Huacachina Sunset Dune Buggy & Sandboarding: A Detailed Review

Alright, have you ever dreamed of racing across towering sand dunes and then catching a sunset that paints the desert in really beautiful shades of orange and purple? So, if that sounds amazing, then a sunset dune buggy and sandboarding trip in Huacachina, Peru, it’s almost certainly up your alley. In fact, after my time there, I wanted to give you a breakdown, that way you know what to expect and can decide if the adventure is right up your alley too it’s almost.

Getting to Huacachina

Alright, so first things first: How do you actually reach this desert oasis? Basically, most people begin their way to get to Huacachina from either Lima or Paracas. To be honest, from Lima, the trip it’s almost certain to take around four to five hours by bus. You might find several companies offering this route; Cruz del Sur and Peru Hop are reliable, you know? From Paracas, that trip is way shorter – just over an hour by bus or taxi. Then again, I will mention, be sure to plan transportation ahead of time, as this could be a popular route, specifically during peak season.

By the way, the roads in Peru, that could be winding, that. And, I want to say, bring a book or load up your playlist to make the journey that bit easier.

Booking Your Tour

Alright, so once you’ve arrived, next up is securing your spot on a dune buggy and sandboarding tour, naturally. In fact, numerous tour operators can be found right in Huacachina. We found that it really is worth looking online and checking reviews before you decide to, that way you ensure you’re getting an outfit that really values safety and provides a great experience, right?

We ended up going with a tour that friends recommended, and to be honest it didn’t disappoint, not really. Also, remember to book in advance, this is especially true during the high season – that’s from June to August – as tours can fill up really quickly, naturally.

The Dune Buggy Ride

Basically, get ready for some action! Alright, that dune buggy ride, that’s really exhilarating, alright? Then again, drivers are apt to be daredevils, so they zoom up and down towering dunes at seriously high speeds. To be honest, it felt something like a roller coaster, but on sand, and that really added an element of crazy excitement. Make certain to hold on tight, that is what I will say, since the ride tends to be very bumpy, yet thrilling.

Oh yeah, just as a suggestion: that’s bringing sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying sand is often a lifesaver, believe me.

Sandboarding Thrills

Alright, so after the adrenaline-pumping dune buggy ride, next comes sandboarding! In practice, for some folks on our tour, it might be their very, very first time. No worries! After all, tour guides offer a quick lesson on how to safely glide down the dunes, basically. The method tends to be super easy: you sit or stand on the board, lean back a bit, and off you fly!

I mean, that is important, that wearing layers that you do not mind getting covered in sand could be something of great importance here. Just as important is to rent a sandboard or have one provided through the tour. Do note that some tours offer wax for the boards which tends to improve your slide, clearly.

To be honest, I chose to sit down since I’m basically a complete beginner, that’s just safer for me. You know, some of the more daring people in our group tried standing and doing their tricks, but basically, let me tell you, there were also some epic wipeouts! So, just listen to your comfort level, you know?

Witnessing the Sunset

So, just imagine this: Right after all the sandboarding fun, then you go to the best spot, perch yourself on top of a large dune, and then get to experience a Huacachina sunset. By the way, the views could be, wow. You will likely be able to spot as the sun dips behind the dunes, which covers the whole desert in a stunning display of vivid orange, pink, and purple shades. Also, seriously magical!

Anyway, that really makes you wonder at how awesome nature could actually be, you know? So, take many, many photos. Take a few selfies too, obviously!

Safety Considerations

To be honest, safety is seriously important in situations, too. After all, dune buggy rides tend to be pretty intense, actually, so be certain that the tour operator that you pick has some great safety practices in place. Seatbelts are an absolute necessity. Pay attention to all directions from your guide too. As a matter of fact, make certain they appear properly trained, just to make certain.

Then again, keep hydrated. Especially if it’s really hot. That it does to some degree. So, it could be helpful for you to bring bottles of mineral water and perhaps a snack with you.

What to Bring

To be honest, packing strategically can really affect how much fun you could have. Just bring sunglasses, they seriously keep the sand out of your eyes, as previously stated. Don’t overlook sunblock, since the desert sun it is incredibly potent. Be apt to also use a hat for further protection. Also, carry many, many bottles of mineral water in order to keep yourself well hydrated.

As far as clothing, the things that you put on are typically critical here. Therefore, that you dress in layers tends to be very helpful because temperatures have a funny way of changing quickly in the desert. Just go with casual clothing you would be more than willing to get filled with desert sand!

Is It Worth It?

By the way, my own thoughts on if a sunset dune buggy and sandboarding trip in Huacachina is “worth it?” Totally! But, in case that you like thrilling, scenic views, and a special experience, you would totally enjoy this. Be mindful that it isn’t the best adventure if you don’t love some action and sand!

Plus, watching the sunset across those huge sand dunes seriously is just something you would never ever forget, too it’s almost. And, for me anyway, those sights are priceless.

Other Activities in Huacachina

To be honest, while dune buggy riding and sandboarding might well be the most well-liked, Huacachina really is more than solely such activities, actually. To that end, it is almost worth your time to investigate them if that’s within your scope of possibility.

By the way, one popular and relatively tranquil pursuit really is to go for a peaceful lagoon ride inside a rented paddleboat; seriously, there are a number for you to pick. Alternatively, there exist quite a lot of cafes as well as restaurants all around, where that one could very easily try regional cuisine or quite simply unwind as well as take a breather; more so than merely an adventure playground, believe it or not.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to visit Huacachina?

By the way, the best time to come visit tends to be during Peru’s dry season, which goes from May to September. Days usually are sunny, but nights may be chilly. Take note: High season generally tends to be in July and August.

Are there any age or physical restrictions for the tour?

To be honest, tour operators might well have particular restrictions. Kids could definitely enjoy themselves while doing the tour as long as they meet basic height requirements. Make certain you confirm this ahead of time.

What should I wear for the tour?

Wear layers. Clothes that can get really really covered with sand, ideally. But by all means be protective as stated. Then again, wearing closed shoes really is wise if only so as to guard yourself from burning your foot. It is basically that simple to do right?

Are there restrooms available during the tour?

In some respects, tours, that mostly take approximately two hours, so there generally tend not to be many scheduled breaks for those restrooms out on those dunes. You could discover toilets prior to starting or just following when your tours have completely finished however.

Can I bring my camera?

Oh yeah, and do bring the camcorder. If that is within the scope of the plan anyway. You would certainly choose not to forego capturing a sunset within Huacachina. Be that as it may, keeping a tighter and really secured clutch along with it really could just avoid damages due sands or else bumps all throughout that excursion just by chance?

What is the average cost for a Dune buggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina?

Therefore, this definitely is mostly going to depend; though however prices for certain may really vary! Typically though, anyone that expects it definitely should definitely cost them close to about somewhere between fifteen all the way upto fifty bucks from within either Peruvian currency solely for this kind of tour (give all and whichever depending), so for example such elements that they have can well either affect some rates here at Huacachina!