Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience

A Day of Flavors, Adventure, and Stunning Views in Ica

If you’re visiting southern Peru, this Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience offers an engaging mix of cultural tasting, scenic landscapes, and adrenaline-pumping fun. For $46.16 per person, you’ll spend around 6 to 7 hours exploring historic wineries, discovering how Peru’s beloved spirits are made, and then feeling the wind in your hair zipping across Huacachina’s legendary dunes. What makes this tour stand out? First, it combines three major activities — wine and pisco tasting, a guided visit to the oldest winery in South America, and an exhilarating desert adventure — all in one day, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Second, the small group size (limited to 8) ensures personalized attention, helpful guides, and a more intimate experience.

We especially appreciate how professional guides like Sam or Kevin deliver detailed explanations, making the visits both educational and fun. The fact that you don’t have to worry about driving after sampling spirits or bouncing over dunes adds a layer of relaxation to the adventure. The tour is suited for those who love good stories, scenic landscapes, and a dash of adrenaline, making it ideal for travelers wanting a well-rounded, authentic taste of Ica and Huacachina.

One consideration? The schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a slow pace or deep dives into each activity, this might feel a little brisk. Still, for most, the lively mix of activities and well-organized logistics delivers fantastic value without feeling rushed. This tour suits curious travelers eager to see the best of Ica’s wine culture and natural beauty in one memorable day.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines wineries, pisco distillery, and desert adventure in a single day.
• Personalized Service: Small group limit (8 people) enhances interaction and comfort.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Sam or Kevin offer interesting insights and friendly service.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off take the hassle out of organizing transportation.
• Active & Scenic: Enjoy sandboarding and dune buggy rides, along with wine tastings and cultural visits.
• Great Value: For around $46, you get a full day of memorable experiences with multiple highlights.

What to Expect from This Tour

Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Hacienda Tacama:
You’ll begin with a visit to what’s considered South America’s oldest winery. Here, the centuries-old tradition of wine-making and Pisco production continues, with tastings of different wines and sparkling options. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a day when the winery is open (not Monday), you’ll get a deep dive into the process. The guide—like San—will explain the nuances of wine and Pisco production, making you appreciate each sip more. If Monday’s a blackout, the alternative visit to Hacienda Vista Alegre maintains the historical feel, ensuring you get that authentic introduction.

Visit to Fundo El Arrabal:
Next, you’ll explore a smaller, artisanal winery where the environment feels more like a peripheral paradise—full of fruit trees, horses, and a tranquil atmosphere. The tasting here includes local piscos and artisan wines, and you’ll learn more about the regional history. Many reviews highlight this part as a highlight, describing it as a beautiful setting with very friendly hosts. Post-visit, most travelers head to a tourist restaurant for lunch, which you pay for separately but adds to the relaxed, local vibe.

Huacachina and the Desert Dunes:
The adventure continues as you head to the famous Huacachina Oasis, a shimmering lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, you’ll hop into a dune buggy for a ride across the shifting sands, typically lasting either 1 or 2 hours depending on the day and holiday schedule. This part is the most adrenaline-fueled, with sandboarding down slopes that make even the most reserved guests grin from ear to ear. As some reviewers mention, the dune buggy rides are a “fascinating sport” and “thrilling adventure,” with professional drivers ensuring safety.

Sunset Views & Final Moments:
Most tours conclude with sunset views over the dunes, creating a perfect, golden end to a lively day. Many reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, making each part of the trip engaging and informative.

Why This Tour Works

Transportation & Convenience:
The included hotel pickup takes the stress out of navigating unfamiliar streets. Since transportation is arranged for you, you can truly relax and focus on the experience. The group size keeps things intimate, fostering conversations and personalized attention. Several reviews emphasize how well-organized and punctual the guides are, with feedback praising the friendly, helpful attitude.

Depth & Authenticity:
This isn’t just a touristy snapshot. The wine and Pisco visits focus on local producers, many of whom have deep roots in the region. The tastings are described as generous and authentic, with guides like San explaining the production process clearly—something wine lovers and spirits enthusiasts will appreciate. Reviewers mention the artisanal piscos and the local wines as highlights, offering a taste of Peruvian culture.

Adventure & Scenery:
The dune buggy ride and sandboarding are genuinely exhilarating. The dunes are visually spectacular, and the experience is described as memorable. Some reviews note that the rides last about two hours on non-holiday days, providing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and catch the sunset.

Value for Money:
At just over $45, the tour packs a lot into one day—three major activities, transportation, and guided explanations. With most reviews rating this experience a perfect 5, it’s clear the value resonates with travelers. The fact that many travelers book it 22 days in advance indicates its popularity and perceived quality.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Hacienda Tacama:
The starting point is a historic site that’s more than just a winery — it’s a symbol of Peru’s long tradition of winemaking, dating back centuries. You’ll likely sample a variety of wines and piscos, gaining insight into regional specialties. An important note: if you’re visiting on a Monday, the winery is closed, and the visit is replaced by Hacienda Vista Alegre, keeping the experience consistent.

Fundo El Arrabal:
This stop adds a personal touch, showing a more artisanal side of wine and pisco production. The lush environment, surrounded by trees and animals, creates a peaceful space for tasting. Many reviewers highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are, making it a true culture.

Huacachina Dunes:
This is unquestionably the highlight for thrill-seekers. The dune buggy rides are a mix of fun and awe as you jet over the sands, often with guides who are seasoned and confident. Sandboarding provides a more tactile experience, with many describing it as a blast—even if you’re a beginner. If you’re fortunate, you’ll catch the sunset, painting the dunes in warm hues.

Additional Factors:
– Duration and Timing: The day moves swiftly but comfortably, starting around 10:30 am and wrapping up by 6 pm.
– Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, it fosters conversation and personalized attention.
– Pricing & Inclusions: The fee covers tastings, transport, and guides, but not meals or entrance fees (which are paid separately). Many reviews note the well-organized and timely nature of the trip, which contributes greatly to its smooth flow.

Authentic Experiences & Traveler Feedback

Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides like Sam and Kevin, who make the visits engaging, fun, and educational. Several review quotes emphasize how guides shared a lot of information and made the experience more meaningful. For example, one reviewer mentions, “Sam even drove us around himself and shared lots of knowledge,” illustrating the personal touch.

The tastings are often described as generous and authentic, with travelers appreciating the artisanal spirits and local wines. Many mention the beautiful environment at Fundo El Arrabal, full of fruit trees and horses, making it more than just a tasting but a peaceful retreat.

The desert adventure garners high praise as well—“a thrilling adventure” that’s accessible even to the less experienced or nervous, thanks to professional drivers and safety measures. Several reviews note that the sunset views over the dunes are magical, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of culture, scenery, and adventure. If you enjoy learning about spirits and regional traditions while also craving some thrilling outdoor fun, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially ideal if you prefer small groups and guides who take the time to explain each step.

For those on a tight schedule, it offers a rundown of Ica’s highlights in one day. The value for money is excellent considering the number of activities, tastings, and personalized attention you get. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a good story, scenic landscapes, and adrenaline will find this tour a memorable highlight of their Peru trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel or bus station in Ica, making it very convenient and saving you time.

How long is the dune buggy ride?
Depending on the day and holiday schedule, the buggy ride lasts either about 1 hour or 2 hours. Most non-holiday days offer a 2-hour experience, giving plenty of time for dune-surfing and sightseeing.

Are the activities suitable for children or beginners?
Yes, the activities like sandboarding are generally accessible for beginners. Guides are experienced, and safety is a priority. However, always check if your group has specific health considerations or age restrictions.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers wine and pisco tastings, transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, and guides’ explanations. Entrance fees for wineries are paid separately and are not included.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and some cash for lunch and entrance fees. A camera for the beautiful dunes and vineyards is also recommended.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 22 days ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure their spot in this popular tour. It’s highly rated, so early booking is advised.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Ica’s spirit, scenery, and adventure. It’s a great choice for curious travelers eager to connect with the region’s culture and natural beauty in a fun, intimate setting. Whether you’re a wine lover, an adrenaline junkie, or someone in between, this experience promises a memorable day in southern Peru.