Sandboarding in Huacachina: Ride the Dunes

You ride the sand dunes yourself, not watch from a vehicle.

Sandboarding in Huacachina pairs four hours on the massive dunes surrounding the oasis with professional instruction, a dune buggy ride between runs, a bonfire at sunset, and Pisco cocktails. Hotel pickup is included. The guide speaks English or Spanish and children from age 8 are welcome. GoPro footage and photos of your rides are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sandboarding and dune exploration

• Travel to Huacachina oasis
• Ride 4WD or buggy on sand dunes
• Sandboard and sand ski with instructor
• Watch demonstration and take photos

The experience

Huacachina sits in the middle of Peru's largest sand dunes, and this activity puts you on a sandboard to ride them. A professional instructor demonstrates the basics and stays with the group (three guides for up to 15 people), so you get hands-on coaching as you learn. The dunes are steep enough that even a first run feels like real speed. The sand is packed hard enough to hold an edge, not soft and slow. You'll have free time between runs to practice, film yourself, and take photos.

A 4WD or dune buggy ferries the group between the best runs, saving the long walk back up. The day ends at a bonfire as the sun drops behind the dunes, where you drink Pisco cocktails and watch the footage the guides shot on GoPro. The whole thing runs four hours from hotel pickup to return. Sandboarding uses a board shaped like a snowboard but built for sand. The operator provides the board, helmet and goggles. Wear clothes you don't mind getting sandy and bring sunscreen. The reflection off the dunes is intense.

What’s included

• Professional sandboard and sand ski instruction for the full activity.
• sandboard, helmet and goggles.
• dune buggy rides between runs.
• GoPro photos and videos of your rides.
• Pisco cocktails at sunset.
• hotel pickup and return in Huacachina.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tony SandRider

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride the dunes yourself rather than watch from a vehicle. The four-hour format fits an afternoon or late morning without eating the whole day, and the bonfire at sunset is built into the schedule. You don't add it on.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the difference between sandboarding and sand skiing on this activity?

Sandboarding uses a board you stand on sideways like a snowboarder. Sand skiing uses two smaller boards, one under each foot, more like traditional skis. Both are included in the activity, and your instructor will teach whichever one clicks for you.

Do I need sandboarding experience to book this?

No. The professional instructor teaches from the start, and the activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children from age 8 can join.

How does the buggy ride fit into the day?

Between sandboarding runs, the 4WD or buggy takes the group back up the dune so you don't spend the afternoon hiking. It's part of the experience, not a separate tour.

What happens with the GoPro footage?

The guides film your runs on GoPro during the activity. You get the photos and videos to take home, shown to you at the bonfire at the end of the day.

Does the activity include food or drinks?

Pisco cocktails are served at the sunset bonfire. Meals and other extras are not included. Bring water and snacks if you want them during the four hours.