Exploring the Ica Region: A Wine, Pisco, and Dune Buggy Adventure

If you’re heading to southern Peru, the Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience offers a balanced mix of cultural insights and adrenaline-pumping fun. For $54 a person, this 7.5-hour tour takes you from the lush vineyards of Ica to the exhilarating sands of Huacachina’s desert in a single day. Included are visits to both industrial and artisanal wineries, tasting sessions, a visit to the iconic Huacachina Oasis, and a buggy ride with sandboarding thrown in for good measure.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see how Peruvian wines and Piscos are made—a step beyond just tasting. Second, the desert adventure with breathtaking stops for photos and sandboarding offers an authentic thrill that many travelers crave.

A potential consideration? The timing can be tight, especially if you want to linger longer at each stop. If you’re not a fan of high-energy activities or have mobility concerns, some parts might require a bit of stamina.

This experience suits curious travelers eager to combine cultural discoveries with outdoor adventure. It’s especially good for those who enjoy tasting local products and want a taste of the desert thrills without spending days in the region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Diverse Experience: Combines winery tours, tastings, desert adventure, and sandboarding.
Cultural Insight: Learn step-by-step how Peruvian wines and Piscos are made.
Adrenaline Rush: Exciting buggy rides and sandboarding over the dunes.
Value for Money: Includes transportation, guide, tastings, and activities for just over $50.
Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Reserve now, pay later with full refunds up to 24 hours beforehand.
Family-Friendly: Suitable for active travelers; not recommended for pregnant women or those with certain health issues.

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A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Pickup and Introduction

The tour starts around 11:00 hrs with pickup from your hotel in Ica, Huacachina, or nearby areas. The smooth transportation provided by the tour operator ensures you’re not stressing over logistics. The group sizes tend to be manageable, making interaction with guides more personal.

Vineyard Visits and Tastings

The first highlight is visiting either Hacienda Tacama or Vista Alegre, both significant in Peru’s winemaking scene. These industrial vineyards reveal the production process, from grape to bottle. Known for their large scale, they produce Piscos and wines that you can sample at the end of the tour.

Next, a visit to “El Arrabal”, an artisanal vineyard, adds a more intimate look at traditional Peruvian winemaking. The guide explains each step, emphasizing local craftsmanship. Tasting Piscos, wines, and Pisco creams here provides a delightful contrast to the industrial process. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way they explained the step-by-step production, making it feel more authentic.”

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Lunch Break

After the vineyard visits, you get some free time at the Vitivinicola restaurant. Their menu features traditional Peruvian dishes like rice with duck, carapulcra, and vegetarian options—perfect for refueling. The restaurant’s setting gives a local flavor, and the variety ensures everyone finds something to enjoy.

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Huacachina Oasis & Desert Adventure

Post-lunch, the adventure shifts to the Huacachina Oasis, a tiny desert paradise surrounded by towering dunes. Here, you’ll register at the tour office before heading to the dunes for your buggy ride.

The buggy excursion kicks off around 16:00 hrs. The buggies are a fun, adrenaline-filled way to explore the sand dunes—think of it as a rollercoaster on wheels. The tour includes several stops at scenic points for photos with sweeping desert views.

Sandboarding: A Practical Overview

Sandboarding is a highlight for many; it involves lying prone on a board and sliding down dunes. As one review said, “We made several stops to take photos and try sandboarding. It’s a bit tricky at first, but definitely worth trying.” Keep in mind, since there’s no standing sandboarding without prior experience, it’s best suited for those who don’t mind getting a little sandy and adventurous.

Tour Ending and Return

The desert tour wraps up around 18:30 hrs, with travelers returning to the office to be transferred back to their hotels. The timing allows for a relaxed but comprehensive experience, though if you want more time at any stop, it’s worth mentioning during booking.

The Value of This Experience

For just $54, you get a surprising amount of value: transportation, an expert guide, two vineyard visits with tastings, desert exploration in a buggy, and sandboarding. The inclusion of multiple stops means you gain insights into Peru’s wine and Pisco industries—important cultural elements—while also enjoying some outdoor adventure.

Compared to separate activities, this tour streamlines logistics and offers a well-rounded glimpse into Ica’s highlights. The tasting sessions let you savor local products, often a highlight for wine enthusiasts. On top of that, the storytelling by guides enriches your understanding of Peruvian traditions.

While the entrance fee for Hacienda Tacama is extra (S/25.00 soles), the guided tour and tastings add significant value. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation, make it accessible for spontaneous plans.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and sandboarding.
Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen—the desert sun is strong.
Bring a camera for the many photo opportunities, especially at dunes and vineyards.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, be aware that the buggy ride over dunes can be bumpy.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with heart or respiratory issues, or wheelchair users.
Be prepared for possible extra charges at the vineyards and Huacachina entrance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those craving a blend of culture and adventure. If you’re interested in local wines and Piscos, want to see how they’re made, and enjoy thrilling outdoor activities, this is a great fit. Families with active kids might also find it enjoyable, provided they’re comfortable with sandboarding and bumpy rides.

Travelers on a limited schedule will appreciate the organized, all-in-one nature of the tour, saving time and effort. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore vineyards at your own speed, independent visits might suit you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel and transfer back, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7.5 hours, starting around 11:00 hrs and ending by 18:30 hrs.

Are tastings included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy tastings of Piscos, wines, and Pisco creams at two different vineyards.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera, and light clothing are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but sandboarding and buggy rides can be bumpy. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain health issues.

Are there any extra costs?
You’ll need to pay entrance fees at the vineyards (S/25.00 soles at Hacienda Tacama, S/15.00 soles at Vista Alegre) and Huacachina’s tourist tax (S/3.60 soles). These are paid on-site.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, accommodating a wide range of travelers.

In The Sum Up

The Wine, Pisco, and Dune Buggy Experience offers a well-balanced day out in Ica, blending cultural insights with outdoor fun. The visits to wineries provide a taste of local craftsmanship, while the desert ride and sandboarding introduce an exhilarating element often missing from typical tours. For travelers looking for an affordable, engaging day that packs in diverse activities, this tour delivers good value and genuine moments of Peruvian flavor and adventure.

It’s best suited for those who want a lively, participatory experience—perfect for curious explorers, wine lovers, or adventure seekers eager to see the desert from a different perspective. Just remember, it’s a full day, so come prepared for a mix of cultural discovery and energetic outdoor pursuits.

Enjoy your trip to Ica, and don’t forget to take plenty of photos—this is a day you’ll want to remember.