Peru: Camel Ride and Wine Tasting in the Desert

Peru: Camel Ride and Wine Tasting in the Desert is a distinctive excursion that combines the excitement of a camel ride with the sophistication of a local wine tasting. Priced at $63 per person, this 12-hour experience takes you into the heart of the Ica Region, where the expansive desert landscape serves as a stunning backdrop for your adventure. Led by knowledgeable guides—who speak both English and Spanish—you’ll start your day at the Dromedarius recreational center, dressed in traditional Arab attire, ready to step into a scene that feels like a far-flung desert oasis.

What we love about this experience is how it offers a blend of fun and education. First, the chance to dress in authentic Arab clothing and take photos amid the sweeping dunes is genuinely memorable. Second, the guided wine tasting introduces you to some of the best local wines, like Mio Cid and El Campeador, allowing you to savor flavors like white Toronto, rich reds, and quebrantin rosé. A small group setting (limited to 10 participants) makes this feel personal and relaxed, yet the experience also offers plenty of free time at Dromedarius to explore other amenities.

A potential consideration is that the tour lasts 12 hours, which might feel long if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, note that transportation to the activity site is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. This tour is best suited for travelers who love adventure combined with cultural experiences, enjoy scenic desert landscapes, and are interested in sampling regional wines in a fun, interactive setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Dress in traditional Arab attire and feel transported to a desert oasis.
• Unique Setting: The stunning desert landscapes of Ica provide a memorable backdrop for your ride.
• Interactive Encounters: Feed and interact with gentle camels after your ride.
• Diverse Amenities: Enjoy access to a mini zoo, pool, and toboggan slides after the main activity.
• Wine Tasting: Savor a guided tasting of local wines, including white Toronto, reds, and quebrantin rosé.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Peru’s Desert on Camel and Wine

When you first arrive at Dromedarius, it feels like stepping into a Worlds Away—a place that looks and feels like an Arabian retreat amid Peru’s vast desert. Here, you’re greeted by friendly guides who help you don traditional Arab attire, instantly setting the tone for an immersive experience. You’ll mount a genuine camel, not just a touristy souvenir, and start your journey across the golden dunes.

The camel ride itself is surprisingly gentle and scenic. We loved the way the camels moved smoothly over the soft sands, offering a slow, contemplative pace that lets you soak in horizon-spanning views. The guides are attentive and eager to share the desert’s lore, and the opportunity to feed these hardy creatures afterward makes the experience more meaningful. You get to bond with the camels and learn about their role in desert life, which adds an authentic touch many other tours lack.

After the ride, you might find yourself with some free time to explore other parts of Dromedarius. The mini zoo is small but charming, featuring some local animals, and the pool is ideal for cooling off if the sun is high. The toboggan slides are a hit with kids and those young at heart, making this a family-friendly stop that balances adventure with relaxation.

As the day transitions toward the wine tasting, you gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s wines, produced nearby in the desert’s unique climate. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, you’ll sip on Mio Cid and El Campeador wines, savoring a variety of flavors that reflect the landscape’s mineral-rich soils and warm days. The guided tasting not only introduces you to these wines but also offers insights into their production, making it both enjoyable and educational.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins early, with the company’s catchphrase of offering a full-day adventure—lasting roughly 12 hours. While the starting time varies, it’s advisable to check availability and plan accordingly. Once you arrive at Dromedarius, the experience quickly kicks off with the Arab attire fitting, which is part of the fun and allows for some memorable photos.

Your camel ride typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, during which you’ll be guided over the dunes, with plenty of opportunities to capture panoramic views. The gently animated camels make for relaxed companions, perfect for first-timers or those uneasy about riding.

Post-ride, you’re encouraged to interact with the camels, feed them, and learn about their significance to desert life. This hands-on approach makes the experience more authentic and personable. While at Dromedarius, you also have free access to amenities like the mini zoo, the pool, and the toboggan slides, providing a well-rounded experience that balances activity and downtime.

As the afternoon approaches, the guided wine tasting becomes the highlight. You’ll sample local wines in a relaxed setting, with plenty of time to sip and discuss. The wines are produced in the landscape you’ve just explored, offering a taste of the desert itself. Many reviewers appreciate that the winery visit feels genuine, and not overly commercialized.

Practical Details and Value

The price of $63 might seem modest considering the full-day experience packed with activities. What you’re really paying for is a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The included features—camel ride, traditional attire, interaction with camels, access to amenities, and guided wine tasting—make it a well-rounded package. But remember, transportation to the site is not included, so you’ll need to organize your own way there, which could add to your costs if you’re staying outside Ica.

The small group size (up to 10 participants) ensures that you’ll get personalized attention, which is especially valuable when trying to capture photos or ask questions. The 12-hour duration might be long for some, but most of that time is spent enjoying the scenery and the amenities, making for a leisurely day rather than a hurried tour.

If you’re seeking a cultural twist on a desert adventure, this experience offers a genuine glimpse into local life and customs, balanced with fun and relaxation. It’s ideal for adventure lovers, cultural travelers, and wine enthusiasts alike, especially those who enjoy interactive experiences rather than passive sightseeing.

The Sum Up

This tour is a distinctive way to experience the Ica desert, combining camel riding, cultural dress-up, and local wine tasting in a compact, well-organized package. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to add a touch of the exotic to their visit—whether that’s dressing in Arab costumes or sampling regionally produced wines.

For those craving a unique outdoor experience with a cultural twist, it hits all the right notes. The stunning desert views and the relaxed pace make it a memorable outing. Because of the inclusive amenities and intimate group setting, you’re likely to leave feeling like you’ve had a personal adventure rather than just a generic tour.

However, if your schedule is tight or you prefer tours that include transportation, you might need to plan accordingly. Also, keep in mind the duration and physical comfort—a full 12 hours on your feet—or riding a camel—may not suit everyone, especially those with back problems or looking for a shorter experience.

This tour offers great value for the price and is a rewarding way to connect with the landscape and culture of Peru’s desert region in a lively, engaging manner.

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FAQs

Is transportation to the activity location included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to Dromedarius in the Ica Region.

How long does the camel ride last?
The camel ride usually lasts around 30-45 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for the desert environment.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the activities, especially the amenities like the pool and toboggan slides. However, adult supervision is recommended for animal interactions and rides.

Can I participate if I have animal allergies?
If you have animal allergies, it’s best to avoid the interaction and feeding parts of the tour to prevent any allergic reactions.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems?
No, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back issues due to the nature of the camel ride and overall activity length.

This experience is a charming, educational, and fun way to enjoy Peru’s desert landscape, especially if you’re eager to step outside traditional sightseeing and indulge in some local flavors and cultural fun.

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