Sand dunes in Peru? That wasn’t the first thing I thought of when planning my trip to Peru, but omg I am so glad that I did! If you’re traveling through Peru and looking for a unique and adrenaline-filled experience, look no further than Huacachina’s dune buggy and sandboarding tours. This tiny desert oasis is famous for its shimmering lagoon, towering golden dunes, and heart-pounding rides through the desert that feel like a roller coaster – but in nature’s own sandbox. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just curious about this bucket list activity, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing Huacachina sandboarding and dune buggy adventures like a pro.
Where is Huacachina?
Huacachina is a small village in southwestern Peru, about 5 hours by bus from Lima and just 10 minutes from the city of Ica. Surrounded by some of the largest sand dunes in South America, it’s a picture-perfect oasis that looks like it leapt straight out of a travel postcard.
What to Expect on a Dune Buggy Tour
A Huacachina dune buggy tour is not a gentle sightseeing ride. Your driver will take you up and down massive dunes at thrilling speeds, stopping at the best spots for sandboarding and jaw-dropping views of the desert. It was some of the best fun on my whole trip to Peru.
Tours usually last 1–2 hours and are often timed for sunset, when the dunes glow in shades of gold and orange — a magical backdrop for your desert adventure.
Sandboarding in Huacachina: How it Works
Once you’ve caught your breath from the dune buggy ride, it’s time to grab a board and hit the slopes. You can choose to:
- Lie down (fastest and most beginner-friendly)
- Sit down (slightly slower but still thrilling)
- Stand up (like snowboarding — requires balance and practice)
Most travelers go for the lie-down option for maximum speed and fun, but if you’re feeling brave, you can try standing and carve your way down. When the tour guide asked my group who would like to go first on the ‘small’ dune, we were all like uhhhh no thank you (the sand dune was so tall!!) but once you started sliding down the dune it was the BEST FUN EVER.
What to Bring for Your Huacachina Adventure
- Sunglasses – to keep sand out of your eyes
- A scarf or buff – for extra face protection (there are heaps of vendors selling these in Huacachina)
- Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy
- Closed-toe shoes
- A small backpack for water and snacks
- Camera/phone – for epic dune and sunset shots
Where to Stay in Huacachina
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Senoma Hotel
Mid-Range: Hotel Las Flores
Budget: Viajero Huacachina Hostel
Best Time to Go Sandboarding in Huacachina
The best tours are in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and stunning desert sunsets. Morning tours are also available if you want fewer crowds.
How to Book a Dune Buggy & Sandboarding Tour
You can book online in advance, book with Peru Hop (if this is your mode of transport) or arrange one once you arrive in Huacachina — there are plenty of tour operators in town. Prices usually range from 40–60 soles ($10–15 USD), making it one of the most affordable adrenaline activities in Peru.
Tips for First-Time Sandboarders
- Keep your mouth closed (trust me)
- Listen to your driver’s instructions for safety
- Embrace the wipeouts — they’re part of the fun! (speaking from experience haha!)
Why You Can’t Miss It
A dune buggy and sandboarding tour in Huacachina is hands-down one of the most exciting things to do in Peru. It’s fast, sandy, and unforgettable — a perfect mix of heart-pounding adventure and breathtaking scenery.
Check out my full 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.
🦙 More Peru Posts
Check out these Peru blog posts:
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Jess at Sea 
Leave a comment