Discover the Dunes of Lomas de Ancón: Sandboarding, Sledding, and Off-Roading Adventure

If you’re visiting Lima and craving a dash of desert thrill, the Lomas de Ancón sandboarding and off-road tour offers a surprisingly fun escape from the city’s bustling streets. For just $119 per person, this six-hour adventure takes you from your hotel to the arid beauty of the Ancón district, where vast dune fields and desert scenery await. Led by expert guides, you’ll learn to sandboard or sled, enjoy off-road rides in a sturdy truck, and capture plenty of photos along the way.

What really makes this experience shine are the proper equipment and clear instructions that cater to all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned boarders. We love how accessible it is, making it a great choice for families or groups with varying physical abilities. Plus, the guides’ enthusiasm and professionalism shine through in reviews, making you feel well looked after.

One small consideration is that off-road riding can be rough, and if you’re prone to car sickness, you might want to prepare accordingly. But overall, this tour is ideal for those looking for an authentic outdoor adventure with a touch of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and a chance to try something truly different in the Peruvian desert.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, love trying new sports, or want a memorable story to tell back home, this tour fits the bill quite well. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate authentic, active experiences and are comfortable with a little bit of dirt and sand.

Key Points

Accessible for all levels: Proper equipment and instruction ensure everyone can enjoy sandboarding or sledding.
Beautiful desert scenery: Expect vast dunes and striking landscapes, perfect for photos.
Expert guides: Skilled drivers and instructors make safety and fun a priority.
Off-road thrill: The truck rides provide an exciting way to explore the dunes.
Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
Authentic adventure: Small group, private experience, focusing on personalized service.

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An Exciting Day in the Dunes: What to Expect

Our adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Lima, a convenient way to start your day without worrying about transport logistics. As you ride through different Lima neighborhoods, you’ll get a glimpse of everyday life in the city before heading north to Ancón, a quieter, seaside suburb with a fascinating mix of landscapes.

Once at Lomas de Ancón, you’ll meet your guides, who will equip you with sandboards or sleds suitable for your skill level. The guides are approachable and eager to teach, making even first-timers feel confident. Expect a quick safety briefing, then it’s off to the dunes for your first runs downhill.

Sandboarding and Sledding

The dune fields provide a perfect venue for sliding down sandy slopes. We loved the way the guides broke down the fundamentals, making us feel at ease whether we were trying sandboarding for the first time or honing our skills. The smooth, grippy surface of the sand makes for a thrilling ride, and the peaceful desert surroundings create a surreal backdrop for this activity.

Several reviews highlight how fun and safe the experience feels, even for children or those new to sports. One reviewer mentioned, “Excellent experience, fun and safe even for small kids,” praising instructor Aldo’s expertise and friendly attitude. Another reviewer called it “an incredible and unforgettable day,” emphasizing the personal touch from the team and the sense of adventure.

Off-Roading in the Desert

After a few runs, your group will hop into a robust off-road truck for a bumpy but exhilarating ride across the dunes. The truck’s driver, Alfonso, is described as skilled, ensuring safety while maximizing fun. The off-road experience enhances the sense of adventure, allowing you to explore further into the dunes and enjoy the vast, silent landscape.

The views are stunning, and many travelers love the opportunity to capture photos and videos of the massive dunes and desert horizon. The slow climbs and quick descents give you time to soak in the scenery and appreciate the scale of the natural environment.

Scenic Breaks and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the tour, your guides will encourage you to take pictures and videos, capturing the beauty of the desert and your memorable slides. The peacefulness of the dunes, combined with the thrill of sliding and riding in the truck, makes for an experience you won’t forget.

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Return Journey and Reflection

After a few hours of sandboarding and off-roading, the group heads back to Ancón, where you can relax and reflect on your adventure. The tour concludes with a return trip to Lima, usually in the early afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore other parts of the city or relax after your outdoor adventure.

The True Value of This Experience

For the price of $119, you’re getting a well-organized, professionally run tour that offers adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic fun in a desert setting just outside Lima. The fact that the tour is private for your group means a more personalized experience, and the small group size fosters camaraderie and attention from your guides.

Considering reviews, the quality of instruction and equipment seems to be a highlight, and many travelers appreciate how safe and accessible it feels. The scenery is also a major draw—vast dunes that evoke a sense of remoteness right near the city. Plus, the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially for travelers with unpredictable plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for families with children, groups of friends, or couples looking for an active day out. It’s perfect if you want to try sandboarding or sledding without prior experience, thanks to the clear guidance. If you’re someone who enjoys off-road rides and scenic outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also suitable for travelers who want to escape the city and explore a different side of Lima’s surroundings.

Those who enjoy photography or simply soaking in natural landscapes will appreciate the views and photo ops. And if your group includes adventure-seekers or outdoor enthusiasts, this tour should be high on your list.

A Highly Detailed Look at the Tour Itinerary

Departure and Transit

Expect a prompt hotel pickup in Lima, typically in the morning. The ride to Ancón takes about an hour, passing through diverse neighborhoods that give a glimpse of urban life before giving way to the open desert landscape. The comfortable transportation ensures a smooth start, letting you focus on the upcoming fun.

Arrival at Lomas de Ancón

Once at the Lomas de Ancón, you’ll meet your guides—who are praised for their expertise and friendliness. They prepare the equipment—sandboards, sleds, helmets—and give a safety briefing, crucial for first-timers.

Sandboarding and Sledding

The main activity involves sliding down the sand dunes. The smooth, firm sand makes for a pleasurable ride, and guides will teach you the fundamentals. Whether it’s your first time or you’re seasoned, you’ll enjoy the sensation of gliding down the dunes, with plenty of opportunities for multiple runs. The peaceful desert environment adds to the experience, providing a stark contrast to Lima’s urban hustle.

Off-Road Exploration

Following the sand slides, the group jumps into a specialized off-road truck. The driver, Alfonso, expertly navigates the dunes, offering a bumpy but exciting ride that brings you deeper into the desert’s heart. This part of the tour reveals the immensity of the dunes and the desert’s silent beauty.

Scenic Pauses and Photography

Guides encourage photo stops, allowing you to snap the massive dunes and endless horizon. Many reviews highlight how Instagram-worthy the scenery is, and how memorable it is to capture those moments.

Return and Reflection

As the tour wraps up, you’re comfortably transported back to Lima, usually around midday or early afternoon. It’s the perfect time to rest, grab a bite, or explore more of Lima’s sights, knowing you’ve experienced a unique outdoor adventure.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re seeking a fun, active outdoor experience close to Lima, this tour offers exceptional value. With professional guides, top-quality equipment, and scenic desert views, it provides a well-rounded adventure suitable for most travelers, including families and groups looking for a memorable outing. The easy accessibility and flexible cancellation policy make it a practical option, especially if you want to keep your plans flexible.

The reviews reflect consistent satisfaction, emphasizing the funality, safety, and friendliness of the team, and the extraordinary scenery. Whether you’re after a new sport like sandboarding, a scenic off-road ride, or simply a different way to experience the natural beauty of Peru, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Lima, making it convenient to start your adventure without extra hassle.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately six hours, including transportation, activities, and return to Lima.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. The guides provide equipment and instructions suitable for all skill levels, making it accessible whether you’re a first-timer or experienced.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and many reviews mention that even small children find it enjoyable. However, those with physical problems are advised to consider the activity’s nature.

What should I wear or bring?
While not explicitly stated, expect to get sandy and dusty, so wear comfortable clothes, closed shoes, and bring sun protection. It’s wise to wear sunblock and sunglasses too.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Are the guides experienced?
Yes, reviews praise the guides’ professionalism, especially the driver Alfonso and instructor Rolando, for their skill and friendliness.

Final Verdict

This Lomas de Ancón sandboarding and off-road experience offers a lively, scenic escape from Lima’s city life. It combines adventure, natural beauty, and friendly guides at a fair price, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a memorable outdoor activity. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, snapping photos, or simply looking to try something new, this tour delivers an authentic, enjoyable day in the desert. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers, families, or groups eager for a bit of sand, sun, and thrill.