Ica: Vineyard Tour with Buggy Ride and Sandboarding

Imagine a day blending the charm of Peruvian vineyards with the thrill of the desert’s towering dunes. This full-day tour from Ica, costing around $54 per person, offers a balance of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and adrenaline-fueled fun. With about 7.5 hours of adventure, you’ll visit two distinctive vineyards, savor local wine and Pisco, and then shift gears for a high-energy Buggy ride complete with sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis. Guided by knowledgeable local hosts, this trip has a lot to offer for those eager to experience Ica beyond just its famous sand dunes.

We love how this tour combines culinary delights with adventure activities — tasting Pisco and wines directly at the source is a highlight, and the desert ride offers a stark contrast to the lush vineyards. Plus, the photo stops amid the giant sand dunes promise memorable views. One potential downside is the physical nature of the desert activities, which might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues or pregnant travelers.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of everything: wine lovers curious about Pisco production, adventure seekers craving sandboarding, and those wanting a comprehensive taste of Ica’s natural and gastronomic delights. If you’re looking for a full-day, value-packed excursion that balances cultural exploration with excitement, this tour could be just right for you.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining wine tasting and desert adventure.
• Visit two different vineyards offering unique insights into Pisco and wine production.
• Enjoy a local Peruvian lunch with vegetarian options available.
• Experience the thrill of dune buggy rides and try sandboarding on the sand dunes.
• Capture stunning photos against the backdrop of the vast desert landscape.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina, setting the stage for a day packed with diverse experiences. The first stop is an industrial vineyard where you’ll learn, step-by-step, how Pisco and wine are made. The guide here is typically quite informative, explaining everything from grape harvesting to distillation processes, making it a particularly educational part of the day. Guests have appreciated the hands-on approach and the chance to taste products directly from the source, which adds authenticity and flavor to the experience.

Next, you’ll visit “El Arrabal,” an artisanal vineyard known for its craft Pisco and wines. Here, the focus is on smaller-scale production, emphasizing quality over quantity. The guided tour provides insights into local techniques, and the tastings include not only Piscos and wines but also Pisco creams—a delightful treat for those unfamiliar with this Peruvian specialty. Multiple reviews emphasize how much visitors appreciated the diversity of tastings and the chance to ask questions about the production process.

After these enriching vineyard visits, you’ll have some time for a lunch break at the Vitivinicola restaurant. The menu features a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, with vegetarian options and regional specialties that highlight the local flavors. Many reviewers have praised the delicious food and the relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect pause before heading into the desert.

The afternoon shifts from vineyards to dunes. You’ll stop at the Huacachina Oasis, a natural marvel surrounded by massive sand dunes. Here, you’ll check in at the buggy office, don your seatbelt, and take off on an exciting dune-buggy ride. These vehicles are specially designed for desert terrain and can handle the steep climbs and fast descents with ease. Several travelers mention how thrilling and fun the ride is, especially when the driver accelerates over the dunes.

Sandboarding follows—the tour operator provides the boards, and you’ll have the chance to slide down the sand dunes, feeling a mix of fear and exhilaration. For many, it’s a highlight of the trip and a unique way to experience the desert’s vastness. The tour makes several stops for photo opportunities—you’ll want to bring your camera to capture the sweeping views and towering dunes.

At the end of the adventure, the group returns to the starting point, and transportation is arranged back to your hotel. Usually, the entire trip flows smoothly, with enough time allocated for each activity, though the desert segment is physically engaging and might require moderate stamina.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One aspect that travelers consistently mention is the quality of the tastings. Visiting both an industrial and an artisanal vineyard gives guests a well-rounded understanding of Pisco production—something you won’t get on many other tours. The fact that you can taste Piscos, wines, and Pisco creams directly at the vineyards is especially appreciated, making this more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a true taste of local craftsmanship.

The desert adventure is another clear favorite. The dune buggy rides are described as both exciting and safe, with experienced drivers guiding the way through the steepest dunes. Sandboarding adds an extra layer of fun—some visitors compare it to snowboarding, just on a much warmer surface. The stops for photos also make it a visually stunning part of the day, giving you plenty of stunning landscape shots.

Another highlight is the local lunch. Many travelers are surprised by the high quality of the food, paired with the relaxed, rustic setting of the restaurant. It’s a great way to recharge before heading into the desert, and the variety of options helps accommodate different dietary preferences.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers excellent value, there are a few practical points to keep in mind. The price of $54 covers most activities—vineyard tours, tastings, lunch, the dune buggy ride, and sandboarding—making it a good deal considering the full-day experience. But note that entrance fees to specific locations like Hacienda Tacama are not included in the base price, nor are tourist taxes (S/3.60 soles for Huacachina).

The tour involves some moderate physical activity—walking through vineyards, climbing dunes, and sandboarding—so comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen, especially since much of the afternoon will be outdoors. Bring a camera to capture the impressive desert vistas and vineyards.

It’s important to note that pregnant women, those with back problems, or who have mobility issues might find the desert activities less suitable. The tour timing is flexible, but check availability to find a starting time that fits your schedule.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Feedback

Guests consistently mention the stunning views and delicious tastings as highlights. One reviewer notes, “The wine tastings were amazing, and I loved learning how Pisco is made from the grapes right at the vineyard.” Another shared, “The dune buggy ride was a thrill—definitely a highlight and something I’d recommend to anyone wanting a bit of adventure.”

The lunch often receives praise for its local flavors and quick service, providing a nice break between vineyard visits and desert activities. The photo stops are also highly appreciated, with many travelers capturing the vastness of the dunes against a bright blue sky.

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The Sum Up

This Ica tour offers a well-crafted blend of culinary discovery and adventure, ideal for travelers who want to experience diverse facets of the region in one day. The chance to taste authentic Pisco and wines, combined with the adrenaline rush of dune buggy rides and sandboarding, provides a memorable contrast that keeps the day lively and engaging.

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to see where Peru’s famous Pisco is made, or an adventure lover looking for an active outdoor experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about local production methods and capturing nature’s grandeur through photos. The value for the price is solid, considering the variety of experiences packed into a single day.

In short, this tour is a fantastic way to get a taste of Ica’s best—from its vineyards to its dunes—and leave with plenty of stories to tell.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Ica or Huacachina, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, giving you plenty of time for each activity without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and light clothes are recommended. Don’t forget to bring cash or a card for lunch and optional entrance fees.

Are food and lodging included?
No, food is not included in the tour price, but a delicious lunch is available for you to enjoy at a local restaurant.

What’s the age or physical suitability?
The tour involves moderate physical activity including walking and sandboarding. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or mobility challenges.

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

Is the tour bilingual?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring your questions and curiosities are well addressed.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If weather conditions cancel the desert activities, you’ll likely still enjoy the vineyard visits and lunch, but check the specific policy when booking.

How are the vineyard visits organized?
You’ll visit an industrial vineyard first for a detailed production overview, then an artisanal vineyard for tastings and a more intimate look at local craft Pisco and wine-making.

This tour offers a great balance—educational, adventurous, and deeply authentic. Whether you’re a wine lover, thrill-seeker, or simply eager to see more of Ica’s stunning landscapes, it’s a day you’ll likely remember fondly.

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