Best time to visit Peru

Sandboarding in Huacachina in Peru

Have some twists, turns, falls, screams, and fun in a real desert

Best time: May–November

Sandboarding in Huacachina
Sandboarding in Huacachina
Sandboarding in Huacachina

If you are bored with noisy Cusco or crowded Lima, then hop on a bus towards Ica and jump out at Huacachina. It is a desert oasis, where everything exists just for tourists. This village is a starting point for crazy topped with adrenaline activity—especially sandboarding and dune buggies.

You don't need any special skills for this, but be ready to disrupt your voice, and get some scratches and too much sand in your pants. Dune buggies are special automobiles which can take you to the top of a sandy hill and then zip down with a roaring sound. You may feel like you are sitting in a washing machine, as your body will be twisted and shaken. During the ride, buggy drivers make several stops on top of hills and you can sandboard down. In reality, most of the tourists fall the very first second and continue their journey down on their bellies.

Huacachina welcomes people throughout the whole year, but May till November is the best season to go there, when daytime temperatures are more bearable.

Practical info

What is Huacachina known for?

Huacachina is a village located in the desert and it is known for being a spot where visitors can participate in outdoor activities, mainly sandboarding and dune buggy rides on the surrounding sand dunes. Wine tours are also available. Show more

How do you get to Huacachina?

Huacachina can be reached by taking a bus from Lima to Ica, which takes 4-5 hours. Once in Ica, visitors can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to get to Huacachina. A direct bus from Cusco is also available and takes 18-20 hours. Show more

What should you wear for sandboarding?

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes that can easily get sandy, such as shorts and t-shirts, as well as appropriate footwear like sneakers. Sandals and flipflops should be avoided. Additionally, wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses is also advised due to the Sun's intensity in the desert. Show more

How much does sandboarding cost in Huacachina?

The cost of sandboarding in Huacachina varies depending on the deal that visitors make with local operators and their negotiation skills. Generally, a dune buggy and sandboarding tour can cost anywhere from $10 to $35 per person, depending on the quality of the services and number of hours. Bargaining could lead to lower prices. Show more

Are there any age restrictions for sandboarding?

Participation in sandboarding does not have specific age restrictions, but children under six years of age should be supervised by adults. Individuals with respiratory or heart issues should avoid sandboarding and examine the safety measures offered by tour operators. It is recommended to consider certain medical conditions before participation. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin