ATV Riding in Huacachina: Dune Buggy & Sandboarding at Sunset

Dune buggy climbs, sandboard descents, and desert sunset in one afternoon

ATV riding in Huacachina pairs a dune buggy ride over massive sand dunes with a sandboarding descent and a desert sunset, all in one half-day activity. Hotel pickup from Ica or Huacachina is included. Your driver teaches sandboarding technique suited to your skill level. The activity runs in the late afternoon (4:30 PM January to April, 4:00 PM May to December) and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset dune buggy and sandboarding

• Pickup from hotel in Ica or Huacachina
• Dune buggy ride over sand dunes
• Stop for photos at Huacachina Oasis
• Sandboarding with professional guidance
• Watch sunset over desert dunes

The experience

You get picked up from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina and driven straight to the oasis. The dune buggy ride is the centerpiece: you climb and descend sand dunes reaching up to 30 meters high, the kind of pitch that feels like a rollercoaster. Your driver stops along the way so you can photograph the desert landscape and the iconic oasis lake ringed with palm trees: the only natural oasis in Peru, and the reason people come here at all.

After the buggy ride, you move to sandboarding on the same dunes. The driver teaches you the technique, and the activity is designed for all skill levels, so whether you've never stood on a board or you have experience, there's no barrier to trying it. You slide down the towering dunes at your own pace, learning as you go.

The day ends with Huacachina's signature moment: the desert sunset. You watch the sun drop over the sand dunes from vantage points your driver knows, with time to find the shots that work for your camera or phone. The whole activity runs between 30 minutes and an hour depending on the season and how long you linger at the sunset.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to the Huacachina dunes.
• a regular sandboard for the descent.
• hotel pickup from Ica or Huacachina.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sunset dune buggy ride and sandboarding, departing from Ica or HuacachinaGuide in English or Spanish · 16:00Pickup is included

Private dune buggy tourGuide in English or Spanish · 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00Private tour: choose a different route, explore other areas, and change the starting time. Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (8 to 50 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

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 9 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Machu Picchu Peru Tours

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you're joining solo or with one or two others and want a fixed afternoon departure. Choose the private option if your group needs flexible timing to coordinate with other plans.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Huacachina sand dunes like for a dune buggy ride?

The dunes around Huacachina reach up to 30 meters high and create the steep climbs and descents that make the buggy ride feel like a rollercoaster. You stop to photograph the desert and the oasis lake surrounded by palm trees during the ride.

Do I need sandboarding experience to do this activity?

No. Sandboarding in Huacachina is suitable for all skill levels, and your driver teaches you the techniques to sandboard safely and confidently before you head down the dunes.

What time does the dune buggy and sandboarding activity start?

The activity departs in the late afternoon: 4:30 PM from January to April, and 4:00 PM from May to December. Hotel pickup from Ica or Huacachina is included, so you're collected a few minutes before the scheduled start.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes. Pickup from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina is included in the activity. The driver collects you a few minutes before the tour begins.

What's included in the activity cost?

Entrance fees to the dunes, a regular sandboard, and hotel pickup are all included. Tips for the driver and guide are optional.