ATV Riding in Paracas: Dunes and Desert Oasis

Ride the dunes, then glide down them on a board

ATV riding in Paracas combines three hours of buggy driving through desert dunes with sandboarding instruction and a swim in a natural lagoon fed by underground mountain rivers. Hotel pickup is included. The landscape (wind-carved grooves and an oasis in the middle of the desert) sits far from the crowded Huacachina alternative on Peru's south coast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert adventure and lagoon activities

• Depart from Paracas to California desert
• Cross desert dunes in tubular vehicle
• Arrive at Costa Rica Oasis lagoon
• Swim and enjoy lagoon activities
• Ride rowing boat, kayak, and paddle board
• Continue desert buggy tour climbing dunes
• Practice sandboarding with guide instructions
• Return to Paracas

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Paracas hotel and a drive into the California desert. Once there, you operate the sand buggy yourself, climbing and descending dunes, executing turns and feeling the adrenaline as you navigate the terrain. The ride crosses an extensive stretch of desert before arriving at Laguna Costa Rica, a natural lagoon formed by underground rivers flowing down from the mountains. The water is clean and unpolluted. You can swim here, or try kayaking, paddle boarding, or a rowing boat if you prefer to stay on the surface.

After the lagoon, you board the buggy again and continue through the desert, stopping at the top of the dunes to practice sandboarding. If you've never done it, your guide teaches you the technique and safety basics so you can enjoy the sport and take photos without worry. The ride then loops back through the desert toward Paracas, completing the circuit.

What’s included

• Buggy operation through the desert dunes.
• sandboarding instruction and equipment.
• swim time at Laguna Costa Rica.
• optional kayaking, paddle boarding, or boat rides at the lagoon.
• hotel pickup in Paracas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to20h before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by IZI PERU

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to skip the crowded Huacachina oasis and reach a remote desert lagoon by buggy instead: hotel pickup gets you there without needing your own transport.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the Laguna Costa Rica and why is it in the middle of the desert?

Laguna Costa Rica is a natural lagoon formed by underground rivers that flow down from the mountains. It sits in the Paracas desert and the water stays clean because it comes from those mountain sources, making it safe to swim in.

Do I need to know how to sandboard before I go?

No. Your guide teaches sandboarding at the top of the dunes and gives you safety recommendations so you can learn and enjoy the sport during the stops.

Can I do other activities besides the buggy and sandboarding?

Yes. At Laguna Costa Rica you can swim, kayak, paddle board, or take a rowing boat ride instead of staying in the water.

How long does the whole activity take?

The activity runs three hours total, including the buggy ride through the dunes, time at the lagoon, sandboarding instruction and practice, and the return drive to Paracas.

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Paracas is included in the booking.