The Huacachina tour is undoubtedly one of the best day tours in Lima you can do when in Peru’s capital. It’s an unbeatable mix of culture and adventure that guarantees a lot of fun.
In our tour, we visit the Hacienda Caravedo and the famous Huacachina oasis. In the former you get to try local Pisco whereas in the latter you will enjoy an adrenaline rush during the sand-buggy and sandboarding tour.
Read on to find out more about our traveler’s favorite tour in Lima.
You can choose whether you want to do the Huacachina tour from Lima by bus or in a private car.
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If you choose the option to go by bus, our guide will pick you up at around 5:10 am and head to the bus station with you. The bus ride to Ica takes 4.5 hours. Once you arrive in Huacachina, our driver will be waiting for you to take you to the next sites.
At 7 or 7:30 pm, depending on the availability of the bus, you’ll return to Lima and arrive around midnight. Afterwards, our guide will accompany you to your hotel in a taxi.
If you prefer going in a private car, you’ll be picked up at around 6:00 am and head south towards Ica for around 4 hours. On the way, we can make a stop for you to get some breakfast.
Going in a private car will give you more flexibility and will make the entire trip more comfortable. This option is a little more expensive but in our eyes it’s absolutely worth it because the overall experience is better.
During the guided tour you’ll visit the beautiful Hacienda Caravedo which is famous for its Pisco. Important to know is that, Pisco, is the most popular liquor of the country and the national drink, Pisco Sour, will be made out of that.
Therefore you’ll not only discover the Hacienda, but on top of that enjoy a Pisco tasting in South America’s oldest continuously operating distillery.
The Hacienda Caravedo offers many spots that are perfect for taking pictures.
Afterwards, you’ll have more time to explore Caravedo’s properties and take pictures. The Hacienda has various beautiful spots, our guide will make sure to show you all of them.
Next, we’ll head to a local restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious traditional lunch and regular dishes.
Now, let’s come to the highlight of the tour: Huacachina. It’s a small village built around a natural desert oasis. As the temperatures are warm all year round, Huacachina is a very popular tourist destination.
Apart from the beautiful oasis, it’s known for its adventure activities in the Huacachina desert. It’s safe to say that because of this destination, sandboarding in Peru has become a lot more popular. And this is also what we are here for!
In the 2-hour sand-buggy and sandboarding tour, you better prepare yourself to have a lot of fun. Speeding through some of Peru’s highest sand dunes will feel like being on a rollercoaster!
Speeding in a sand buggy in Huacachina’s desert is a thrilling experience that will make you scream for sure.
After a while, the driver will make a stop on top of a dune to get the boards out and give you a short introduction of how to sandboard. 2-3 turns and we’ll move on to another dune.
Once we’re done with sandboarding, we’ll drive a little deeper in the desert to find a calm spot to enjoy the sunset. This is another perfect opportunity for pictures.
Just so you know, our guide will transform into your photographer without you even noticing it.
For this tour, we recommend you bring sunscreen, sun glasses and a light sweater as it might get a little chilly once the sun sets.
If you want to combine this tour with the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve, we recommend our 2-Day Paracas & Huacachina tour.
Get ready for an unforgettable sunset shooting in the Huacachina desert with our guide!
If you want to discover more activities, check out the 10 awesome things you can do in Huacachina Oasis.
| Exploor Peru Huacachina Tour | Common Huacachina Tours | |
| Pisco tasting | Guided 1-hour tour through the Hacienda Caravedo and Pisco tasting. | In a showroom without professional explanation and mediocre products. |
| Group Size | Private tour, only for you. | Large groups with 15+ people and only 1 guide. |
| Guide | Accompanies you from beginning to end with personalized attention and transforms into your photographer. It won’t feel your guide but rather like a friend. | Have to take care of a large group and can’t focus on you. |
| Flexibility | Very high during our private tour and extra stops can be arranged. | Very low as it’s a defined itinerary. |
You can do sandboarding in various positions; the one you see above is recommended the most for beginners.
Trying some delicious pisco, eating traditional local food and speeding in some of Peru’s highest sand dunes is what’s waiting for you.
If you have one free day in Lima, we definitely recommend you do this tour. The mix of culture, adventure and a great guide sets the tone for an unforgettable experience to either start or finish your time in Peru the right way.
If you have less time at your disposal but still want to do sandboarding, we recommend our sandboarding tour in Lima
A Huacachina tour from Lima usually lasts a full day, often between 14 and 16 hours. The drive from Lima to Huacachina typically takes about 4 to 5 hours each way, depending on traffic and stops. Most tours leave Lima early in the morning and return at night, so travelers can enjoy transport, a visit to the oasis, desert activities, and photo stops within a single day.
Most Huacachina tours from Lima include round-trip transport from Lima, a guided visit to the Huacachina oasis, and desert activities such as sandboarding and a dune buggy ride. Some tours also include a stop in Ica or at a local winery or pisco distillery, where travelers can learn about regional drinks and traditions. Entry fees for activities are often covered, but meals, snacks, and personal expenses may not be included.
You do not need previous experience to try sandboarding in Huacachina. Tour guides usually give a short safety briefing, show you how to position your body, and explain how to control your speed on the dunes. Many beginners choose to start by sliding on their stomach for a safer and more stable ride, then move to standing if they feel comfortable. Basic fitness and the ability to climb short, sandy slopes are helpful.
Wear light, comfortable clothes and closed shoes that stay secure on your feet and keep sand out. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and high SPF sunscreen because the desert sun is strong, even in the afternoon. A light jacket or sweater is useful for early morning and evening when temperatures can drop. Carry a refillable water bottle, some cash for snacks or souvenirs, and a secure bag to protect your phone or camera from sand.
Huacachina is a popular destination that many travelers and families visit each year. Tours from Lima typically work with experienced drivers and licensed dune buggy operators who follow safety rules. Families should choose reputable tour providers, listen to briefings, and follow guide instructions, especially for sandboarding and dune buggy activities. Children and older travelers can usually join, as long as they feel comfortable with bumpy rides and desert conditions.
