Experience the thrill of dune riding and sandboarding in Huacachina with a private sports car tour, perfect for adventure seekers and thrill lovers.

If you’re heading to Ica, Peru, and craving a dose of adrenaline mixed with authentic desert scenery, this Private Sports Car + Sandboard tour in Huacachina offers just that. For around $120 a group—up to three people—you’ll enjoy about an hour of exhilarating dune rides in a Polaris or Can Maverick X3, followed by a fun-filled sandboarding session in the famous Oasis of America, Huacachina. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel, making logistics simple, and concludes with a drop-off back at your accommodation or Ica’s Plaza de Armas, depending on your preference.

What we love most about this tour are the personalized experience and the high-energy dune rides. The private format means no crowded groups, and you’re free to focus on the thrill of speeding over the dunes. Plus, the knowledgeable guides ensure safety and add a friendly, local touch that makes the adventure more memorable. A second highlight is the opportunity to try sandboarding—a unique activity that turns a desert landscape into your personal playground.

However, one thing to consider is that the tour is quite short, with only about an hour of actual dune riding and sandboarding. If you’re looking for a full afternoon adventure, this might feel a bit brief, though it’s perfect for a quick hit of adrenaline. Also, the sand can get very hot, so proper footwear and sunscreen are essential to avoid discomfort.

This experience suits adventure lovers and those eager for a taste of desert excitement, especially if you enjoy fast-paced activities and unique landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a private, flexible outing that combines adrenaline with stunning scenery.

Key Points

Private and personalized experience, ideal for small groups or couples.
Thrilling dune rides in a sports car for an adrenaline rush.
Sandboarding fun on the iconic dunes of Huacachina.
Short but intense tour, perfect for a quick desert adventure.
Well-organized pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
Affordable value for the excitement packed into one hour.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Ica

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Ica, handled by friendly guides who will ensure a smooth start. The tour typically begins at the Hotel Savilayo or nearby accommodations, with the guide collecting participants before heading to Huacachina. This door-to-door service is a big plus—it means you won’t need to worry about finding a meeting point in this unfamiliar desert town.

Once everyone is onboard, the transfer to Huacachina is quick, allowing you to start the adventure without wasting time. The tour is private, so you won’t be squeezed into a large group, which enhances safety, comfort, and flexibility.

The Dune Ride in a Sports Car

The highlight of the experience is the dune bashing in a Polaris or Can Maverick X3. These are high-performance vehicles designed for desert terrain, which means you’ll feel the power and speed as your guide takes you across the shifting sands. This part of the tour is about 30 minutes long, giving enough time to feel the rush without fatigue.

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides are experienced and attentive, making sure everyone stays safe while enjoying the thrill. Michelle, one of the most enthusiastic reviewers, noted, “This was a really great experience. So fun!!” Her advice to bring plenty of sunscreen and proper footwear is spot on, considering the intense sun and hot sand.

Sandboarding on the Dunes

Following the dune ride, you’ll have the chance to try sandboarding—a unique activity that appeals to the young and young at heart. The slope of the dunes provides an ideal setting for gliding down on a board, which is included in the tour at no extra cost.

Michelle also mentioned how much she enjoyed this part: “We had so much fun we asked another driver to take us out to watch the sunset,” which hints at the flexible and friendly nature of the tour. Expect to spend about an hour at Huacachina, giving enough time to try multiple runs if you wish, and to soak in the surreal desert scenery.

The Oasis of Huacachina

Nestled amid towering dunes, the Huacachina oasis is a picture-perfect setting that’s hard to forget. The small town feels like a scene from a movie—just a handful of hotels, cafes, and shops around a shimmering water lagoon. While the tour focuses on adventure activities, the landscape alone makes it worth a visit, especially for photo opportunities and a chance to relax after the adrenaline rush.

While you're exploring Ica, here are other experiences we've looked into

Returning to Ica

After the activities, your guide will bring you back to your hotel or a central location in Ica, completing a one-hour adventure packed with action. The return trip is just as comfortable and straightforward as the pickup, emphasizing convenience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a quick, high-energy desert adventure with a personal touch, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for adventure seekers who want to experience the thrill of dune rides and sandboarding without a lengthy commitment. It also suits those traveling with a small group or a partner, as the private setup ensures a more intimate experience.

However, if you’re hoping for a long, leisurely exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for the value and excitement packed into an hour, it offers excellent bang for your buck—especially considering the enthusiasm of the guides and the quality of the vehicles.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

This tour strikes a balance between adventure and convenience, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to add some adrenaline to their itinerary without overextending their day. The private format means you’re in control, and the high-performance dune vehicles deliver a genuine thrill. Sandboarding adds a fun, tactile element that makes the experience more memorable than just a ride.

The short duration means you need to set reasonable expectations—you won’t spend hours in the desert—but it’s perfect for a quick burst of excitement, especially if your schedule is tight or if you’re visiting other nearby attractions.

The cost of $120 per group is quite reasonable given the personalized service, private transportation, and the adrenaline rush. It’s a great way to get a taste of desert adventure, especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends or a couple who want to share a fun, memorable experience.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 1 hour, with roughly 30 minutes of dune riding and sandboarding included.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, the dune ride in a sports vehicle, and sandboarding. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or a central location.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to sandboard?
Yes, sandboarding is suitable for beginners, and guides are usually on hand to give tips. It’s all about having fun, regardless of experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that the dune rides can be quite bumpy and fast, so check if everyone in your group is comfortable with that.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, proper footwear to protect your feet from hot sand, and maybe a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

Is the tour private or shared?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, enhancing safety and comfort.

What if I want to extend my time in Huacachina?
The tour is designed as a short, targeted experience. If you want more time, consider asking your guide if additional activities or extensions are possible.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 13 days in advance. It’s wise to reserve ahead, especially during peak seasons.

What if I need to cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, if you’re after a fun, adrenaline-packed desert adventure in Huacachina that’s private, manageable in time, and offers a genuinely exciting experience, this tour delivers. It’s best suited for adventure enthusiasts, small groups, or couples who want a memorable, high-energy outing without the fuss of large tour groups. Just remember to bring sunscreen, proper shoes, and a sense of adventure—your desert thrill awaits!