Sandboard Adventure in Arequipa: Dunes & 4x4 Off-Roading

Ride sand dunes that look like Mars, then tackle them from behind the wheel

A half-day sandboarding activity in the northern Atacama Desert near Arequipa where you ride dunes between 3 and 120 meters high, then experience 4x4 off-roading across the same terrain. The tour includes a guide, sandboard, and round-trip transport from Arequipa. Open to beginners and experienced riders. Minimum age is 18.

The experience

You have a free afternoon in Arequipa and want something beyond the city. This half-day trip takes you a few hours southwest into the Atacama Desert, where vast dunes rise between rocky hills in terrain that looks like a Martian landscape. The sandboarding happens on well-formed dunes scattered across this arid zone. You'll ride from different slopes, choosing the incline and style that matches your skill level, whether you're picking it up for the first time or you've done it before. The activity runs for about two hours, with time built in for photos and video of the desert stretching out around you.

After sandboarding, you switch to the 4x4 for the off-roading portion. Your driver navigates the steep dunes using terrain skills that let you experience the landscape from a different angle. The challenge of the terrain becomes visible when you're behind the wheel watching it unfold. The whole outing lasts six hours from Arequipa, so it fits into an afternoon without eating your evening or the next morning.

A guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French leads the activity and helps you dial in your technique across the three sandboarding styles the terrain supports. Bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. The desert sun is direct and the sand reflects it. A fleece works for late afternoon when the temperature drops. The operator recommends moderate fitness: the sandboarding and the terrain require it, and the activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Arequipa.
• sandboard and guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by PERU ADVENTURE TOURS

Is this one for you?The six-hour commitment leaves your morning or evening free, so it works as a half-day break from the city without dominating your schedule. If you want a full day in the desert or a multi-day trek, look for a longer option instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

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.

Can I sandboard if I've never done it before?

Yes. The dunes offer diverse routes and difficulty levels, so beginners and experienced sandboarders both find terrain that suits them. Your guide helps you choose the incline and style that matches your skill level.

How long is the sandboarding part of the day?

The sandboarding activity itself takes about two hours, with time included for photos and video. The full outing from Arequipa is six hours round-trip.

What's included in the price?

Round-trip transport from Arequipa, a sandboard, a guide, and all fees and taxes are included. Bring your own snacks and water, or purchase them separately.

What should I wear in the Atacama Desert?

Summer clothes, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are essential. The sun is intense and reflects off the sand. A fleece or light jacket helps for late afternoon when temperatures drop.

Is the 4x4 off-roading part difficult?

The off-roading navigates steep dunes, so it's an active experience, but you're a passenger. The driver handles the terrain. You watch and feel how the landscape changes from behind the wheel.