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Huacachina Oasis [sandboarding]

  • Huacachina, Ica Region, Peru

  • Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 31 March, 2024

Huddled under palm trees around a little lake set in a sand-sea of rippling dunes, Huacachina village looks like a film set for Dune.

Beauty alone makes it worth a special visit, but there’s plenty to do – from desert hiking and buggy rides to sandboard-surfing the wave-like dunes – which are the tallest in South America. There are plenty of operators in town offering classes and boards to rent, but choose carefully, the sport can be as dangerous for novices as snowboarding.

Over the last decade, Huacachina has become a backpacker hangout – with bars along the lakeshore pumping out music and serving cheap cocktails, and hostels lining the streets behind. But while accommodation in the village is backpacker-simple, Ica city, a ten-minute drive away has comfortable rooms and is connected with Lima by plane and bus.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Huacachina is less than 5km from Ica City – which has flights to Lima and Arequipa and better-than-backpacker accommodation. Taxis from Ica to the village cost pennies.

Sandboarding is easy to organise – with dozens of operators in Huacachina. Choose an operator who emphasises safety. Trips should take around two hours, include classes from a competent sandboarder and begin with lying down. Sandboarding can be dangerous for the uninitiated.

When to do it

Tours run all year round. February and March can be hot with daytime highs around 30°C and you will need sunscreen on the dunes. Nighttime temperatures in July can drop to around 10°C, so take warm clothing.

Who to go with: organised tours

5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis

  • Lima

From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis

Viator

The adventure starts early in the morning on the Panamerican highway. Around 300 km. on the South of Lima is located Paracas Bay, a very important place for Peruvian history and full of wildlife. First thing to do in Paracas is the boat tour to Ballestas Islands place full of birds, sea lions, dolphins, penguins, etc. After the majestic Ballestas, is time to go to the local Airport to do the flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. The next adventure is at the Huacachina Oasis, where there is some time for lunch and walk around, or just enjoy free time with Pisco Sours. At the end of this experience, is time to go back to Lima through the same way. * The Nazca Lines flight schedule is given by the airline 24 before the tour. This could affect the order in which the other activities are done. Example: first Ballestas Islands, then Huacachina Oasis and at the end the flight.

Price $550

Min age 10

Rating 4.72 / 5 [62 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis from Lima - Private

  • Lima

The Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis from Lima - Private

Viator

A flight over the Nazca lines is an experience everyone must do. Considered world heritage by UNESCO. Come with us to discover the mysterious and enigmatic figures that an old pre-Inca civilization made in the south of Lima 1500 years ago. The flight (from Nazca City) gives a feeling about their diversity and spread over the land. Moreover, you have a beautiful view about the landscape around. We include in the package The Huacachina Oasis and dune buggy tour in the desert. Book it now! Do not miss it!

Price $461

Min age 5

Rating 4.88 / 5 [51 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Mysterious Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis - Exclusive and Unique Excursion

  • Lima

Mysterious Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis - Exclusive and Unique Excursion

Viator

This is an exclusive way to explore the amazing south of Peru. We go on private transportation to our airport to take our flight to Nazca Lines! We pick you up from your accommodation to start our adventure. It's a long drive to Nazca but it worth it. While enjoying the views, our guide will give you meaningful information about Peru and its pre-hispanic cultures, including Nazca Culture. We check in at the airport. As soon as the plane takes off, you will enjoy the magic of the Peruvian desert. Observe the 13 figures discovered in Nazca desert and get the best adventure on the air. After the flight, get your flight certificate, you will keep this trip in your heart and memory forever. Later, we head to Ica city where we are having a local lunch, our guide will let you know the different options we have. After lunch, we go on a thrilling adventure on the sand buggies! We will have our sandboard equipment to slide down from the sand dunes in Huacachina! Cultural & Fun!

Price $490

Min age 12

Rating 4.86 / 5 [43 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ultimate Comfort: Lima to Huacachina, Ballestas and Vineyard

  • Lima

Ultimate Comfort: Lima to Huacachina, Ballestas and Vineyard

Viator

Highlights: - Discover the wonders of the Ballestas Islands, the magic of Huacachina Oasis, and a Pisco vineyard in just one day. -Exclusive travel in an SUV or Minivan for small groups, returning early to Lima. - Personalized service with a professional guide for a unique and unforgettable experience. Summary: Designed for travelers seeking a full day from Lima to Ica in a comfortable vehicle and small groups. We ensure your early return to Lima, whether for a flight, a reservation at a Lima restaurant, or simply to rest. A unique opportunity to get close to wildlife at the Ballestas Islands, learn about Pisco through a tasting, and end with the stunning view of Huacachina Oasis, including thrilling sandboarding and buggy activities.

Price $190

Min age 10

Rating 5 / 5 [25 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Nazca Lines and Huacachina Oasis from Lima

  • Lima

Nazca Lines and Huacachina Oasis from Lima

Viator

The Nazca Lines represent one of the greatest wonders of Peru, and one of the most visited destinations by tourists from around the world. It is impressive to witness the works of an ancient culture, and obviously it raises certain questions: How could they be perfectly designed in this great desert? What were the exact purposes? How did such an ancient civilization create these majestic figures? Will the figure of the astronaut mean something special?

Price $443

Min age 6

Rating 4.70 / 5 [24 ratings]

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Peru

  • Peru

Peru

Destination guide

A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.