THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Drive out of Lima to Ancón and climb wind-cut dunes for sandboarding and sledding in Lomas de Ancón. Guided instruction, off-road access, and multiple runs make this a hands-on desert day trip close to the city.
Drive out of Lima to Ancón and climb wind-cut dunes for sandboarding and sledding in Lomas de Ancón. Guided instruction, off-road access, and multiple runs make this a hands-on desert day trip close to the city.
The truck grumbles up a rutted track, salt air pressing from the west while a band of wind whips sand into short-lived sculptures across the slope. You step out at the lip of the dune field above Ancón and the city falls away: a raw coastal desert that alternates between glassy beach and wind-sculpted sand sea.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Desert Expeditions · Ancón, Lima
The truck grumbles up a rutted track, salt air pressing from the west while a band of wind whips sand into short-lived sculptures across the slope. You step out at the lip of the dune field above Ancón and the city falls away: a raw coastal desert that alternates between glassy beach and wind-sculpted sand sea.
Lomas de Ancón is part of Lima’s fog-fed “lomas” ecosystem—patches of seasonal greenery fed by the garúa that drifts in from the Pacific. The dunes themselves are recent, geomorphological children of coastal winds and sediment from river mouths, piled into steep faces that riders descend on boards or sleds. Ancón is also an old fishing and seaside resort district for Lima, so the day mixes natural drama with local coastal culture.
Expect an active half- to full-day: hotel pickup in Lima, a short transfer to Ancón, an off‑road climb into the park, gear and instruction, and multiple runs down dunes with photo stops. Guides provide sandboards, sleds, helmets and a truck “lift” to retrieve riders—no prior boarding ability required. Terrain is loose sand with steep pitches; crashes are low‑speed but abrasion is common.
Practical edge: wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, high-SPF sunscreen, and layered wind protection. Bring cash for snacks and tips, carry a reusable bottle to refill, and listen closely during the safety briefing—wind and sun change conditions fast. This is a hands-on, sandy, sunlit way to experience Lima’s fringe desert without technical climbing skills, ideal for travelers who want active, camera-ready moments near the city.
easy.
6 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short hikes on loose sand and basic balance for boarding or sledding
No—guides provide instruction for all skill levels and equipment; beginners start on gentler slopes under supervision.
Transfer time varies with traffic but typically 45–75 minutes from central Lima to Ancón district pickup points.
Bookings ask for height and weight and the operator may set limits for safety—check when you reserve and disclose accurately.
Trips can be canceled for poor weather (heavy fog or winds); full refunds are offered if canceled more than 24 hours prior according to the policy.
Ancón has long been a coastal fishing community and weekend resort for Lima; the lomas ecosystems are traditional seasonal grazing and plant-gathering areas.
Lomas are fragile fog-dependent ecosystems—stick to marked areas, avoid trampling vegetated slopes, and pack out any trash to reduce impact.
Desert Expeditions operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The truck grumbles up a rutted track, salt air pressing from the west while a band of wind whips sand into short-lived sculptures across the slope. You step out at the lip of the dune field above Ancón and the city falls away: a raw coastal desert that alternates between glassy beach and wind-sculpted sand sea.
The truck grumbles up a rutted track, salt air pressing from the west while a band of wind whips sand into short-lived sculptures across the slope. You step out at the lip of the dune field above Ancón and the city falls away: a raw coastal desert that alternates between glassy beach and wind-sculpted sand sea.
Lomas de Ancón is part of Lima’s fog-fed “lomas” ecosystem—patches of seasonal greenery fed by the garúa that drifts in from the Pacific. The dunes themselves are recent, geomorphological children of coastal winds and sediment from river mouths, piled into steep faces that riders descend on boards or sleds. Ancón is also an old fishing and seaside resort district for Lima, so the day mixes natural drama with local coastal culture.
Expect an active half- to full-day: hotel pickup in Lima, a short transfer to Ancón, an off‑road climb into the park, gear and instruction, and multiple runs down dunes with photo stops. Guides provide sandboards, sleds, helmets and a truck “lift” to retrieve riders—no prior boarding ability required. Terrain is loose sand with steep pitches; crashes are low‑speed but abrasion is common.
Practical edge: wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, high-SPF sunscreen, and layered wind protection. Bring cash for snacks and tips, carry a reusable bottle to refill, and listen closely during the safety briefing—wind and sun change conditions fast. This is a hands-on, sandy, sunlit way to experience Lima’s fringe desert without technical climbing skills, ideal for travelers who want active, camera-ready moments near the city.