One of the most thrilling experiences you can have when in Peru, Sandboarding has become a right of passage for those visiting Lima and the surrounding region of Ica.
Not only are the towering sand dunes here perfect for getting an adrenaline fix, it’s also very easy to get to Huacachina which makes planning either a day trip or a longer trip very simple.
In this guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about Huacachina Peru Sandboarding, and why it’s the best place in the country to visit if you want to experience novel activities in the desert. This includes what you’ll need to bring, as well as how to make your way to Huacachina.
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With sand dunes measuring up to an impressive 500m, the Huacachina oasis has become a really big hit for those who are looking to explore Peru. Not only do these make for incredible panoramic photos, however flying down them is also a great way to add some more thrill into your own trip here.
Overall Sandboarding easily makes the top 10 bucket list of experiences that you’ll want to carry out when in Peru, and is also really easy to do when in the capital of Lima or the closer city of Ica. You’ll also find that tours run throughout the day within the region, making it perfect for those who are traveling on more flexible schedules.
It’s also important to know that Sandboarding is safe to carry out as long as you go slow and listen carefully to your instructor. They run trips daily across the desert, and will teach you how to perform the activity safely (which includes lying down as well as spreading your legs for more stability).
Dressing and preparing properly is key before going Sandboarding in Huacachina Peru. You’ll want to wear long-sleeve clothes that cover your arms (such as a hoodie), as well as full-length trousers to prevent your legs getting caught by the sand on the way down. Please also wear closed trainers to protect your feet.
It’s also worth bringing a small bag with you where you can store sunscreen and a bottle of water, both of which are essentials to bring when in the Ica Desert. You can also store your hat inside to prevent you from losing it when Sandboarding or whilst riding around during the dune buggy tour. Be sure to read this post to know exactly what you’ll need when heading to Huacachina.
Finally and most important of all – don’t forget to bring that carefree spirit when coming to Sandboard! Whilst daunting at times, you’ll be in safe hands with your instructor, and it may end up being the most memorable activity you carry out when in Peru.
Most likely you’ll already be in Lima when you first arrive into Peru, which is the easiest place to get to Huacachina from.
Public buses head from La Victoria in Lima to the city of Ica multiple times a day, which is close to Huacachina. The bus ride takes around 5 hours, so it’s definitely possible to do a day trip if you are well-organized and stick to a planned schedule. However, you’ll need to leave very early in the day to get to Ica, and also arrive late back in Lima if using public transportation.
Another option is to head on a more general tour to Huacachina. This is better from a social perspective since you’ll be with other like-minded travelers, however you’ll be in a much larger group with less comforts (such as without air-conditioning on the bus journeys).
If you’re looking for a much more comfortable experience, then you can instead head on an organized tour to Huacachina from Lima. Here you won’t have to worry about missing your bus or waiting in crowded bus stations, instead enjoying a private air-conditioned ride into the desert. You’ll also usually have Sandboarding and other flexible activities included in the tour too!
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about Sandboarding in Huacachina Peru. These will help you if you are still wondering how you can plan your own trip here.
There are vast deserts and plains all over Peru’s western strip, which stretch all the way from Tumbes in the north to Tacna in the south. However the central regions of Ica and Nazca have the classic big deserts, and whilst there are other places, Huacachina remains the very best place to go Sandboarding in Peru.
This really depends on your budget, and if you choose to go with an organized and safe sandboarding tour provider. In this case, you can expect to spend roughly between $20-60 to go Sandboarding, which includes the rental of your board and getting to and from the dunes in Huacachina. It’s also important to know that if you take a tour from Lima, you’ll have all activities included, hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as all transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle. Here at TravelBuddiesPeru, we guarantee departures on all bookings made (even if it’s just one passenger).
Beginners and anyone else who wants to ease into Sandboarding will definitely want to lie down on the Sandboard (not sit down!). Not only does this make it easier to control, there’s also much less chance of falling off. If you’ve been before or have experience with other similar sports such as surfing or snowboarding, then you can practice standing up on some of the smaller dunes before working your way up to the big ones.
And that’s all for this guide on how to plan your own Huacachina Peru Sandboarding trip.
By far one of the most memorable activities you can take on in Southern Peru, Sandboarding isn’t just reserved for the adventure sport pros. As long as you prepare properly and take it slow, then anyone can easily enjoy the rush as you fly down some of the largest sand dunes in South America.
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we organize a private trip to Huacachina, where you’ll also get to visit the stunning Ballestas Islands and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Find out more about our tour and check availability now!
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