I Dream of Huacachina Deserts | Peru

Signing up for a dune buggy tour in Huacachina isn’t something I’d normally do. I’ve engaged in some pretty dumb “adrenaline activities” over the years (see: snorkeling tours), and am always pretty skeptical of anything that promises adventure in a 2-hour time slot. But, with dune buggy tours and sandboarding in Huacachina going for just $12 per person, I figured it could be worth the gamble.

You see, Huacachina is describedly tiny. The town itself it doesn’t have much on offer besides very average restaurants and hotel pools. The town’s placement amidst massive white dunes, however, is awfully remarkable. Most everyone in town will be trying to sell you on a dune buggy and sandboarding tour, and you know what? You ought to say yes.

How can an activity that is so potentially cheesy so entirely awesome? In a 12 seater dune buggy, our group navigated unexpected dips and crashed over ambiguous horizons. Our driver had driven the route so many times that it felt more like a roller coaster than a risky car ride. The sandboarding stops would have been quite fun if we came prepared with a board with bindings of our own, but stranded with the flimsy velcro variety, we raced face first instead.

Below, you’ll find dreamy photos and basic information on taking your own dune buggy tour in Huacachina.

Desert Vibes from Huacachina

Huacachina Travel Information

Where is Huacachina? You can get to the desert oasis on an easy 4-hour bus ride (Lima to Ica), and from Ica to Huacachina is 5km by taxi.

Hotels & Tour Operators in Huacachina

Desert Nights | Desert Nights runs both a hostel and an ecocamp where guests can hang by the pool sleep at the base of the dunes. Besides running a hotel, they also offer regular departures of sandboarding and dune buggy tours. It’s possible to reserve in advance, but you might as well just rock up and get your tour same day. Doubles from $44.

Banana’s Adventure | Banana’s Adventure is definitely the backpacker hub in town. While you pay a bit extra, your booking includes use of the pool and a dune buggy tour. Dorm beds from $24

How much does a dune buggy and sandboarding tour cost? Dune Buggy Rides and Sandboarding in Huacachina is a lot cheaper than you might expect. A 2-hour tour is around S/ 40 per person ($12) + a S/ 3.60 per person ($1) entry fee.

Other Tips: The boards provided on the tours can be kind of lameand hard to ride. If you’re excited about the idea of sandboarding and have a bit of surf or snowboard experience, rent one with bindings in town and bring it along for the ride!

Check out more incredible places in nature:

• The Marble Caves of Patagonia | Chile
• Moon Landings in Uyuni | Bolivia
• The Strange Trees of Joshua Tree National Park | USA

Do you have any questions for me about dune buggy tours or sandboarding in Huacachina? Ask away in the comments below!