Ica Desert Sandboarding or Sand Skiing: An Adventurous Ride into Peru’s Dunes

If you’re craving an adrenaline rush amid stunning desert scenery, the Ica Desert Sandboarding or Sand Skiing experience offers exactly that. For just $43 per person, this 2-hour tour takes you from the iconic Huacachina Oasis into the heart of the Ica Desert, where towering sand dunes await your descent. Guided by friendly, multilingual guides, you’ll hop into a desert buggy and traverse about 3 to 4 miles of shifting sands before sliding down on your choice of sandboarding or sand skiing.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of high-energy buggy rides with the serene beauty of the dunes — a contrast that keeps the experience lively and scenic. The other highlight is the spectacular panoramic views from the top of the dunes, which make every slide feel like a mini adventure. One potential downside is that for those who prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding experience, the thrill of zipping down the dunes might be a bit overwhelming. Still, it’s a fantastic choice for active travelers and adventure lovers. This tour suits anyone eager for a quick, fun-filled taste of desert adventure, especially those interested in unique landscape photography or seeking an authentic thrill outside traditional sightseeing.

Key Points

Affordable and Short: Just $43 for a 2-hour adrenaline-packed adventure.
Unique Experience: Combines buggy rides with sandboarding or sand skiing on impressive dunes.
Breathtaking Scenery: Offers incredible panoramic views of the Ica Desert.
Guided Tour: Led by friendly, English-speaking guides who prioritize safety.
Ideal for Active Travelers: Perfect for those seeking outdoor fun in a stunning desert setting.
Flexible Booking: Options to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Ica Desert Sandboarding & Sand Skiing Tour

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Starting Point: Huacachina Oasis – The Gateway to Desert Adventure

We begin our journey at Huacachina Oasis, a tiny desert town famous for its lush lagoon surrounded by giant sand dunes. It’s the ideal launching pad for this tour because of its compact size and easy access to the dunes. Guides typically meet travelers here, making it a convenient start. You’ll find that the meet-up process is straightforward, and most tours operate within set time slots, so checking availability ahead of time is a good idea.

The Desert Buggy Ride – A Thrilling Ascent into the Dunes

Once gathered, you’ll hop into a powerful, open-air buggy driven by a skilled guide, often a local with plenty of experience navigating the shifting sands. The ride itself lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, during which you’ll feel the adrenaline as the buggy climbs and plunges over dunes, providing fantastic photo opportunities of the desert landscape.

Travelers frequently mention how the buggy ride is a highlight — it’s fast, bumpy, and exciting. The views from the top of the dunes reveal the vast, golden expanses of desert, with the blue sky contrasting sharply with the sandy terrain. The journey covers roughly 3 to 4 miles of desert terrain, giving a good balance of adventure and scenic beauty.

Reaching the Dune Top – The Playful Peak of the Experience

Arriving at the top of a sizable dune, the guides will help you gear up with sandboarding or sand skiing equipment. Safety instructions are brief but essential, ensuring everyone understands how to slide safely down the dunes. We appreciated that guides are fluent in both English and Spanish — making the experience accessible for a broad range of travelers.

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Sandboarding or Sand Skiing – The Main Event

Here’s where the fun begins. You can choose to stand on a snowboard-like board or saddle up for sand skiing — both exhilarating ways to descend the dunes. Many people love the simplicity of sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding but adapts better to the warm, gritty surface. Sand skiing, on the other hand, adds a unique twist, giving a feeling akin to gliding across the sand on skis.

Travelers’ reviews echo the thrill: “Once you get to the top, you’ll want to go down again and again,” one said, describing the pure joy of sliding down the dunes. Beginners often find it surprisingly easy to pick up, especially with assistance from guides, and the views from the top are well worth the climb.

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From Dunes to Dune – The Descent Experience

Sliding down offers a sense of freedom and speed as you carve your way across the soft sand. Expect to get a little sandy — it’s part of the fun — but guides typically offer tips on how to land safely and minimize dust in your face. Many find that the physical activity combined with the stunning vistas makes for a memorable experience.

Return Journey and Reflection

After several runs down the dunes, you’ll hop back into the buggy for a reminiscent ride back to the starting point. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, making it a perfect quick escape from more traditional sightseeing. It’s a balanced mix of adrenaline, scenic views, and cultural authenticity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and aren’t afraid to get a little dusty. It’s an excellent option for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a fun, memorable experience outside typical touristic sites. Those who appreciate panoramic desert views and want a taste of local adventure will especially enjoy this.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to similar experiences, this tour provides a good bang for your buck. It includes buggy transportation, guides fluent in both English and Spanish, and all necessary equipment. The flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, add peace of mind.

Extra Tips

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for climbing dunes.
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to shield from the sun.
Remember, sliding down the dunes can be dusty — a bandana or scarf can help keep dust out of your face.
The tour is two hours long, so plan your day accordingly, possibly combining it with other nearby activities like visiting the oasis or exploring local cafes afterward.

The Sum Up

The Ica Desert Sandboarding or Sand Skiing tour offers an engaging, energetic way to see one of Peru’s most striking landscapes. With lively buggy rides, stunning desert vistas, and the thrill of sliding down giant dunes, it balances adventure with visual spectacle. It’s especially suited for those who want a fun, active escape from traditional sightseeing, and who aren’t shy about a little dust and dirt.

This experience delivers excellent value for the price and creates lasting memories of Peru’s iconic desert scenery. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling outdoor activity, or simply want to capture dramatic photos of endless dunes, this trip is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 2 hours total, including transportation, dune climbing, and sliding.

What is the price of this experience?
It costs $43 per person, which includes buggy transportation, equipment for sandboarding or sand skiing, and a guide.

Is there an age or physical restriction?
The description doesn’t specify age limits, but the activity involves climbing dunes and sliding, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with light physical activity.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Spanish, making it accessible to most travelers.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your planning.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the buggy ride is part of the experience, transporting you from Huacachina into the desert.

In all, this tour offers a dynamic and scenic way to enjoy Peru’s desert landscape, perfect for those craving adventure and authentic outdoor fun.