Huacachina UTV buggy ride and sandboarding desert adventure

Drive the dunes yourself, then slide down them on a board

A one-hour private UTV buggy ride through Huacachina's desert near Ica, Peru, where you ride a Can Am Maverick or Polaris with up to two passengers, stop to sandboard down the dunes, and shoot photos from the ridge overlooking the oasis. The tour runs hourly from 9 am to 5 pm, includes helmets, goggles, sandboarding gear and personal accident insurance, and requires a minimum of two riders. Professional drivers handle the vehicle; you focus on the ride and the sport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert buggy ride and sandboarding

• Depart from office to desert
• Visit Huacachina oasis viewpoint
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Enjoy desert photography stop

The Experience

The question most people ask is whether they can drive the UTV themselves — the answer is no, a trained pilot handles the vehicle so you can grip the seat and take in the desert. What you do is ride the dunes in a Can Am Maverick x3 Max RS Turbo or Polaris with up to two other passengers, feel the machine climb and drop across the sand, and stop three times: first at the ridge above Huacachina oasis for the panoramic view, then on a slope to sandboard (amateur level, chest slide), and finally at another high point to photograph the desert and the oasis below.

The ride lasts an hour total. You get a helmet, goggles, a four-point seat belt, and sandboarding equipment — no extra gear to buy or rent. The driver is trained in off-road handling and first aid. Personal accident insurance covers all occupants. Departures run hourly from 9 am to 5 pm, and you need at least two people to book; the office has parking, restrooms and a comfortable space to meet before and after.

Sandboarding is the centerpiece stop — it is not a lesson, just the equipment and the slope, so come ready to slide or to watch if you prefer. The photo stops give you time to steady yourself and frame shots of the oasis and the ridge line. If you have mobility concerns, the office and all surfaces are wheelchair accessible, though the UTV itself and the sandboarding stop are not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• One-hour private UTV ride in a Can Am Maverick x3 Max RS Turbo or Polaris with a trained pilot.
• up to three passengers per vehicle.
• helmets, goggles and four-point seat belts.
• sandboarding equipment and three stops (oasis viewpoint, sandboarding slope, photo ridge).
• personal accident insurance for all occupants.
• comfortable office with parking and restrooms.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by GO ADVENTURE

Is this one for you?A professional pilot handles the dunes while you focus on the speed, sandboarding, and panoramic views of the oasis.

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Top questions

Can I drive the UTV myself, or does a pilot handle it?

A trained pilot drives the UTV throughout the hour so you can ride as a passenger and focus on the dunes, the sandboarding stop and the views. The driver is certified in off-road handling and first aid.

What exactly is sandboarding, and do I need experience?

Sandboarding is sliding down a dune slope on a board — the tour includes amateur-level equipment and a chest slide technique, no prior skill required. You can sandboard or watch from the ridge; the stop is yours to choose.

How many people fit in one UTV, and can I book just for myself?

Each UTV holds up to three passengers total, so you can ride with up to two others. The minimum booking is two participants, so solo travelers need to pair up or join a group departure.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes the UTV ride, helmets, goggles, sandboarding equipment, a four-point seat belt, personal accident insurance and three photo stops. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and water; the office has restrooms and parking before you depart.

What time can I book, and how do I get to the office?

Departures run hourly from 9 am to 5 pm every day. The office is near Huacachina in Ica; public transportation options are available nearby, and there is on-site parking if you drive.