Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour

Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour: A Practical Guide to Bolivia’s Sand Dunes

If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city of Santa Cruz, the Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour offers a lively and visually stunning adventure just an hour away. Priced at $49 per person for a 4-hour trip, this experience combines adventure, nature, and photo opportunities in a way that’s accessible and memorable. Expect a half-day outing that pulls you into Bolivia’s unique desert-like landscape, complete with 4×4 transportation, sandboarding, and the chance to snap some beautiful pictures.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the professional guiding—with options for tours in English—and the convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel. These elements make the experience smooth and hassle-free. On the downside, some travelers have noted that the ride can be very bumpy, and the initial pickup process might need some patience. Still, if you love outdoor adventures with a local flavor, this tour will likely suit you well.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a fun outdoor activity in a fairly short time frame and are eager to capture stunning desert landscapes. It’s perfect for those with a sense of adventure who don’t mind a bumpy ride and are keen on trying sandboarding. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a photogenic, active day will find plenty of value here.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Accessible Location: Just an hour from Santa Cruz, making it an easy day trip.
• All-Inclusive Price: Includes park entrance fees, water, snacks, and transportation.
• Multiple Languages: Tours available in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.
• Adventure and Photos: Sandboarding, stunning dunes, and great photo opportunities.
• Group Size and Timing: Flexible starting times with small group options.
• Potential Bumpiness: Ride quality can be very bumpy, so prepare accordingly.

Exploring the Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour in Detail

What the Experience Includes

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup on a 4×4 vehicle, a real plus for travelers who prefer to skip the hassle of arranging transportation. The drive itself is short—just about an hour—but it’s a scenic one, offering glimpses of Bolivia’s dry landscape that contrast sharply with the lush greenery of Santa Cruz. Traveling in a comfortable vehicle, you’ll appreciate not having to worry about navigating or parking.

Once at the dunes, you’ll be greeted with open sand vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The entrance fees to the park are included, so there’s no surprise on arrival. Guides are available in multiple languages—including English—ensuring good communication, even if your Spanish isn’t perfect.

The Sandboarding Experience

Sandboarding is the highlight for many participants. If you’ve never tried it, think of it as snowboarding but on warm, golden sand. It’s a fun way to get your adrenaline going and to try something a bit different. The actual sandboarding session usually lasts for a brief period, but it’s enough to get a few good runs in and enjoy the thrill of sliding down the dunes.

According to one traveler, “sandboarding was fun!” and the activity itself is quite accessible, even for beginners. The dunes are impressive—not just for their size but for the beauty of the landscape, which makes for excellent photographs.

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The Bumpy Ride and Physical Considerations

A recurring note in reviews is that the ride to and from the dunes can be very bumpy. The terrain isn’t paved, and the 4×4 often jostles over uneven sand and dirt, which can be tough on the body. If you have back or joint issues, or if you’re sensitive to rough rides, this is something to keep in mind. One reviewer noted, “The ride was VERY bumpy so be ready for that. It was very hard on the body.”

Guide and Group Dynamics

Guides are described as chill and friendly, with some occasional issues with clarity about the itinerary, especially during pickup. One traveler mentioned, “Our tour guide was chill although sometimes not clear on what we were going to do next.” If you value a more structured, well-explained tour, you might find this aspect a bit loose, but generally, guides are knowledgeable and helpful.

Photos and Scenic Views

One of the best parts of the tour is the chance to take beautiful pictures. The dunes and surrounding landscape provide a dramatic backdrop, especially during the golden hours of late afternoon. We loved the way the landscape changes with the light, offering plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.

Snacks and Refreshments

Included are water and snacks, which help keep your energy up after the physical activity. There’s also a delicious snack at some point, which offers a welcome break and a chance to chat with fellow travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and photography. It’s not ideal for very young children or seniors over 70, given the physical bumpiness and the nature of the ride. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic drive, this might be a bit too active for your taste. But if you don’t mind a bumpy ride and want a short, fun, nature-based experience, it’s a solid choice.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

At $49, this tour offers good value for the access to Bolivia’s unique sand dune landscape combined with transportation, guiding, and activities. The inclusion of photo opportunities makes it especially appealing for travelers wanting memorable images. Although the ride can be bumpy and the pacing occasionally unclear, these are minor drawbacks compared to the overall fun and authenticity of the experience.

You’ll love the stunning views and the friendly, multilingual guides who make the adventure accessible for international visitors. It’s a straightforward, activity-packed half-day that showcases a very different side of Bolivia’s natural scenery.

Who Should Book?

This experience is perfect for outdoor lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers wanting to try sandboarding in a scenic setting. It’s suitable for those who don’t mind physically active excursions and are prepared for a bumpy ride. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a day of fun and photos will find this tour both enjoyable and worthwhile.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, activities, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The price covers entrance fees to the park, water and snacks, 4×4 transportation, and guided tours in multiple languages.

Is sandboarding suitable for beginners?
Yes, most participants find sandboarding quite accessible, even for first-timers. The terrain is gentle enough to learn on, and guides will assist with instruction.

How bumpy is the ride?
The ride can be very bumpy, which may be uncomfortable for some. It’s part of the adventure, so come prepared for some jostling.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The dunes offer fantastic photo opportunities—bring your camera or smartphone to capture the landscape.

What should I bring?
Bring biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and insect repellent. Pack light but include essentials for sun and sand protection.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for babies under 1 year or people over 70, mainly due to the physical nature and ride quality.

Are guides available in languages other than Spanish?
Yes, tours can be conducted in English, Portuguese, and French if requested.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

In summary, the Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour offers a lively, scenic, and authentic Bolivian experience that’s well worth the price for those seeking adventure and photo opportunities. While the ride can be jarring and some logistical details could be smoother, the chance to slide down dunes and snap memorable shots makes this a compelling outing for active travelers.

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