Tour overview
Ica is the home of pisco and Peru's most famous desert, and this tour combines both in a single afternoon. First you visit wineries in the Ica Valley. One is a traditional, family-run bodega where pisco is still made the way it was centuries ago, and the other is larger, with tastings of pisco, wines and pisco creams. Then you head to the Huacachina oasis, a lagoon surrounded by palm trees and giant dunes. There you hop in a dune buggy to race across the desert, try sandboarding on the dunes and watch the sun go down over the sand. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, winery visits, dune buggy and gear, so you can simply enjoy it.
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Best time to travel Year-round. December to April is hotter, while afternoons are cooler from May to November
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Maximum altitude About 400 m / 1,310 ft (Ica and Huacachina)
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Physical difficulty Easy (sandboarding is optional and can be done lying down)
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Minimum number of passengers 1 adult
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Maximum number of passengers 15 adults in shared service
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Booking lead time 1 to 2 days in advance
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Permits Huacachina desert reserve entrance fee. Price on request
Highlights
- Pisco and wine tastings plus dune adventure in Huacachina, in half a day.
- Route: Ica Valley wineries, the Huacachina oasis and the Ica Desert.
- Pisco, wine and pisco cream tastings at 2 wineries.
- Dune buggy ride and sandboarding on the dunes.
- Sunset in the desert.
- Price on request per person.
Itinerary
Hotel pickup
We pick you up from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina at around 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Traditional winery
We visit a traditional bodega, where you'll see how grapes are crushed and pisco is distilled in copper stills, and taste their products.
Second winery
We tour a larger or industrial winery, depending on the program, and a more modern winemaking and pisco operation, with a second tasting.
Huacachina oasis
We arrive at the oasis, and you'll have a few minutes to see the lagoon and its promenade.
Dune buggies and sandboarding
You hop in the dune buggy for a thrilling ride up and down the dunes. We stop at dunes of different sizes so you can sandboard, standing up or lying down.
Desert sunset
We stop on top of a dune to watch the sun set over the desert.
Return to your hotel
We drop you back at your hotel in Ica or Huacachina at around 6:30 p.m.
Tips
- Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, since the desert sun is very strong.
- Wear light clothes and bring a jacket, because it cools down after sunset.
- Wear closed sneakers or go barefoot on the dunes. Avoid loose sandals.
- Keep your phone and camera in a bag, because sand gets into everything.
- If you have back problems or are pregnant, let us know, since the buggy ride involves big bumps.
- Drink in moderation at the wineries before getting in the buggy.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Ica or Huacachina.
- Tourist transport.
- Magone Viajes guide.
- Visits to 2 wineries with tastings.
- Dune buggy ride through the desert.
- Sandboard and basic instruction.
Not included
- Huacachina desert entrance fee, if not included. Price on request.
- Meals.
- Purchases at the wineries.
- Tips for the buggy driver.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do it from Lima?
Yes. Magone Viajes offers a full-day version from Lima. You leave before dawn, travel 4 to 5 hours by bus or private transport and return at night.
Is the dune buggy ride safe?
Yes, as long as you keep your seatbelt on and ride with an experienced driver.
Do I have to sandboard?
No, it's optional. You can slide down lying on your stomach, which is easier, or just watch.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, from an age that depends on the program and always with an adult. Tastings are for travelers 18 and older only.
What pisco will I taste?
Usually Quebranta, Italia, Acholado and Mosto Verde, plus sweet wines and pisco creams.
What's the best time for the buggy ride?
The afternoon, so you finish with the sunset. At midday the sand is scorching and the sun is at its strongest.
