From Lima: Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip

From Lima: Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip

Planning a day trip from Lima that combines adventure, culture, and stunning scenery? This tour offers just that. For $105 per person, you’ll spend about 14 hours exploring the desert dunes of Huacachina with guided sandboarding or skiing, enjoy a delicious lunch, and indulge in wine and Pisco tastings in the city of Ica. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience promises a well-rounded taste of Peruvian nature and hospitality.

What we truly appreciate about this tour is the personalized instruction for sandboarding, making it accessible whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned thrill-seeker. Plus, the wine and Pisco tastings in Ica offer a charming local flavor that goes beyond just sightseeing, allowing you to appreciate Peru’s renowned spirits and wines. On the downside, the long travel time might be tiring for some, but the variety of activities keeps the day engaging.

This trip is perfect for adventure lovers, food and drink enthusiasts, and those seeking a quick escape from Lima to see a different side of Peru—its impressive dunes and welcoming local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day adventure from Lima with sandboarding, wine tasting, and sunset views
• Professional instructors ensure beginners feel confident on the dunes
• Authentic tasting experience with local wines and Pisco in Ica
• Beautiful desert scenery and photogenic moments, especially at sunset
• All included—lunch, photos, videos, and guided lessons
• Long day—be ready for a 14-hour commitment with early starts

Exploring the Tour: A Practical and Authentic Guide

The Journey Begins: From Lima to Ica and Huacachina

The trip kicks off with a drive from Lima, usually early in the morning. While the tour price doesn’t include hotel pickup, the journey itself is part of the adventure. You’ll head south, crossing landscapes that shift from urban to arid desert—an interesting visual transition that sets the tone for the day. The transport typically involves a comfortable bus, and the long drive (around 4-5 hours each way) means you’ll want to settle in with some snacks and water.

What makes this journey worthwhile is the anticipation of reaching Huacachina, a unique oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. The landscape here is striking—imposing sands that beckon adventure, contrasted by the lush greenery of the palm trees surrounding the lagoon. As you arrive, the guides will prepare you for the main activity.

Sandboarding and Sand Skiing: Adventure in the Dunes

Once at Huacachina, your professional instructor will give you a lesson, whether you’re brand new to sandboarding or have tried it before. The dunes are vast, with some reaching impressive heights—perfect for gliding down on a board or skis. According to reviews, the instructors are friendly and attentive, making sure everyone feels safe and confident.

The adrenaline of sliding down the dunes is a highlight, especially for those who love a physical challenge or simply enjoy fun, outdoor activities. Many travelers comment on how exhilarating it is to “feel the wind” as you descend the sandy slopes. For the more cautious, skiing offers a gentler alternative, but either way, you’ll leave with great photos and videos of your run—your guides will take care of capturing these moments.

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Lunch with a View

After the morning’s thrills, you’ll sit down for a local-style lunch—a chance to refuel before the afternoon. The meal isn’t just about sustenance but also about experiencing the flavors of Peru. While specific dishes aren’t detailed, the included lunch typically offers a taste of regional cuisine, served in a setting that allows you to enjoy the desert views.

Ica: Wine and Pisco Tasting

Post-lunch, the tour takes you to Ica, a region famous for its wineries and Pisco production. Here, you’ll sample several local wines and the famed Peruvian Pisco, often described as offering a unique blend of flavors. Some reviews note that the wine tasting is a delightful and authentic experience, with knowledgeable guides explaining the different varieties.

This part of the day provides a chance to relax and learn about Peruvian spirits, which play a significant role in local culture. It’s a lovely way to savor the day’s experiences, especially if you enjoy good drink and conversation.

Sunset and the Return Journey

As the day winds down, you’ll head back to the dunes for a sunset view, a moment that many find visually stunning and peaceful. The shifting colors over the sands create a perfect backdrop for photos that will remind you of this adventure.

The return trip to Lima is usually in the evening, meaning you’ll arrive back after a long, fulfilling day. Be prepared for a late night, but also for the satisfaction of having experienced such a diverse and memorable trip.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour is the professional instruction for sandboarding or skiing, lunch, wine and Pisco tastings, and photos and videos of your experience, which are sent to you afterward. These added touches provide great value, allowing you to relive the moments without worrying about capturing every shot yourself.

However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included**, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point. Personal expenses like souvenirs or extra drinks are also on your tab.

The Experience: A Balance of Thrills and Culture

By focusing on both adventure and local flavor, this tour offers a balanced day that’s more than just a sightseeing excursion. The sandboarding lessons are tailored for all levels, meaning you don’t need to be an expert to try it out—just a sense of fun and some comfortable clothes.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who make the experience safe and enjoyable, and the quality of the tastings—not just a quick shot of Pisco but a deeper appreciation of Peru’s renowned products. The scenic sunset over the dunes caps off the day with a truly memorable moment.

A minor consideration is the long travel time, which can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to long bus rides. But many find that the variety of activities keeps the day engaging from start to finish.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits adventure seekers, food and drink lovers, and those curious about Peru’s landscapes and local spirits. If you enjoy outdoor activities combined with authentic cultural experiences, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also good for anyone looking for a full-day escape from Lima without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For a reasonable price of $105, this day trip packs in adventure, culture, and stunning scenery, making it a value-packed experience. The combination of sandboarding, wine tasting, and sunset views creates a well-rounded snapshot of Peru’s diverse offerings.

The professional instructors, authentic tastings, and beautiful desert scenery make it an appealing choice, especially if you’re seeking a fun, active day with meaningful cultural stops. While the long drive may be a consideration, the overall experience rewards you with memories, photos, and stories to tell.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a full day out, appreciate local flavors, and want to see a truly unique landscape in Peru.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour price doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the travel time?
The trip takes around 14 hours total, including the drive to and from Lima, so be prepared for a long day.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for sandboarding or skiing, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and water.

Are the activities suitable for children?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with back problems.

Can I participate if I’ve never tried sandboarding?
Yes, the instructors provide lessons tailored to your skill level, so beginners are welcome.

Is food included?
Yes, a local lunch is included, offering a taste of regional cuisine.

What about photos and videos?
Professional photos and videos will be taken during the activities and sent to you afterward, so don’t worry about capturing everything yourself.

Is the sunset view at Huacachina worth it?
Absolutely. The sunset over the dunes creates truly stunning photo opportunities and a peaceful end to a busy day.

How physically demanding is the tour?
While activities are accessible to most, prepare for some walking and physical activity, especially during sandboarding.

What’s the best time of year to do this trip?
The tour runs year-round; check availability. The desert climate means dry, warm weather most of the year, ideal for outdoor activities.

This trip offers an engaging blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty—a memorable day for anyone wanting to see a different side of Peru while enjoying some fun in the sun.

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