Huacachina sandboarding and buggy adventure: Dunes at sunset

Ride buggies across the dunes, then sandboard back down

A half-day desert activity in Huacachina where you ride a buggy through the dunes, swap it for a sandboard at a selected spot, and finish at the lagoon before returning to Ica by 6 p.m. The bilingual guide leads a small group through the landscape and teaches sandboarding basics. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Huacachina Desert buggy and sandboarding

• Meet at Huacachina meeting point
• Learn about desert history and geography
• Take buggy ride through desert dunes
• Stop at dunes for sandboarding session
• Relax at Huacachina Lagoon
• Return to Ica city

The experience

The adventure starts at 3:30 p.m. at the meeting point in Huacachina. You'll board a buggy and head into the desert, learning about its history and geography as the vehicle climbs and descends the dunes. The driver stops at carefully chosen spots so you can photograph the vastness around you and get a feel for the terrain before the sandboarding begins.

At the designated dunes, you trade the buggy for a sandboard. The guide teaches you how to stand and balance, then you slide down the sand face. The sensation is nothing like water sports (the board cuts differently, and the friction is immediate), but the mechanics are straightforward enough that all fitness levels manage it. After you've had your fill of sliding, the group heads back to Huacachina Lagoon to cool off and sit with the view.

The return journey to Ica takes about thirty minutes, with arrival around 6 p.m. A professional bilingual guide (English or Spanish) stays with the group throughout, handling the logistics and narration. Bring sunscreen, wear closed-toe shoes for the sandboarding, and expect to get sand in places you didn't plan on.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
• buggy ride through the dunes with stops for photography.
• sandboard and instruction at the selected dunes.
• time to swim or rest at Huacachina Lagoon.
• return transport to Ica.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 to 70 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Machupicchu Holiday

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here because the guide can teach sandboarding in real time and keep everyone together through the buggy sections. If you want an afternoon activity that mixes vehicle thrills with a hands-on skill and ends with a lagoon swim, this fits the schedule and the energy level.

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's the Huacachina Lagoon actually like when you get there?

Huacachina Lagoon is a small natural pool surrounded by palms and dunes in the middle of the desert. It's a calm spot to rest after the buggy and sandboarding, and you can wade in or simply sit and take in the landscape before the drive back to Ica.

Do I need sandboarding experience to do this?

No. The guide teaches sandboarding basics at the dunes, and the activity is designed for all fitness levels. You'll learn stance and balance on the spot, and the guide stays with the group throughout.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear closed-toe shoes for sandboarding and protection from the sand. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. The desert sun is direct and there's no shade. A light layer helps if the wind picks up in the late afternoon.

Does the tour include a meal or drinks?

The itinerary does not include meals or drinks. You may want to eat before the 3:30 p.m. departure or bring water and snacks, especially if you're sensitive to sun exposure during the afternoon hours.