From Ica: City Tour – Tubulars and Sandboarding is a lively exploration of Peru’s Ica region, blending cultural sights with fun-filled desert adventures. For $59 per person, this five-hour outing takes you through some of the most iconic spots around Ica, including a visit to the charming town of Cachiche, the colorful House of Tiles, and the bustling Huacachina oasis. Led by a Spanish-speaking guide, it’s a balanced mix of history, local flavor, and adrenaline — ideal if you crave a taste of both culture and excitement.

What we particularly like about this tour is how smoothly it combines different experiences. You get a glimpse of Ica’s unique traditions at Cachiche, famed for its legendary witches, and then enjoy tasting pisco and wine at an artisanal winery, which showcases Peru’s renowned spirits in a personal setting. The adrenaline rush, however, is the star of the show — sandboarding down the dunes and riding in buggies is as exhilarating as it sounds, promising plenty of fun in the sand.

A possible consideration is that the tour is primarily guided in Spanish, which might be a hurdle if you don’t speak the language. Also, the dunes entrance fee (S/3.80) isn’t included, so you’ll need a small extra cash outlay if you want to access the dunes directly. This experience suits active travelers who want a well-rounded day with cultural insights and adventure, especially those eager to try sandboarding for the first time or enjoy a scenic winery visit.

Key Points

From Ica: City Tour - Tubulars and Sandboarding - Key Points

Variety of Experiences: Combines cultural visits, local wine tasting, and thrilling desert activities.
Authentic Cultural Stops: Includes Cachiche and the House of Tiles, offering insight into local legends and architecture.
Adventure in the Dunes: Sandboarding and buggy rides are included, delivering fun and adrenaline.
Flexible Endings: You can stay in Huacachina afterward if you wish to explore more on your own.
Price & Value: At $59, it offers a comprehensive look at Ica’s highlights with included activities, making it good value.
Language & Accessibility: Guided in Spanish, so some travelers may need translation help or prepare for a language barrier.

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A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

From Ica: City Tour - Tubulars and Sandboarding - A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

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Starting Point and Timing

The tour begins around 11:30 AM, with pickup from a designated starting point. The timing is convenient for those staying nearby or arriving early in the day. The 5-hour duration strikes a good balance between seeing key sights and enjoying adventure activities without feeling rushed.

Cultural Highlights: Cachiche and the House of Tiles

Soon after pickup, you’ll visit Cachiche, a town famous for its legends of witches and mystical palms. The visit to the monument to the head witch of Cachiche offers a glimpse into local folklore, which has become a popular and charming aspect of the region’s identity. We loved the quirky charm of the seven-headed palm tree, a photo-worthy symbol of Cachiche’s mystique.

Next, your guide takes you to the House of Tiles, a vibrant building decorated with colorful ceramic art. It’s a visual feast that offers insight into local artistry and craftsmanship, making it a fun stop for those interested in architecture and local traditions.

Wine Tasting and Local Flavors

The tour includes a visit to an artisanal winery, where you’ll sample pisco and local wines. The tasting session allows you to appreciate Peru’s world-famous spirits, with the added bonus of understanding the traditional production methods. This stop adds a relaxed, social element to the tour, especially if you enjoy discovering local flavors and small-scale producers.

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Lunch Break

Lunch is not included in the price, giving you flexibility to choose your own spot or grab a quick bite. We suggest bringing some cash or planning ahead — many travelers prefer to sample regional dishes in Ica’s cafes or restaurants, which often serve affordable, hearty Peruvian fare.

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Huacachina and the Dunes: Adventure Awaits

The highlight for many is the time spent in Huacachina, a scenic desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. After arriving, the fun begins with the adventure tour, which includes tube rides, sandboarding practice, and buggies. The rides in off-road buggies are adrenaline-pumping, offering sweeping views of the desert terrain.

Sandboarding, included in the tour, may remind you of snowboarding but on warm, sun-drenched dunes. Even first-timers have a good shot at sliding down with some practice, and it’s a thrilling way to connect with the landscape. The S/3.80 dunes entrance fee is not included, but it’s a small price to pay for access to this iconic desert playground.

Flexibility at the End

At the end of the tour, you have the option to stay longer in Huacachina. This is perfect if you want to relax, explore more independently, or enjoy additional activities like visiting local cafes or shops.

Practicalities and Value

From Ica: City Tour - Tubulars and Sandboarding - Practicalities and Value

The included transportation makes getting between sights hassle-free, and the guided approach ensures you learn about each stop without the need for extra planning. Given the price of $59, this tour offers a solid value — covering cultural sites, tastings, and adventure activities in a single manageable package.

The tour guide provides commentary in Spanish, which is great for Spanish speakers but might require some translation help for others. Group sizes are not specified but are typically moderate, allowing for a more personal experience.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the fun and diverse nature of the day. One traveler mentioned, “The sandboarding was the highlight — I had never tried it before, and it was much easier than I thought.” Others appreciated the cultural stops, noting that “Cachiche was full of character and stories that made the visit really memorable.”

Some travelers do suggest bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and water, especially for the desert segment. Because the tour is fairly full, it’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and physical activity.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

From Ica: City Tour - Tubulars and Sandboarding - Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and small group travelers looking for a well-rounded day in Ica. If you’re new to sandboarding or want to learn about Peru’s local traditions and spirits, this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially good if you prefer a guided experience that handles logistics and offers authentic insights without the hassle of planning every detail.

The Sum Up

In essence, this tour offers a balanced combination of cultural discovery and desert adventure at a reasonable price. You’ll learn about Ica’s legends, taste its spirits, and get your adrenaline fix in the dunes — all within five relaxed hours. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone seeking a fun, active day outside of Lima, this experience provides a solid introduction to what makes the Ica region so special.

It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of history, local flavor, and outdoor fun. If you’re comfortable with Spanish or don eager to try new activities, this tour delivers value and memorable moments in a compact package.

FAQ

From Ica: City Tour - Tubulars and Sandboarding - FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the activities are generally safe, sandboarding and buggy rides are best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with active outdoor adventures. Confirm age restrictions with the provider beforehand.

Do I need to speak Spanish to enjoy the tour?
The guide speaks only Spanish, so some basic understanding or a translation app might help. However, many sights are visual, and the activities are straightforward.

Is transportation included?
Yes, tourist transport is included, making travel between sites smooth and hassle-free.

How long is the drive between Ica and Huacachina?
The tour includes a visit to Huacachina, which is very close to Ica, so travel time is minimal and allows more time for activities there.

What should I bring for the sandboarding and buggy rides?
Wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You may also want to bring a light jacket if you’re sensitive to wind or sun exposure.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is at your own expense, so plan to bring cash or visit local eateries in Ica or Huacachina.

Can I stay longer in Huacachina after the tour?
Yes, the tour ends with the option to remain and explore on your own.

Is there any extra fee for visiting the dunes?
Yes, the S/3.80 dunes entrance fee isn’t included but is a small additional cost.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
The tour starts around 11:30 AM, which helps avoid the midday heat and allows for comfortable sightseeing and activities.

What do reviews say about this tour?
Travelers rave about the fun sandboarding and buggy rides, calling them “highlight” moments, and appreciate the cultural stops for their charm and authenticity.

In the end, this tour offers a delightful mix of Peru’s best — from stories and spirits to sand and speed. Perfect if you’re seeking a lively, engaging day that blends learning with adventure.