for sandboarding — an exhilarating sport sliding down the dunes on boards.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews repeatedly highlight guides like Samael and Kevin for their friendly, detailed explanations and organizational skills.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking and outdoor activities, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash for the Huacachina tourist tax.

Is the tour suitable during holidays or busy times?
Yes, but during holidays, some activities like the buggy ride might be shortened, and pickups will be in different locations like Plaza de Armas or Huacachina.

Final Thoughts

This Ica City Tour combined with buggies and sandboarding offers a balanced, fun-filled day with cultural insights, local flavors, and outdoor thrills. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge help deepen your understanding of the region, making it more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s an authentic experience you’ll remember.

Whether you’re a curious traveler eager to learn about local myths, a wine enthusiast wanting to taste Peru’s piscos, or an adventure seeker craving dune rides and sandboarding, this tour has something for you. The small group size ensures you’ll get personalized attention, and the mix of activities keeps boredom at bay.

For anyone wanting a well-organized, affordable way to explore Ica’s highlights while getting your adrenaline fix, this tour hits all the right notes. Be mindful of the extra tourist tax and weather conditions, but overall, it’s a fantastic choice for a full day in southern Peru.

Ready to explore Ica? Pack your camera, a sense of adventure, and a smile — and prepare for a day packed with unforgettable moments.