ATV riding from Ica to Huacachina: Dune buggy and sandboarding

Two hours of buggy climbs and descents, sandboarding on gentle or steep slopes, and sunset from the top of a dune

Ride a dune buggy through the towering desert dunes near Huacachina, departing from Ica with a live guide in English or Spanish. You'll speed up and down the slopes with several stops for photos, learn to sandboard at a natural dune, and finish at a high viewpoint to watch the sunset over the sand. The activity runs 2 hours and 20 minutes and includes pickup from Ica.

Step-by-step itinerary

Buggy ride and sandboarding adventure

• Walk to Huacachina lagoon
• Buy tourist tax ticket
• Ride dune buggy through desert dunes
• Stop for photos at viewpoints
• Learn and enjoy sandboarding
• Watch sunset from dune top

The experience

The adventure starts at Huacachina lagoon, where you board the buggy and head into the dunes. For the next 2 hours, you're riding: climbing and descending the slopes like a roller coaster, with the guide making stops at natural viewpoints so you can photograph the landscape and catch your breath. The dunes here are the largest in southern Peru, and the buggy is built to handle them. You'll feel the adrenaline of each high-speed run without needing any driving experience yourself.

Sandboarding comes next. The guide teaches you how to glide (whether you want to belly-slide or sit down), and you choose how steep a slope matches your comfort level. You have time to practice and play on the board at your own pace, so it's not a rushed lesson. Then the buggy takes you to a high, quiet spot on the dunes where you'll wait for sunset. The sky turns warm colors over the sand, and there's nothing around but silence and the view.

Pickup is included from Ica, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. You'll need to buy a tourist tax of 3.60 soles at the starting point. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Children are welcome from age 5.

What’s included

• 2 hours and 20 minutes of buggy riding through the dunes with photo stops.
• sandboarding instruction and board rental.
• sunset viewing from a high dune.
• pickup from Ica.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sunset buggy tourGuide in English or Spanish · 15:30includes pickup

Private BuggyGuide in English or Spanish · 16:00Pickup is included with the private buggy

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 15:30 and 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (19 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 2.30

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ica Discovery Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the private buggy if your group wants the dunes to themselves. The shared tour works just as well for solo travelers or small groups who don't mind company on the ride.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 18 years); Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What does the sandboarding part actually involve?

The guide teaches you how to glide down the dunes on a normal sandboard, either lying on your belly or sitting down. You pick a slope that matches your comfort level (gentle or steep), and have time to practice and enjoy it at your own pace.

How long is the buggy ride itself?

The buggy portion lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes total, including stops for photos at natural viewpoints and the sandboarding section. The whole experience from pickup to sunset is roughly 2.5 hours.

Do I need any experience to ride the dune buggy?

No. You're a passenger in the buggy, not driving it. The guide operates the vehicle and handles all the climbing and descending through the dunes. You just experience the ride.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay extra for?

Pickup from Ica, the buggy ride, sandboarding instruction, and the sunset stop are all included. You'll pay a 3.60 soles tourist tax at the starting point in Huacachina. Lunch and tips are not included.

Can I choose between a private buggy or a shared one?

Yes. You can book a private buggy for your group, or join the buggy tour with sunset, which is shared. Both follow the same route and include the same activities. The difference is whether you ride alone or with other travelers.