Imagine exploring a mix of deserts, estuaries, and beaches all in one day—this Sechura and sandboarding tour in Piura offers just that. For $88 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours soaking in diverse scenery, from the historic charm of Sechura’s late baroque architecture to the adrenaline rush of sliding down massive sand dunes. Guides (who speak both English and Spanish) will lead you through a well-rounded experience, giving you insight into local history, nature, and adventure sports.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances cultural discovery with outdoor fun. Visiting Sechura’s main square and historic church offers a window into local life, while the mangroves give you a chance to see migratory birds from as far away as Canada—an uncommon link between local and global ecosystems. Plus, the sandboarding at Medano Blanco isn’t just a thrill; it’s a chance to connect with one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes in a very active way.

A potential consideration is the day’s pace—8 hours can feel rushed if you’re not a big fan of long mornings or if travel time between stops eats into your leisure. But overall, this adventure suits travelers eager for variety: history, nature, and adrenaline combined, especially those who enjoy a bit of physical activity and authentic scenery.

If you’re looking for a full-day escape that mixes cultural insight with outdoor excitement, this tour will fit the bill perfectly.

Key Points

Cultural Highlights: Visit Sechura’s Plaza de Armas and San Martin de Tours church for a taste of colonial architecture.
Nature Encounters: Observe migratory birds in the San Pedro de Vice mangroves, connecting you to a broader ecological system.
Adventure Element: Experience sandboarding at Medano Blanco, sliding down dunes on provided equipment.
Historic Sites: Explore the ghost town ruins of Chulliyachi, a haunting reminder of a once-thriving fishing village.
Comprehensive Experience: A full day packed with scenic views, wildlife, history, and adventure.
Value for Money: For $88, you get transportation, a guide, equipment, and multiple memorable experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at What You’ll Experience

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The Journey Begins: Piura to Sechura

Your day kicks off with a hotel pickup around 9:00 am, setting the tone for a comfortable and organized adventure. In about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive in Sechura, a city known for its late baroque architecture and historic charm. We appreciated that your local guide, possibly named Juan or Maria depending on the day, will introduce you to Sechura’s main attractions.

The Plaza de Armas is an inviting starting point—think of it as the town’s heart, where locals gather and history whispers from the grand church of San Martin de Tours. You’ll learn about the city’s origins, and the guide’s stories about the architecture make the old stones come alive. The late baroque style, with its ornate facades, offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial past and provides a perfect photo backdrop.

Exploring the Mangroves of San Pedro de Vice

Next, the tour moves to the mangroves of San Pedro de Vice, a vital ecological zone that’s especially notable for the many migratory birds passing through from as far as Canada. Here, we loved how the guide taught us to identify local animal species, adding an educational layer to an already scenic spot. The peaceful waters and lush vegetation contrast beautifully with the desert landscapes ahead, offering a refreshing perspective on the region’s biodiversity.

Relaxing at Chulliyachi Beach

After a morning of exploration, you’ll stop at Chulliyachi Beach for about an hour of free time. This is an excellent spot for lunch—bring your own snacks or purchase from nearby vendors—and enjoy the golden sands and views of the bay. As you walk along, you’ll notice the ruins of a ghost town—an eerie but fascinating reminder of a village that sea erosion and abandonment transformed into a haunting relic. Several reviews mention how evocative these ruins are, with old adobe houses now partially submerged or weathered by the sea, offering a tangible link to the past.

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The Dunes of Medano Blanco and Sandboarding

The highlight for many is the visit to Medano Blanco, the most famous desert area of Sechura. Here, you’ll be handed a sandboard—a simple yet effective piece of equipment that opens up a world of fun and adventure. The dunes are impressive, with towering waves of white sand, and the experience of sliding down them is exhilarating.

For first-timers, the sensation of racing down a dune with only the wind and your skill guiding you is surprisingly accessible. Enthusiasts often mention how the guides are patient and helpful, making sure beginners feel safe while having a blast. We found that this part of the trip offers a rare chance to connect with Peru’s desert landscape in a very active way.

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Wrapping Up: Return to Piura

The tour wraps up around 5:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to reflect on a day filled with contrasts—from historic towns and ecological zones to stunning dunes and thrilling rides. The transportation back is smooth, and your guide will likely ask about your favorite parts, making the return journey just as relaxed as the morning pickup.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The $88 price covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the sandboarding equipment—quite a good deal for a full-day adventure. Meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring water and some snacks, especially if you’re hungry after exploring. You’ll also need to bring essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, and a change of clothes, especially for after the sandboarding.

Some travelers noted that last-minute bookings should be checked with the supplier, as availability can vary, and the tour is not suitable for children under 7, those with heart problems, or wheelchair users. Also, be aware that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and exposure to the sun.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

The tour offers a taste of local culture through Sechura’s architecture and the ghost town ruins, plus a chance to see bird species and wildlife you might not encounter elsewhere. The guides, fluent in both Spanish and English, help bridge language gaps and enrich your understanding of the sites.

For outdoor lovers and those craving a mixture of history, nature, and adrenaline, this trip hits all the right notes. The sandboarding at Medano Blanco, in particular, is a memorable highlight that appeals to all ages and skill levels—it’s a playful, exciting way to engage with the landscape.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This adventure suits travelers who want more than just sightseeing. If you enjoy active experiences, like sliding down dunes or birdwatching, you’ll find plenty here. History buffs will appreciate the colonial-era architecture and ghost town ruins, while nature lovers will enjoy the chance to observe migratory birds. It’s especially good for those seeking a full-day, varied experience that’s both educational and fun.

However, if you prefer a leisurely, low-energy day or have mobility issues, this tour might be a bit too active or fast-paced. Also, those traveling with very young children or seeking a more relaxed cultural visit may want to consider alternative options.

This full-day tour from Piura offers a genuine taste of the region’s diverse landscapes, history, and wildlife, wrapped up with the thrill of sandboarding. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines cultural insights with outdoor adventure, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers looking to make the most of their time in northern Peru. The value is solid considering the diverse stops and included equipment, especially if you’re eager for an active day out.

Whether you’re captivated by the historic charm of Sechura, fascinated by migratory birds, or excited to slide down towering dunes, this tour provides a memorable and authentic experience. It’s best suited for those with a sense of adventure and curiosity about the region’s natural and cultural riches.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel and transportation back to Piura, in a minibus or bus.

How long is the drive from Piura to Sechura?
The journey takes about an hour and a half by minibus.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, an English-speaking guide, and sandboarding equipment are included. Meals, drinks, and personal expenses are not.

Can I do this tour if I don’t like sandboarding?
Sandboarding is a core activity, but if you prefer not to participate, you can watch and relax at Medano Blanco.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, change of clothes, water, drinks, sports shoes, and personal medication.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 7 years old or for those with mobility issues or heart problems.

How long does the whole tour last?
The full experience lasts roughly 8 hours, starting around 9:00 am and concluding around 5:30 pm.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, providing clear explanations throughout.

Is it safe to participate in sandboarding?
Guides are attentive and will ensure you use equipment properly—you’ll get safety instructions before sliding down dunes.

This tour is a fantastic way to see Piura’s varied landscape, get active, and learn about local history—all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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