From Paracas: Mini Buggy Tour & Sandboarding at Oasis

Exploring the Ica Region from Paracas: An Authentic Desert Adventure with Dunes and Oasis

If you’re looking to turn your visit to Paracas into a true adventure, this Mini Buggy Tour & Sandboarding at Oasis offers a lively mix of adrenaline, scenery, and relaxation. For about $83 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours exploring the California Desert in a 4×4 buggy, learning about the landscape from knowledgeable guides, and enjoying the Oasis of Costa Rica—a lush, inviting spot amid the dunes.

What we love about this experience is how it combines active fun with breathtaking views. The sand dunes themselves are a highlight—colorful, towering, and endlessly shifting—making each ride a unique spectacle. Plus, the chance to sandboard down the dunes adds that perfect dash of adventure for those craving some thrill.

One possible consideration is the long wait or logistical hiccups reported by some travelers, especially regarding the Oasis visit, which might feel a bit rushed or disorganized at times. If you’re adaptable and enjoy spontaneous adventures, this won’t be a problem—just keep a flexible mindset.

This tour appeals most to those who love outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and don’t mind a bit of rough-and-tumble riding. It’s perfect if you’re seeking a fun, active day outside the usual tour circuit, and you’re ready to embrace a bit of desert adventure.

Key Points

• Diverse Activities: Combining buggy rides, sandboarding, kayaking, and swimming offers great variety.
• Stunning Landscapes: Expect colorful, towering dunes and a vibrant lagoon.
• Professional Guides: Knowledgeable instructors enhance the experience, sharing insights about the desert.
• Authentic Experience: Traveling in 4x4s across the desert provides a real sense of adventure.
• Relaxing Oasis: The Costa Rica Lagoon is a refreshing highlight, perfect for chilling out after the dune fun.
• Potential for Waits: Some reviews mention logistical issues, so patience might be needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive into What You Can Expect

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Paracas, making it a seamless start. From there, you’ll head into the California Desert, a vast sea of finely textured, colorful sand dunes. This landscape isn’t just visually striking—it’s alive with constantly shifting formations that make each ride different than the last.

Riding the Buggies: Once in the desert, you’ll hop into powerful, lightweight buggies designed for maneuvering over dunes. The guides will lead the way, and you’ll get the chance to snap photos of the undulating landscape, which looks almost surreal in the bright desert sun. The buggy rides are a highlight for many travelers, offering both thrills and insight into this unique environment.

Sandboarding: As you pause at some of the higher dunes, you’ll have the chance to try sandboarding—a sport similar to snowboarding but on warm, golden sand. It’s a straightforward activity, but it’s surprisingly fun and a great way to add a bit of adventure to your day. You don’t need any prior experience; just a sense of fun and a willingness to get sandy.

Reaching the Oasis of Costa Rica: After some dune exploration, your journey continues in 4×4 tubular vehicles that carve through the dunes—an unforgettable ride in itself. The Oasis of Costa Rica is the crown jewel of this tour. It’s a large lagoon surrounded by golden dunes, offering a lush contrast to the arid desert. The oasis is pristine and well-preserved, impressing travelers with its tranquility and natural beauty.

Activities at the Oasis: Here, you can kayak, paddleboard, or simply walk along the shoreline. The water is inviting, and many enjoy a quick swim to cool off. Bird watching is another perk, as the lagoon attracts various native species. It’s a perfect spot to relax after the exhilarating buggy ride, and the scenery makes for excellent photos.

Logistical quirks are part of the experience. Some reviews mention that the stay at the Oasis can be brief—around 15 minutes—so if you’re hoping for a long, leisurely exploration, you might find it a bit rushed. Communication issues have also been raised, with some travelers noting delays or lack of guidance during the visit.

Return Journey: After soaking in the scenery and engaging in some light water activities, the trip concludes with a direct drive back to your hotel in Paracas, completing a full but comfortably paced adventure.

What Makes This Tour a Great Choice?

The value here lies in the variety of experiences included—from off-road buggy rides and sandboarding to the peaceful oasis. For adventure lovers, the dune riding alone is worth the price. The guides’ local knowledge enriches the trip, offering context about the landscape and the region’s natural history.

The scenery is genuinely captivating; the dunes are spectacular and constantly changing, providing a different vista each time you turn a corner. The Oasis of Costa Rica feels like a hidden gem—an unexpected lush haven in the middle of the desert.

However, it’s not a tour for those looking for a luxurious, leisurely experience. The logistics can be a bit disorganized, especially if you’re expecting a long stay at the oasis or a smooth, hassle-free process. Also, it’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 65, which is standard for active outdoor adventures involving off-road vehicle rides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who craves hands-on adventure, loves outdoor physical activities, and appreciates scenic landscapes, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially suited for young couples, groups of friends, or active families who want to experience the desert in a more dynamic way than just sightseeing from a bus.

Those who dislike long waits or a bit of unpredictability might want to prepare for possible delays or limited time at the oasis. But if you’re flexible and enjoy learning about new environments, you’ll find this tour a fun and memorable outing.

Final Thoughts

This Mini Buggy Tour & Sandboarding experience offers a perfect blend of thrill and relaxation in the stunning desert landscape of the Ica region. You’ll love the adrenaline rush of dune riding, the unique scenery of colorful dunes, and the chance to cool off in the lush lagoon. The guides’ local knowledge and enthusiasm add depth to the experience, making it more than just a ride—it’s a genuine connection to the region’s natural beauty.

While the logistics could be smoother, the overall value and authenticity make this tour a worthwhile choice for adventurous travelers. Whether you’re looking to tick off a bucket-list activity or simply want to spend a day in an extraordinary landscape, this desert escapade will leave you with plenty of stories to tell.

More Great Tours Nearby

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in Paracas is included, and transportation during the tour is via buggies and 4×4 vehicles.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including activities and travel time. Check availability for specific start times.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy buggy rides through the dunes, sandboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming at the Oasis of Costa Rica.

Is there an age limit for participants?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 65 years old due to the physical nature of the activities.

Do I need to bring anything?
Sunscreen is recommended. Large luggage or bags are not allowed during the activities.

Are meals included?
Meals are not specified in the itinerary, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

What is the typical group size?
While not explicitly stated, the tour seems to accommodate small to medium groups, guided by knowledgeable instructors.

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

This tour provides a lively, active way to experience Peru’s desert landscapes. With spectacular scenery, engaging activities, and a chance to relax at the lagoon, it’s a memorable outing for those ready for a bit of an adventure.

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