From Ica: City Tour – Tubulars and Sandboarding

Travelers looking for a blend of cultural discovery and exhilarating dune adventures will find this 5-hour tour from Ica to be just the ticket. For $59 per person, you’ll visit the city of Ica, explore the famous Huacachina oasis, and get your adrenaline pumping with sandboarding and buggy rides in the dunes. Led by a local guide, most activities are included, making it a straightforward way to tick off some of Peru’s most fun and scenic spots in one go.

Two aspects we really appreciate — first, the chance to visit artisanal wineries for pisco tasting, which offers a taste of Peru’s iconic spirit in a relaxed setting. Second, the multi-layered adventure that combines cultural visits with high-energy activities like tubing and sandboarding. It’s a well-balanced experience that offers both insight and adrenaline.

A possible consideration? The tour is conducted mainly in Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might want to prepare with some basic phrases or translation apps. Plus, the small group size (limited to 10) means it’s intimate, but also that spots can fill up quickly. This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of cultural discovery and outdoor adventure, especially if you’re eager to experience Huacachina’s famous dunes without organizing everything yourself.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience merging city tourism, winery visits, and dune adventures.
• Includes activities like tubing, sandboarding, and buggy rides — all fun and memorable.
• Cultural insights through visits to Cachiche, the House of Tiles, and a local artisanal winery.
• Small group setting for personalized attention and better interaction.
• Flexible options to stay in Huacachina afterward for continued fun.
• Value-priced at just $59, considering the included activities and transport.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Ica and Huacachina: What to Expect

This tour offers a well-rounded look at what makes the Ica region special, starting early from your pickup point. We’ll begin by visiting Cachiche, a quirky town famous for legends of witches and the monument to the head witch. Walking among seven-headed palm trees and hearing local stories, you get an authentic slice of regional folklore and local life. It’s an offbeat stop that’s both fun and slightly surreal — a highlight for those interested in local customs and legends.

Next, the visit to an artisanal winery provides a quieter, more refined experience. Here, you’ll enjoy a pisco tasting — Peru’s national spirit — and perhaps a glass of local wine. The winery visit is not only about tasting but also about understanding the traditional methods used in Peru’s wine and pisco production, adding depth to your trip. Many travelers find this contrast of cultural history with sensory delight to be one of the most memorable parts.

Following the cultural stops, it’s time to head straight to Huacachina, the desert oasis that’s become a symbol of adventure tourism in Peru. You’ll have the chance to ride buggies across the dunes, feeling the thrill of off-road driving on sandpits and dunes. Afterward, you can try sandboarding, which involves sliding down the dunes on a board — an activity that’s surprisingly accessible, even for beginners.

The adventure tour is designed to be fun, safe, and inclusive. The included tubular ride provides a different perspective on the dunes, often described as a “bumpy, exhilarating ride” that offers a unique way to enjoy the landscape. The guide, typically speaking in Spanish, will keep the pace lively and ensure everyone is comfortable with the activities.

You’ll also have some free time at Huacachina at the end of the tour. Many choose to stay longer to relax by the lagoon, explore more dunes, or even just soak in the desert scenery. This flexibility makes it ideal if you want a mix of scheduled fun and personal exploration.

The Details: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Transport and Guide: Your experience begins with tourist transport from the pickup point, making logistics hassle-free. The tour is led by a Spanish-speaking guide who provides insights into each stop, helping you understand the cultural and natural significance of each site.

Duration and Timing: Lasting about 5 hours, the tour offers a good portion of the day for exploration. The starting times vary; check availability to find one that fits your schedule. Early morning or mid-morning starts are common, giving you plenty of daylight for activities.

Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, the small group format enhances interaction and ensures a more personal experience. Many reviews mention how this creates a friendly atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and the guide can tailor the experience slightly to your interests.

Cost and Value: At $59, the price includes all activities, transport, guide, and tastings. The only extra expenses are personal purchases and a small fee for access to the dunes (S/3.80). When you consider the inclusion of cultural sites, wine tasting, and adventurous activities in one package, this experience offers good value for money.

Activities: All the thrills — sandboarding and buggy riding — are included. The tubular ride provides a different way to enjoy the dunes, and many travelers find it adds a sense of adventure that’s both safe and exciting.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Tips

We loved how this tour balances cultural sights with adrenaline-pumping activities. For instance, the visit to Cachiche isn’t just a quick stop — it’s a chance to connect with local legends and see quirky palm trees that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Many reviews highlight the informal, friendly atmosphere, which makes it feel more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend than a formal tour.

At the winery, the pisco tasting offers a genuine taste of Peru’s heritage. The artisan approach means you’re sampling spirits made with traditional methods, which adds authenticity often missing in larger commercial tours.

The dunes at Huacachina are truly breathtaking — a vast stretch of sand that transforms into a playground for thrill-seekers. The buggy ride is a highlight, with guides maneuvering the vehicles over steep dunes, providing both a thrill and fantastic photo opportunities.

A key consideration: Spanish language. While many guides are skilled at engaging non-Spanish speakers, some explanations might be limited without translation. If language is a barrier, consider bringing a translation app, or ask if an English-speaking guide is available.

Finally, the flexibility of staying longer in Huacachina after the tour is a bonus for those wanting more dune time or a relaxing sunset. Just ask the guide before the tour ends for suggestions on extending your visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure lovers wanting a full day of fun in the desert, combined with cultural sights. It suits those on a budget looking for value — a single tour that ticks multiple boxes. It’s also great for small groups and travelers who enjoy personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

If you prefer self-guided exploration or are worried about language barriers, this tour might require some preparation. Conversely, if you love joining organized activities with a bit of local flavor, this is an excellent choice to make your Ica visit memorable.

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FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they’re comfortable with the activities like sandboarding and buggy rides. The tour is family-friendly, but always check with the provider if you have concerns about age restrictions.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities. Money for personal purchases and the dune entrance fee is also recommended.

Can I stay in Huacachina after the tour?
Absolutely. The tour ends with free time in Huacachina, and you can choose to stay longer to enjoy the scenery or explore more dunes.

Is transportation included?
Yes, your tourist transport from the starting point to all sites is included.

What language is the guide in?
The guide mainly speaks Spanish. While some guides may speak other languages, the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish.

How long is the sandboarding session?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but it’s included as part of the adventure activities in the 5-hour timeline.

What if I want to skip a part of the tour?
You can discuss this with your guide, especially if you want to stay longer in Huacachina after the activities. Flexibility is a feature of this tour.

Are the activities safe?
Yes, safety is a priority. Guides are experienced, and all activities are included and supervised.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if plans change.

Is this tour available year-round?
You’ll need to check current availability, but most outdoor activity tours in Ica operate year-round, weather permitting.

This Ica tour strikes a nice balance between learning about local traditions and experiencing the thrill of the desert. It offers great value in a compact package, making it an appealing choice whether you’re traveling solo or with family. Expect a day filled with lively stories, scenic dunes, and a few adrenaline rushes — all in the company of a friendly, knowledgeable guide.

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