1.- INTRODUCTION TO HUACACHINA AND ITS THRILLING HUACACHINA BUGGY RIDE
Huacachina is one of the most incredible natural destinations that you can find during your trip to Peru however it is not only popular for the natural aspect in fact it is one of the places where you can perform many varied activities in its vast desert, one of the most important being the Huacachina Buggy Ride, a unique tour in all terrain vehicles where adrenaline is the main protagonist of the experience and for travelers looking to overcome the immense doubts it becomes one of the places where you get one of the most incredible dazzling views.
2.- What is Huacachina?
A small Oasis that is located 5 km from the city of Ica in the south side of Peru, being a quite singular and particular place that is surrounded by huge dunes that can even reach up to 150 m high and in the center you can find a lagoon of green tones that is fed by subway sources which have a mystical and symbolic connotation for the people of the place, the presence of this oasis in the middle of the desert creates a surreal landscape that in many ways seems even taken out of a dream and over many years this place has been cataloged as a resting point with rejuvenating benefits for local people and for world travelers who find here a true paradise which is hidden in the middle of one of the deserts considered the most arid in the world.
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Thanks to all these benefits, Huacachina has gained an international reputation not only for its natural beauty but also for its unique environment that offers relaxation and is considered a refuge for world travelers seeking to escape from the routine and hustle and bustle of urban life. With relaxing alternatives such as just enjoying the sunset, sandboarding activities in the immense dunes and the Huacachina Buggy Ride you will find that this place is the ideal place for your desired vacation with a tranquil atmosphere.
3.- Excitement of the Huacachina Buggy Ride
The Huacachina Buggy Ride is considered as an exciting and unique activity that you can experience in the arid desert of Peru, this adventure is based on a tour in all terrain cars that are launched to travel the incredible dunes that has an impressive presence as the territory of Huacachina is also known for the dunes that have an immense size with a geography that is very challenging so the adventure becomes a unique and special adventure. The Huacachina Buggy Ride experience is based on going up and down the large dunes at an incredible speed which offers more than just a beautiful view of the panorama but also a special dose of adrenaline and during the tour travelers can enjoy stops at strategic points such as viewpoints where you can appreciate a panoramic view and from where you get the best views of the oasis, there is no doubt that the combination of speed, wind in your face and the engine at full throttle will be the perfect combination for an unforgettable adventure.
The Huacachina Buggy Ride experience can last between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the alternative you choose although there are also other options in which you get even deeper into the desert and can last up to two hours, the tour allows travelers to enjoy many iconic and Instagrammable places in the desert and where you can make stops to take the best pictures in addition to what the experience is combined to practice the activity of sandboarding.
4.- PREPARING FOR YOUR BUGGY RIDE – ESSENTIAL TIPS
There is no doubt that this adventure is one of the best alternatives that you can consider during your 2025 trip if you are looking to have fun and enjoy the Peruvian desert, however it is important that you make sure that the adventure is safe for this you must be prepared for any eventuality from the luggage to the essential tips that seek your comfort and safety.
4.1.- What to wear
This activity is done completely outdoors so it is important that you know how to choose the right clothes to go through the incredible dunes of the desert of Ica, some recommendations are:
- Light clothing
In Huacachina the weather is quite hot during the day, for this reason it is recommended that you always wear light clothing in the sense of shorts and cotton clothing that helps a lot with perspiration which helps keep you cool, so it is best to avoid tight clothing.
- Sun protection
It is important that you know that being exposed in a desert place the heat can be very strong, so wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen which will help prevent sun exposure in less intensity.
- Proper footwear
Remember that most of the way you will be inside the sand car, however to get the best pictures you will have to walk in the desert so it is a good idea to wear comfortable and closed shoes to avoid getting uncomfortable in the sand.
4.2.- Safety precautions
- It is important that you wear your seatbelt at all times, in fact the entire car is designed to keep passengers safe as the dunes are uneven and the ride is bumpy.
- Before leaving, listen to the safety rules provided by the driver, they have years of experience and know the rough terrain.
- The trip is constantly bumpy because there are steep slopes and quick turns along the way, for this reason you should always be calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Keep your belongings always at hand, for this it is a good idea to carry a small bag with your personal belongings so that they do not fall and do not get impregnated with sand.
4.3.- The best time to live this adventure
The time of the year when you decide to enjoy the Huacachina Buggy Ride is undoubtedly the summer season that occurs between December to March, this time of the year is also considered as the high season in which thousands of travelers choose it for the right weather with warm and sunny temperatures where outdoor activities become ideal, however you should also keep in mind that it is the time of the year when there will be more visitors in the surroundings so we recommend that you have a reservation in advance.
5.- LEGEND AROUND THE OASIS
“There is a legend that revolves around the Huacachina oasis that tells the story of a maiden called Huacca China who after a curse became a mermaid because she submerged in its waters in order to hide from a man who was chasing her, it is said that this maiden recurrently comes out of the lagoon to mourn her misfortune while enchanting villagers and travelers to take them to the bottom of the lagoon.”
6.- FAQs
- How much does a Huacachina buggy ride cost?
It has an accessible price, there are versions that cost between $15.00 and $20.00 dollars per person when they are the traditional versions of 30 minutes, however if they are more extensive options of 1 hour can even reach up to $35.00 dollars per person.
- Is a buggy ride safe for children and older adults?
Yes, this activity has been conditioned to be enjoyed by children as well as older adults since the sand cars are equipped with all the required safety measures.
- What should I wear for a Huacachina buggy ride?
It is mainly recommended to wear light clothing since the activity takes place outdoors in the desert dunes, also due to the presence of the sun it is important to wear protection such as sunglasses, hat and sunscreen, also remember that there will be certain places where you will walk on the sand so it is important to wear appropriate and comfortable footwear.
- Do I need to book a tour in advance?
No, it is easy to enjoy the experience when you arrive at Huacachina, however in the high season months between December and March there is the possibility of being sold out easily, so it is ideal to make a reservation in advance.
Your next adventure in Peru can have the adrenaline rush you are looking for, however you must consider that it is not only about enjoying it but also about feeling safe, fortunately Auri Peru can help you with this adventure, contact us now and let us design a unique adventure for you.
“Travel is always the beginning of something new.”
