Paracas: Drive ATV and Buggy in Paracas Reserve

If you’re looking for a spirited way to explore Peru’s Paracas National Reserve, a drive ATV or buggy tour offers an exciting, hands-on experience. For around $71 per person, you’ll get to zip through sandy dunes, visit remarkable beaches like Playa Roja and Yumaque, and enjoy some of the most unique landscapes Peru has to offer — all in just two hours.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the personalized vehicle options, allowing you to pick between ATVs or buggies for your adventure. Plus, the stops at breathtaking beaches give you opportunities for stunning photos and a chance to breathe in the salty sea air while marveling at the desert’s vivid colors.

However, a point to consider: the 2-hour duration means it’s a quick but intense experience — if you’re craving a longer desert adventure, you might want to look for multi-day options. But for those who want a taste of thrill and scenery, this tour hits the spot.

This activity is perfect for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to combine excitement with scenic beauty. If you enjoy exploring outdoors with a bit of adrenaline, you’ll find this tour well worth your time.

Key Points

• Personalized Vehicles: Choose between ATVs for solo riding or buggies for two, giving you control over your adventure style.
• Stunning Scenery: Experience colorful landscapes, dunes, and beach views at Playa Roja and Yumaque.
• Guided Experience: A professional guide leads the way, sharing insights and ensuring safety instructions are clear.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now and pay later, with a full refund option if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Accessible for Beginners: Safety tips and easy-to-handle vehicles make this a suitable choice even if you’re new to off-road riding.
• Ideal for Photo Enthusiasts: The stops at beaches and overlooks provide perfect moments for capturing the vibrant scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Beginning: Meeting Your Guide and Getting Ready

Your adventure kicks off at the main square in Paracas, where the tour operator provides clear directions and a GPS link. Once you meet your guide — who is often described as passionate and professional — you’ll receive a briefing on safety tips and instructions on how to handle the vehicles. The ease of handling is emphasized, making even nervous newcomers feel confident.

You’ll then hop into your ATV or buggy, with one person per ATV or two per buggy, ready for the sand. If you opt for a buggy and prefer to drive alone, an additional fee of 100 soles applies — a good detail to keep in mind if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.

The Route: Crossing the Dunes and Visiting Colorful Beaches

Once underway, your guide leads you into the Paracas National Reserve — a landscape so striking, it’s hard to believe it’s real. Expect to see vivid sediments and multi-colored dunes that change shades as the sun moves across the sky.

The route includes several key stops. The first is at the Isthmus of the peninsula, where the land narrows between two bodies of water, offering a sense of being on an adventure in a natural corridor.

Next, you’ll visit Playa Yumaque, famous for its vast yellow dunes and blue sea. This spot is frequently highlighted as a photo highlight — the contrast of desert and ocean makes for stunning shots. One review mentions, “The routes offered thrills while allowing you to discover breathtaking landscapes,” capturing the essence of this experience.

A visit to Playa Roja reveals a vivid red-hued cliffside, creating a dramatic backdrop that’s both striking and unique. Some guests particularly enjoy this stop for its impressive views and the chance to stand in a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

The Stops: Scenic Beaches and Natural Wonders

Yumaque and Playa Roja each offer distinct scenery. Yumaque, with its expansive dunes, is great for a quick photo and a chance to stretch your legs. Playa Roja’s bold color and cliffside views are perfect for those memorable snapshots.

Guide-led stops often include brief guided sightseeing, where you learn about the geology and natural history of the area — adding context to the stunning visuals. Some reviews mention an impeccable organization and passionate guides which enhance the experience.

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Returning to Paracas

After approximately two hours of riding and sightseeing, you’ll head back to the starting point. The tour ends where it began, with plenty of opportunities to discuss your favorite moments or ask questions.

While the tour itself is short, many travelers find the value lies in the mix of adventure and scenery, making it a highlight of a day in Paracas.

What Travelers Say

Authentic reviews shed light on what to expect. One traveler described it as “an exceptional experience”, praising the professional guides and the thrilling routes. They appreciated the breathtaking landscapes and felt it was a perfect mix of excitement and discovery.

Another reviewer noted, “Good communication and a smooth transfer,” highlighting the reliable organization. The small group size (just a few vehicles) means you get more personalized attention, which most guests find beneficial.

A slightly less glowing review mentioned missing the sunset, but most agree that timing can be tricky if you hope to catch the evening colors. Still, with flexible scheduling, you might plan accordingly.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Pricing and Value

At $71 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price for a two-hour adventure packed with scenic stops and an adrenaline rush. The inclusion of guide, vehicle, entrance fees, and taxes means there are no hidden costs.

You might want to consider whether a longer or more extensive tour suits your interests, but for a quick taste of desert adventure, this is hard to beat.

What to Bring

Be sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat — the desert sun hits hard. Swimwear is recommended if you plan to dip your toes in the sea, and water shoes can be helpful for walking on rugged beach terrains. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks and water is a good idea, especially if you’re sensitive to dehydration.

Accessibility and Handling

The vehicles are very manageable, even for beginners, thanks to the clear instructions. However, note that ATVs are for single riders and buggies for two. If you prefer to drive alone and the buggy is your choice, an extra fee applies.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to combine scenic beauty with a dose of adrenaline. If you enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable on off-road terrain, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s also suitable for beginners, as safety instructions are straightforward, and vehicles are designed to be easy to handle. However, if you’re seeking a relaxed, lengthy excursion, this quick tour might not satisfy your desire for a deeper dive into the desert.

Most importantly, if stunning beach views, vivid landscapes, and thrilling rides sound appealing, this tour will leave you with memorable photos and stories.

Summary of the Experience

In just two hours, you’ll zip across dunes, stop at stunning beaches like Playa Roja and Yumaque, and learn about the area’s natural history from passionate guides. The personalized vehicle options and well-organized itinerary** make this a solid choice for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

While the quick pace means you’ll want to make the most of your time, the scenic highlights and adventure combine to create a fun, memorable outing. The reviews speak to the quality of guides and the breathtaking landscapes, making it clear this is a tour worth considering if you’re in Paracas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
While the tour is generally designed for adults, children over a certain age may participate if they are comfortable handling the vehicles. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly for age restrictions.

Do I need prior experience to drive the ATV or buggy?
No prior experience is necessary. The guide provides instructions and safety tips, making this accessible even for first-timers.

Can I choose between an ATV and a buggy?
Yes, you can select your preferred vehicle. ATVs are for solo riding, while buggies accommodate two people — one driver and one passenger.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guide, vehicle rental, entrance fees, and taxes. Food, drinks, and transportation from your accommodation are not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, including stops at key scenic spots.

Is there a chance to see the sunset?
Most reviews note that the tour doesn’t necessarily include sunset viewing, but timing can be flexible — check with the operator if catching the sunset is a priority.

What should I bring?
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, water shoes, and water. Bringing snacks is also advisable.

Are the vehicles easy to handle?
Yes, most travelers find the vehicles very manageable, especially with the safety instructions provided.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Can I book now and pay later?
Absolutely, the booking system allows you to reserve now and pay later, making planning easier.

For those eager to combine adventure with scenic exploration, the ATV and buggy tour in Paracas National Reserve offers a fun, accessible, and visually stunning experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply want to see some of Peru’s most distinctive landscapes from a different perspective, this tour delivers value and memorable moments.

With knowledgeable guides, manageable vehicles, and beautiful beaches, it’s an activity that can turn a visit to Paracas into a highlight of your trip — especially if you’re craving a bit of speed and sand. Just remember to bring your camera and sunscreen, and prepare for an energetic, scenic ride through one of Peru’s most striking natural settings.

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