Buggy and Sandboarding at the Huacachina, Ica

Index

Buggy and Sandboarding are the most popular sports in Huacachina. The buggy activity consists of a “roller coaster” style ride in an all terrain vehicle (buggy) in order to explore the sand dunes of the Ica desert. Stops are made in small and large dunes so you can appreciate the desert, take pictures and do sandboarding, an activity that consists of sliding down the dunes on a board. In short, sandboarding is a must on your visit to Huacachina.

How can you do Buggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina, Ica?

On your own

You can access the Huacachina dunes without a tourist agency, you only have to pay an entrance fee to the Huacachina Regional Conservation Area, the cost of this entrance fee is approximately S/. 3.60 soles ( USD 2.00 dollars), both for national and foreign travelers. Children pay a little less.

If you have your own sandboarding equipment you can enter the dunes with it without problems, you also have the option of renting equipment in the tourist agencies that are very close to the Huacachina. Another option is to take the buggy ride, and the drivers themselves will offer you free of charge the boards for sandboarding.

Regarding the buggy ride, when entering the dunes of Huacachina, after paying the entrance fee, you can go to the place where the buggies are parked (the journey from the ticket office to the buggy parking is about 8 minutes), and in the parking you can choose the driver and buggies you prefer, you can find between private and group vehicles.

The cost of this service ranges from S/. 30 to 50 soles (USD 8 to 15 dollars) per person, the cost depends on the vehicle you choose (private or public) and the season in which you visit the Huacachina, in high season (January to March) the cost is higher.

Tip: kindly ask the driver the documents proving his license to drive in the dunes of the Huacachina.

Tourist agency

Hiring the services of a tourist agency is also a very good option to travel the Huacachina dunes without the stress of worrying about the activities you will do. The approximate cost of a tour is S/. 60 soles ( USD 20 dollars) per person.

How long does the Buggy and Sandboarding tour in the desert of Huacachina, Ica last?

The buggy and sandboarding tour in Huacachina lasts between 2 to 3 hours approximately.

What to expect and how to prepare for Buggy and Sandboarding in the desert of Huacachina, Ica?

If you have already decided to do sandboarding and buggy in Huacachina, I suggest the following:

Wear sneakers and socks, your feet will sink a little in the sand and if the sand is hot you will get hurt.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat with a bra, if you do not wear it with a bra you will run the risk of losing it, because the buggy runs quickly through the sand dunes.

Wear sunscreen.

Bring sunglasses or eye protection to avoid getting sand in your eyes.

A bottle of water is important, although you may find a vendor at the bottom of the dunes.

If you are going in large groups I suggest you take the private vehicles which allow you to enjoy only with your group, it is also recommended when traveling with children, giving them their space and comfort. On the other hand, if you want to make friends, I suggest you take a group vehicle.

What is the best time of the day to do Buggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina, Ica?

In the morning before 12:00 pm you will find fewer travelers and you will have the dunes practically only for you and your companions, also the sand is a little cooler because the sun is not yet at its maximum splendor. This option is highly recommended for bloggers or travelers who live in tourism, as you can take amazing pictures of the views of the Huacachina with less crowds and good light.

In the afternoon from 3:00 pm, you will find many more travelers climbing the dunes to take the buggies, but as a reward you will have the sunset of the Huacachina, which is a highly recommended option if your intention is to have an unprecedented view and take some photos and videos worthy of your social networks. Of course, the sand will be a little hotter than usual.

Do I have to pay a tax to enter Huacachina, Ica?

If you want to do sandboarding or buggy as well as other activities and excursions you have to pay an entrance fee to the Huacachina Regional Conservation Area, the cost of the entrance ticket is S/. 3.60 soles ( USD 1.00 dollars) per person, both for national and foreign travelers. Children normally do not pay. If you go through a tourist agency, the cost of the tour to Huacachina normally includes the entrance ticket.

Many travelers want to avoid this payment, but I consider it important to do so since this amount goes directly to the cleaning and conservation of the dunes and the Huacachina Lagoon.

Is it advisable for children and seniors to practice buggy and Sandboarding in the Huacachina?

In my opinion these activities are suitable for children and also for older adults, who must have physical endurance and tolerance to adrenaline and sudden movements. From my experience: the last time I visited the Huacachina was with my 5 year old nephew, who resisted the buggy very well, but, yes, he did not dare to do sandboarding because he was a little scared. Anyway, it is very important to keep a close eye on the most vulnerable in these types of sports.

Travel tips

For these activities I suggest you hire the services of a qualified driver who is part of a tourist agency and has the necessary permits, since accidents have been seen over the years that have caused human losses and this because the drivers are not qualified and the agencies are not formal, attracting travelers with prices below the normal cost. In some cases it is advisable to pay a little more in order not to risk life and limb.

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