Ica Huacachina: Sandboard & Sandski Tour with Dune Buggy

Summary

Sandboard world champ’s school huacachina dunes buggy runs sunset photos

You’ll ride real sandboards or sandskis on Huacachina’s wildest dunes with a champion instructor by your side. Learn to wax your board, race dune buggies across golden sand, and grab GoPro shots of every wipeout or win. The desert sunset is something you’ll feel in your bones long after.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t lean back—trust the sand!” That’s what Julio shouted, grinning from under his scratched-up goggles as I hesitated at the top of this ridiculous dune outside Huacachina. He’d already zipped halfway down before I could answer. The sun was still high, but everything had that dry, golden haze you only get in the Ica desert. My boots felt weirdly heavy with sand, and honestly, my heart was thumping louder than the buggy engine we’d just climbed out of.

The first hour was all about figuring out how to move—snowboard muscle memory doesn’t quite work here, but it’s close enough to trick you into overthinking every turn. Julio showed us how to wax our boards (the stuff smells sharp and sweet, like surf wax) and then he filmed us trying not to fall on our faces. He laughed when I tried to say “gracias” in Quechua—definitely butchered it. After a few short runs, we piled into this battered dune buggy that looked like it had survived a few wars. The driver—can’t remember his name but he wore a neon scarf—blasted salsa through tinny speakers as we tore across the dunes. Sand everywhere, wind in your teeth.

We got maybe four or five real runs (depends how fast you hike back up), each one steeper than the last. By late afternoon, the light turned syrupy and long shadows stretched across the sand. Julio kept riding with us, shouting tips or just cheering when someone finally nailed a turn without eating it. There was this quiet moment before sunset where everyone just stood there catching their breath, staring out at endless ripples of gold. It smelled like warm stone and dust; I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sandboard and dune buggy adventure

• Walk 10 minutes to training area
• Take sandboard lessons or adapt runs
• Learn how to wax boards
• Ride dune buggy around desert
• Complete 4 to 5 dune runs
• Enjoy sunset before return
• Transfer GoPro photos and videos

Top questions

Is this sandboard & sandski tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can join—the guide offers lessons for those new to sandboarding or skiing.

How many runs do you get during the tour?

You usually get 4 runs on the big dunes; sometimes 5 if time allows.

Does the tour include equipment?

Yes—all sandboard or sandski gear is included: board or skis, boots, poles (if needed), helmet and goggles.

Are GoPro photos and videos included?

Yes—the guide takes GoPro photos and videos during your session and shares them if you bring an SD card or USB stick.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about 3 hours total: 1 hour training plus 2 hours on bigger dunes with buggy rides.

Where does the sandboard tour take place?

The tour happens on the desert dunes around Huacachina near Ica, Peru.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the starting point near Huacachina.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all professional sandboard or sandski equipment—boots, board or skis, helmet and goggles—as well as expert instruction from a local champion guide. You’ll get a wild dune buggy ride through Huacachina’s tallest dunes, plus GoPro photos and videos transferred to your own SD card or USB stick at the end before heading back into town.