Nestled in the heart of Peru’s desert landscape, the Huacachina Oasis beckons travelers with its captivating beauty. Departing from Ica, this exhilarating buggy excursion promises an unforgettable adventure. Soaring across vast sand dunes, you will have the opportunity to try their hand at sandboarding, while enjoying breathtaking views and historical insights from a knowledgeable guide. With convenient hotel pickups and a seamless return, this two-hour tour offers an exciting way to explore the stunning desert surroundings. What awaits beyond the dunes is a glimpse into the heart of this enchanting Peruvian oasis.
Key Points
- Explore the stunning Huacachina desert oasis, located 5 kilometers from Ica, through a thrilling buggy ride and sandboarding adventure.
- Enjoy a 2-hour excursion with pickup from Ica hotels at 3:30 p.m. and drop-off by 6:30 p.m.
- Benefit from the services of an English and Spanish-speaking guide to provide historical insights during the tour.
- Take advantage of ample photo opportunities to capture breathtaking views of the dunes.
- Ensure a seamless experience with complimentary pickup and return transfer, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Buggy Excursion Through the Huacachina Desert
A typical buggy excursion through the Huacachina Desert lasts around 2 hours.
Thrill-seekers depart from Ica hotels and travel to the desert oasis, where they learn about its history from a live guide. Participants then hop aboard custom-built buggies for an adrenaline-filled ride across the dunes, stopping to try sandboarding on specially designed boards.
The tour culminates with a return to the Huacachina lagoon, where guests are dropped off at their hotels by 6:30 p.m.
With prices starting at $40 per person, this excursion offers an exciting way to explore the stunning Peruvian landscape.
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Itinerary Overview
The buggy excursion through the Huacachina Desert typically begins with a pickup at hotels in central Ica at 3:30 p.m.
Guests then travel to the stunning Huacachina oasis, located just 5 kilometers from Ica. Upon arrival, the tour guide shares the fascinating history of this unique desert lagoon.
The stunning Huacachina oasis, just 5 kilometers from Ica, where the tour guide shares the fascinating history of this unique desert lagoon.
The heart of the adventure is the thrilling buggy ride through the vast sand dunes, offering ample opportunities for breathtaking photography.
The excursion also includes a stop to try sandboarding, gliding down the golden slopes on specially designed boards.
Pickup and Dropoff Details
The buggy excursion offers hotel pickup for guests staying in central Ica. Those staying outside the central area can select the tour without pickup, which starts at the El Bambú hotel in Huacachina at 3:45 p.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. The pickup and dropoff details are as follows:
| Pickup | Time | Dropoff | Time |
|——–|——|———|——|
| Hotel in central Ica | 3:30 p.m. | Huacachina lagoon | 6:30 p.m. |
| El Bambú hotel, Huacachina | 3:45 p.m. | – | 6:00 p.m. |
Regardless of pickup option, the excursion provides a seamless experience, ensuring travelers reach the Huacachina Desert and return to their accommodation with ease.
Included in the Tour
Included in the tour are a pickup and return transfer, transportation by car or minibus, a thrilling buggy ride through the Huacachina Desert, and the opportunity to try sandboarding on specially designed boards.
The tour also includes:
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A live tour guide available in English and Spanish to provide insights about the Huacachina oasis history.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility.
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A convenient reserve now & pay later option, allowing customers to plan ahead.
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The required tourist tax of S/. 3.60 (US$ 0.90) per person, ensuring compliance.
Important Reminders
Before embarking on the exciting buggy ride, there are a few important reminders for guests to keep in mind.
Bring along a valid passport or ID, as well as comfortable shoes and clothing. Cameras are encouraged to capture the stunning desert views.
Guests should avoid bringing weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, or drugs. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance, and the hotel name must be provided.
An emergency contact number will be available upon booking. Following these simple guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable excursion through the Huacachina Desert.
Customer Reviews
Travelers from diverse backgrounds, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families, have shared their experiences of the Buggy Excursion through the Huacachina Desert.
The activity boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 3 reviews. Feedback from customers highlights several positive aspects:
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The thrill of the buggy ride through the desert dunes.
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The opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the Huacachina oasis.
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The ease of coordination, with reliable pickup and drop-off services.
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The value for money, offering an enjoyable experience at a reasonable price.
Activity Details
The Buggy Excursion through the Huacachina Desert lasts approximately 2 hours and costs from $40.00 per person.
Participants are picked up from their Ica hotels at 3:30 pm and travel to the Huacachina oasis, 5 kilometers from Ica. A live tour guide provides commentary in English and Spanish.
After learning about the oasis’ history, guests embark on a thrilling buggy ride through the desert, with chances to take photos. They then practice sandboarding on specially designed boards.
The tour returns to the Huacachina lagoon, with drop-off at hotels by 6:30 pm.
Booking and Payment Options
Customers can reserve the Buggy Excursion through the Huacachina Desert online and pay later. The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pickup is available from hotels in central Ica, but those staying outside the area can opt for a tour without pickup.
Here are the key booking and payment options:
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Reserve now and pay later
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Option to select tour with or without hotel pickup
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Must reserve one day in advance and provide hotel name
Since You Asked
Is the Buggy Ride Suitable for Children?
The buggy ride is suitable for children, as the tour includes safety precautions and supervision. However, it’s best suited for children aged 8 and above who can follow the guide’s instructions and handle the ride’s thrills.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The inclusions cover pickup, transportation, the buggy ride, and sandboarding, but outside food and beverages are not allowed. Participants should plan to purchase any desired snacks or drinks beforehand.
Is There a Maximum Weight Limit for the Buggy?
There’s no specific weight limit mentioned, but the buggies can typically accommodate up to 250 lbs. Heavier guests may need to ride with a lighter partner. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any restrictions.
Can I Charge My Camera/Phone During the Tour?
No, travelers can’t charge their camera or phone during the tour. The buggy doesn’t have any power outlets, and the tour doesn’t provide any charging stations. Travelers should ensure their devices are fully charged before the excursion.
Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Insurance?
No, additional insurance is not required for this activity. The tour includes basic tourist tax coverage, and travelers should check with their personal insurance providers for any further coverage needs.
The Sum Up
Embark on an exhilarating buggy adventure through the captivating Huacachina Desert. Traverse the sand dunes, try sandboarding, and soak in the breathtaking views of the oasis. This two-hour tour from Ica promises an unforgettable experience, with hotel pickups and dropoffs ensuring a seamless journey. Capture the beauty of Peru’s desert landscape and create lasting memories on this thrilling excursion.
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