Buggies climb the dunes around the oasis and stop for sandboarding, with a sunset run as the classic finish. Tours are usually sold at hostels and booths beside the lagoon.
Dune buggy and sandboarding tours at Huacachina combine a fast ride over desert dunes with a few runs down the slopes on a board. Huacachina is a small oasis village beside a lagoon near the city of Ica, in the Ica Region of Peru, about 300 km south of Lima. The trip from Lima takes roughly four to five hours by bus, so most visitors stay overnight in Huacachina or Ica rather than attempt it as a day trip. The tour lasts about two hours. Buggies climb and drop across the dunes around the oasis, stop at high slopes for sandboarding, and finish with a sunset run, which is the classic departure time and tends to fill first. Prices are roughly S/ 70 to S/ 110 (about US$21 to US$32).
No skill is required. Passengers sit in a large open buggy with roll bars and seat belts, and the driver handles the vehicle. Sandboarding is done lying on the board head-first or standing, and the slopes are chosen by the drivers. Participants should be in reasonable health: the rides are bumpy and can strain backs and necks, and pregnant travellers and people with spinal or heart conditions are generally advised to skip the ride. Minimum ages vary by operator. Boards are supplied, and visitors should bring sunglasses, a scarf or buff for sand, closed shoes, a hat and water.
Tours are sold by operators around the lagoon and at nearby hostels and booths. Since standards differ, visitors should check that buggies have working seat belts and roll cages, that drivers appear sober and experienced, and that the operator carries first-aid supplies. Guides give a short briefing on holding on, sitting properly and using the boards. Because the dunes are remote, rescue depends on the operator's radio or phone contact and vehicle access to the road.
The desert is dry all year, so tours run year-round. April to November is the best period, with clearer skies and cooler daytime temperatures. Midday in the summer months can be very hot, and strong afternoon wind can blow sand and reduce visibility, so the late-afternoon sunset tour is usually the best option. Visitors should avoid the hottest hours and any day with heavy sandstorms.
| Price | S/ 70–110 (~$21–32) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours; best done on an overnight |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | April-November |
| Address | Huacachina Oasis, Ica, Peru |
Activity facts
- Where
- Ica Region (300 km south)
Equipment
Sunglasses, scarf, closed shoes, water; boards supplied
Location
Huacachina Oasis, Ica, Peru
-14.0875, -75.7633 View on map
Highlights
- Open-buggy ride over the dunes surrounding the Huacachina oasis lagoon
- Sandboarding runs on high slopes, with boards supplied
- Classic sunset finish over the desert
- Easily combined with an overnight stay at the oasis, about 300 km south of Lima
Tips for visiting
- Book the sunset departure early, as it fills first.
- Wear sunglasses, closed shoes and a scarf or buff to keep sand out.
- Bring water and a hat; the desert sun is strong even outside summer.
- Check that the buggy has working seat belts and roll bars before departing.
- Secure phones and cameras carefully; sand can damage devices, and GoPro mounts should be tight.
- Stay overnight rather than travelling from Lima and back in one day.
When to visit
April to November for clearer skies and cooler days. Late afternoon is best, with sunset departures the most popular.
Accessibility
Climbing into the buggy and sandboarding involve steps, uneven sand and bumpy rides, so the activity is not well suited to wheelchair users or people with back or neck problems. Ask the operator about seating options in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Huacachina from Lima?
Huacachina is about 300 km south of Lima, and the bus trip takes roughly four to five hours, so an overnight stay is usually best.
How long does the dune buggy tour last?
Tours last about two hours, including stops for sandboarding. Sunset departures are the most popular and fill first.
Do visitors need sandboarding experience?
No. Boards are supplied and drivers pick suitable slopes, so beginners can take part after a short briefing.
How much does a dune buggy tour cost?
Prices are roughly S/ 70 to S/ 110 (about US$21 to US$32) per person, depending on the operator and the departure time.