From Ica || Huacachina Desert Buggy Excursion ||

Imagine soaring over rolling dunes in a powerful buggy, feeling the wind whip past your face, and then sliding down sandy slopes on a sandboard—all in just two hours. This activity, priced at $26 per person, is centered around the captivating Huacachina oasis, a natural marvel surrounded by vast, sculpted dunes. Guided by friendly bilingual (Spanish/English) guides like Juan or Maria, this tour combines thrilling adventure with a touch of cultural storytelling, making it an excellent choice for those craving excitement and nature combined.

What we particularly love about this tour is how accessible it is—pick-up is available from central Ica hotels, making logistics straightforward. The dune buggy ride is a true adrenaline hit, especially for first-timers or thrill-seekers, while the sandboarding offers a fun, physical challenge that’s easy to pick up. Plus, the stunning desert landscape, with its ever-changing shapes and colors, keeps the scenery interesting at every turn.

A small consideration is the activity’s duration—just two hours—so if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration or multiple activities, this might feel a little quick. However, for a short adventure packed with excitement and photo opportunities, it hits the spot. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor thrills, are comfortable in a lively group, and appreciate natural beauty.

If you’re visiting Ica or Huacachina and want a lively, memorable experience that offers a good dose of adrenaline without breaking the bank, this buggy and sandboarding excursion will deliver. It’s suitable for anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to connect with one of Peru’s most striking natural landscapes.

Key Points

• Affordable adventure at $26 per person, offering great value for a quick, exhilarating experience
• Includes transportation from central Ica hotels, making pickup and drop-off convenient
• Thrilling buggy ride across dunes with opportunities for sandboarding on the slopes
• Bilingual guides enhance the experience with local insights and safety instructions
• Duration of about 2 hours strikes a good balance between excitement and time commitment
• Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or very young children due to the active nature of the tour

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Huacachina Desert Buggy Excursion

The Location and What Makes Huacachina Special

Starting from the bustling town of Ica, a quick 15-minute drive transports you to the Huacachina oasis, often called the “oasis of America.” Surrounded by towering sand dunes, this natural lagoon has become a magnet for adventure lovers and photographers. Its unique beauty lies in the way the wind shapes the dunes into whimsical, ever-changing sculptures, making the landscape perfect for an adrenaline-packed activity.

The Itinerary: From Pick-up to Return

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Ica around 15:30 if you opt for the with-pick-up package. After a scenic short drive, you’ll arrive at Huacachina, where your guide will share a brief history of this desert gem—an oasis that has drawn travelers since the early 20th century. While you listen, you might get a quick lesson in the area’s geography and its significance as a natural destination.

Once ready, you’ll hop into a powerful buggy, which is often a modified off-road vehicle designed to handle the steep dunes. The ride itself is a rollercoaster—sudden drops, sharp turns, and bursts of speed—all designed to give you an adrenaline rush while offering incredible panoramic views of the desert.

The Dunes and Photography Opportunities

The guides expertly navigate the complex landscape of dunes, stopping occasionally to frame some stunning photographs. The exotic landscapes include sweeping sandy valleys, wind-sculpted peaks, and glimpses of the eastern Peruvian Andes in the distance. Many travelers mention how these views, combined with the thrill of the ride, make for a memorable experience.

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Sandboarding: A Must-try Activity

One of the highlights is the sandboarding stop—an activity that seems simple but is surprisingly fun. You’ll be shown how to position yourself on a specially designed board, then encouraged to glide down the dunes. As one review states, “Pure adrenaline is what the Peruvian coastline has to offer,” and the sandboarding is a perfect example. Although some might find it challenging to stay upright at first, most agree that the exhilaration makes it worth the effort.

The Return and Final Moments

After your sandboarding adventure, you’ll return to the lagoon and then head back to Ica, arriving around 18:30. The entire trip is well-paced, with enough time to enjoy the scenery and activities without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the professionalism of guides who are “friendly and knowledgeable,” emphasizing how they make safety a priority. A common comment is the good value for the price, especially considering transportation, guides, and the activities included. Some mention that the buggy rides are the highlight, describing them as “thrilling and fun,” while others enjoy the photography opportunities amidst the dunes.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress in comfortable clothes that can get dirty, as sandboarding and dune riding are messy but fun.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield from the strong sun.
• Carry a reusable water bottle and cash for the tourist tax (S/. 3.60 or about US$ 0.90).
• Wear closed shoes suitable for adventure, and don’t forget your camera or smartphone with enough charge for photos.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, prepare accordingly—buggy rides can be bumpy.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This activity is perfect for adventure lovers willing to try something different. It suits those who don’t mind getting a little dusty and are seeking a fun, energetic experience in stunning natural surroundings. It’s less ideal for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or tiny children, given the active and bumpy nature of the ride.

The Value of the Huacachina Desert Buggy Excursion

Considering the cost of $26, this tour offers genuine value. It combines adrenaline, scenery, and culture in a compact two-hour window, making it a great way to squeeze in a memorable activity if your itinerary is packed. The inclusion of transportation from central Ica adds convenience, especially for travelers without their own transport.

While the tour’s brevity might leave some wanting more, it’s a surprisingly comprehensive taste of Huacachina’s dunes. The guides’ friendly attitude and the quality of the equipment make the experience smooth and enjoyable, even for first-timers.

Additional Considerations

The tour without pick-up option is perfect for those staying outside the central Ica area—they’ll just need to meet at the hotel El Bambu in Huacachina. The activity offers flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

The Sum Up

If you’re visiting Ica or Huacachina and crave a quick, exhilarating escape into nature, this buggy and sandboarding tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for adventure-minded travelers who want a taste of Peru’s iconic desert landscape without a long commitment. The mix of thrills, scenic views, and cultural insights ensures you’ll leave with plenty of photos and stories.

For those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits and are comfortable in lively group settings, this tour offers both value and fun. It’s a perfect way to add a splash of adventure to your trip—just be prepared for some dust and a whole lot of smiles.

FAQs

Is pick-up included in the tour?
Yes, if you select the “with pick-up” option, the tour includes pick-up from hotels in central Ica. Otherwise, you’ll need to go directly to the hotel El Bambú in Huacachina.

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for approximately 2 hours, which includes transportation, buggy ride, sandboarding, and returning to Ica.

What’s the cost of the tour?
The price is $26 per person, which covers all activities, guide services, and transportation (if selected).

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes transport by car or minibus from your hotel in Ica, depending on your chosen option.

Can I do this tour if I’m staying outside central Ica?
Yes, but you’ll need to join at the hotel El Bambú in Huacachina at 15:45, as the pick-up option is only available for central Ica hotels.

Is sandboarding suitable for beginners?
Yes, most guides show you how to do it, and while it might take a try or two to get comfortable, it’s accessible for most.

Are there age restrictions?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, babies under 1 year, or those over 70, due to safety reasons.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, water, and any medication you need. Clothes will get sandy, so dress accordingly.

Are there any hidden costs?
You’ll need to pay a small tourist tax of S/. 3.60 (around US$ 0.90) per person, not included in the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It can be, especially for older children and teens who enjoy adventure, but very young kids or those with health concerns might find it less suitable.

This Huacachina Desert Buggy Excursion offers a lively taste of Peru’s desert wonderland, combining the thrill of off-road driving with the joy of sandboarding, all within a compact, budget-friendly package. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just in need of a fun outdoor activity, it’s a memorable way to experience the natural beauty and adventure of the Ica region.

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