Huacachina Dune Buggy & Sandboarding: 1-Hour Private Polaris Ride from Ica
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Basic fitness: you should be able to climb short sandy slopes and hold steady on a board; suitable for most active travelers.
Overview
Strap in for a one-hour private dune buggy run and sandboarding session at Huacachina, the palm-ringed oasis outside Ica. This short, high-adrenaline trip pairs expert drivers, shifting dunes and quick lessons that get you flying down steep sand faces.
Huacachina Dune Buggy & Sandboarding: 1-Hour Private Polaris Ride from Ica
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You arrive at the edge of the oasis with sand under your sneakers and wind already trying to steal your hat. Huacachina sits like a glossy green eye in the otherwise sun-baked coastal desert — palms and a mirror of water surrounded by ripple-faced dunes that climb and fall like frozen waves. A guide checks your strap, the engine of a Polaris or Can-Am Maverick X3 growls, and the dune buggy lunges forward, trading the calm of the village for white-knuckled arcs across shifting sand.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring eye protection
Goggles or snug sunglasses with a strap keep fine desert sand out of your eyes during high-speed runs.
Secure loose items
Put phones and wallets in a zippered dry bag or leave them at your hotel — sand gets everywhere and can jam cameras.
Hydrate and time it right
Avoid midday heat; aim for early morning or late afternoon and drink water before the tour to prevent dehydration.
Wear closed shoes
Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes protect toes during climbs and when exiting the buggy; flip-flops are not recommended.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean fox (occasionally in twilight around the outskirts)
- Various desert lizards that dart across the dunes in the cooler hours
History
Huacachina grew as a local watering spot; by the 20th century it became a leisure destination for Lima’s elite and later a hub for adventure tourism linked to Ica’s agricultural valley.
Conservation
The oasis depends on managed groundwater and tourism revenue; stay on designated routes, pack out trash and support local guides who balance access with dune protection.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ica, Peru
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe shoes
Provide traction on steep sand and protect feet when climbing dunes.
Sunglasses with strap or goggles
Protects eyes from sun and blowing sand at speed.
all specific
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert heat; bring at least 1 liter.
summer specific
Light layers and a bandana
A light wind layer and a bandana or buff help with temperature swings and dust.
spring specific