Ica | Huacachina: Desert Glamping | Night Under the Stars

Planning a trip to Peru often includes destinations like Machu Picchu or Cusco, but if you’re looking for a truly unique experience that combines adventure, comfort, and stunning scenery, the Desert Glamping overnight in Huacachina might be just what you need. For around $280 per person, this 14-hour tour takes you into the heart of the dunes, where you’ll enjoy not only adrenaline-pumping buggy rides and sandboarding but also a cozy night under a canopy of stars. It’s offered in both Spanish and English, making it accessible whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends.

What stands out for us is the blend of luxury camping in a remote desert setting—complete with a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable tents, and a private chef—as well as the chance to experience dune buggies and sunset views that are simply unforgettable. We also appreciate how this tour emphasizes authentic natural beauty and a touch of luxury, ensuring you’re comfortable amid the vastness of the desert.

One thing to consider is that the tour, while packed with activities, requires an early start and a willingness to leave the desert by approximately 8 a.m. the next day—so it’s better suited for travelers prepared for a full day and night away from conventional accommodations. If you crave a mix of adventure, comfort, and extraordinary landscapes, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience is ideal for those who love outdoor adventures with a touch of luxury—perfect if you’re interested in sand dunes, starry skies, and enjoying gourmet food in a remote setting. It’s also a great choice for travelers who want to combine adrenaline with relaxation and memorable views.

Key Points

• Unique glamping experience with all comforts in the desert dunes
• Exciting dune buggy rides and sandboarding opportunities
• Spectacular sunset views from a panoramic desert vantage point
• Gourmet dinner served by a private chef in a cozy camp setting
• Starry night skies ideal for stargazing away from city lights
• Day use hotel access on the second day for showers and rest

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Ica Huacachina Desert Glamping Experience

When you think of the desert, you might imagine endless sands and hot days, but this tour transforms that image. You begin with a transfer from Huacachina to the natural oasis of the lagoon, a patch of green amid golden dunes, surrounded by palm trees. Here, the adventure kicks off with a 4×4 buggy ride across the sand, which is the highlight for many travelers. The thrill of bouncing over dunes, combined with the opportunity for sandboarding—if you’re feeling brave—creates a perfect mix of excitement and awe. As one reviewer put it, they loved the adrenaline rush of the buggy crossing and sandboarding, emphasizing how these moments inspired fun and laughter.

The sunset stop offers a particularly special view, with an expansive panoramic outlook that captures the desert’s changing colors as the sun dips below the horizon. This is a truly spectacular moment that everyone should aim for. The guides are attentive and help you find the best vantage point, making the experience accessible whether you’re a seasoned sandboarder or a first-timer.

Arriving at the camp, prepared in advance for comfort, you encounter a thoughtfully designed space with tents, a fully equipped kitchen, and cozy areas decorated with cushions, rugs, and ambient lighting. The décor and lighting—from lanterns to campfire—set the mood for the evening. The highlight here is the dinner, prepared by your private chef and served with a welcoming toast of wine or sparkling wine. The menu features grilled options like tenderloin, roasted chorizo, and grilled vegetables, served with potatoes and salads, offering a hearty and satisfying meal after a day of adventure.

What makes this experience particularly special is the setting—dining under the stars, with a campfire crackling nearby, and the dunes glowing softly in the background. The unlimited soft drinks and mineral water ensure you stay refreshed, and the ambiance invites you to relax and socialize. As one guest mentioned, after dinner, you might choose to stay close to the campfire or retreat to your tent for a peaceful night under the open sky.

Sleeping arrangements are quite comfortable, with double mattresses or two double beds (which must be requested in advance), along with hotel-quality amenities—sheets, quilts, pillows, and even a bathroom with hot water. Waking up the next morning, the tour provides access to a hotel room for a quick shower and breakfast, making the departure smoother.

The return journey involves a final sand buggy ride, and you’re back at Huacachina by the time you’re ready to start your day. Given the intense desert sun, leaving by 8 a.m. is recommended, especially if you want to avoid the heat.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour price covers the buggy ride, sandboarding practice, a gourmet dinner with wine, private chef and waiter, and all the glamping amenities—kitchen, bar, fire pit, toilets, and cozy décor. You also get day-use access to a hotel for showers on the second day and breakfast.

Extras such as board rentals for sandboarding are available for an extra fee. It’s worth mentioning that the tour is non-refundable, so plan accordingly and communicate any dietary restrictions or bed preferences upfront.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins with a transfer to Huacachina Lagoon, a natural oasis, which sets the scene for the desert adventure. The buggy ride over the dunes is often the highlight—it’s an exhilarating way to see the landscape from a different perspective. Sandboarding is optional but highly recommended; many guests find it adds an extra thrill.

Following the buggy experience and the sunset view, you’ll be transported to your glamping camp. Here, the focus shifts from adventure to comfort. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner with an excellent wine selection, served in a setting lit by candles, torches, and the campfire. The social atmosphere encourages chatting with fellow travelers, sharing stories over great food.

As night falls, the sky opens up, offering excellent opportunities for star gazing. Staying in a cozy tent, you’ll fall asleep under the vast canopy of stars—an experience many reviewers describe as magical.

The next morning, you’re transferred to a hotel for a hot shower and breakfast, which helps you recover and reflect on the previous night’s adventures. Timing is important—leaving early the next day ensures you avoid the full heat of the desert sun.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

From reviews, it’s clear that stunning views and delicious food are among the most praised aspects. One traveler shared, “The sunset view from the desert was breathtaking, and the dinner was one of the best meals we had in Peru.” Guests also love the friendly guides and well-organized logistics, which make the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

The luxury camping setup receives high marks, with many noting how surprisingly comfortable the tents and amenities are, especially considering the remote desert location. The private chef and the atmosphere of dining under the stars make it seem like a special occasion rather than just an outdoor excursion.

Some travelers mention that early wake-up and departure can be a challenge, but they agree that the experience is worth the effort. The tour’s small group size (implied by the personalized setup) allows for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking a balance of adventure and comfort.

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Practical Considerations

The tour is suited for those comfortable with a full day of travel and physical activity—including dune buggy rides and sandboarding. The price reflects the combination of luxury glamping and adventure; for many, the value lies in the quality of the accommodations and the unique desert experience.

Since meals and some amenities are included, you don’t need to worry about additional costs unless you want to rent sandboards or indulge in extra drinks. It’s also important to notify the guide of any dietary restrictions beforehand to ensure your needs are met.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a luxurious night in the desert combined with dune activities and star gazing, this experience hits the mark. It’s especially good for travelers who want to combine adventure with comfort and enjoy a gourmet meal in a remote setting. You’ll love the spectacular sunset, the cozy tents, and the chance to see the stars away from city lights.

However, it’s not ideal for those seeking a purely budget or purely outdoor camping experience—this tour offers a boutique, comfortable twist on desert adventures. It’s also best suited for those willing to wake early the following day to beat the heat.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes dune buggy rides, sandboarding practice, dinner with wine, private chef and waiter, glamping amenities (kitchen, bar, fire pit, toilets), decoration, lighting, one night of glamping, day-use hotel room, and breakfast the next morning.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes suitable for sand and sun, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera for capturing the sunset and stars. If you want to rent professional sandboarding boards, you’ll need to pay extra.

Are the tents comfortable?
Yes, the tents are equipped with double mattresses or two double beds, sheets, quilts, pillows, and a private bathroom, providing hotel-level comfort in a desert setting.

When does the tour start and end?
Start times vary; check availability. The tour lasts about 14 hours, and it ends back at the meeting point in Huacachina.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
While not specified, the activities like dune buggies and sandboarding are generally suitable for older children and adults; always check with the provider if traveling with kids.

What is the cancellation policy?
The activity is non-refundable, so ensure your plans are firm before booking.

What is the best time of year to go?
While not specified, desert conditions are generally best in dry seasons; check local weather for optimal timing.

Can I request a specific bed type?
Yes, you should specify your bed preference (family, double, or single) when booking.

Will I have time to shower and rest after the tour?
Yes, the tour includes access to a hotel room for showers and rest after the night in the desert.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, the small group setting and guided experience make it a good choice for solo travelers wanting a mix of adventure and comfort.

This desert glamping tour in Huacachina combines adventure, comfort, and natural beauty in a way few other experiences in Peru do. You get the thrill of dune buggy rides and sandboarding, a beautiful sunset, and the chance to stargaze in style, all wrapped in a cozy, well-equipped setting. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than a typical outdoor camping trip but still crave the authentic desert landscape.

The gourmet dinner, luxury tents, and friendly guides make this experience stand out as a special way to enjoy the desert. While it’s a full-day commitment with an early start, most guests find the memories—those starry skies and sweeping dunes—are well worth it.

If you’re looking for a balanced blend of adventure and comfort in the heart of the Peruvian desert, this tour offers a thoroughly enjoyable, well-organized, and memorable experience that’s hard to match.

Remember: Always communicate dietary needs and bed preferences beforehand, and plan your packing to include essentials for sun, sand, and star gazing. With the right mindset, this desert night under the stars will become one of your most cherished travel memories.

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