Buggy and Sandboard Adventure in Huacachina

No visit to Huacachina feels complete without a dune buggy ride. Open-sided buggies with big engines and roll cages carry a dozen passengers at a time up and down the steep faces of the dunes, with the driver choosing a mix of gentle crests and stomach-dropping descents. At stops among the dunes, guides hand out sandboards, wax them and show you how to lie on your stomach or stand up to slide down the slopes. It is loud, dusty and a great deal of fun, and no previous experience is needed. The outing usually lasts about two hours and often ends at a viewpoint for sunset.

The experience divides into short rides and sand-sliding sessions. Drivers know the dunes well and adjust the intensity to the group, so you can ask for a gentler or more extreme ride. Lying down on a board gives a fast, safe slide, while standing is for the confident. Falls are soft, but the sand finds its way into everything, so wear closed shoes you do not mind filling and keep cameras and phones in a sealed pouch or leave them with the driver.

Safety and comfort matter. Fasten the harness, hold on during descents and follow the driver's instructions. People with back, neck or heart problems should consider skipping the more intense rides, and pregnant travellers should avoid them. Bring sunglasses, a scarf to cover your face and a layer for the late afternoon, when the wind rises. Prices are modest compared with similar activities elsewhere, and you can book on arrival in the village, though advance booking helps in busy periods. Choose an operator with well-maintained vehicles, seatbelts and a clear safety briefing.

Know how the session works before you go. The group is divided into buggies of about ten to twelve seats, each with a driver who also acts as a guide. The ride starts with a gentle climb to warm up, followed by faster runs along the crests and steep drops that give the sensation of a roller coaster.

At the sandboarding stops, the guide shows how to wax the boards, position your body and lean to steer. Beginners start on small slopes and move to bigger ones as confidence grows, and the climb back up is on foot, which is more tiring than the slide.

Comfort and safety deserve attention. Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, because sand can scratch, and avoid loose hats that will blow away. Sunglasses or goggles keep grit out of your eyes. Drink water before you go, and keep a small amount of cash for tips and photographs.

Ask the operator whether videos are included. In summer, sand can be hot, so closed shoes are best. Choose a reputable company, avoid vehicles that appear overloaded or poorly maintained, and tell the driver if you want the ride to be gentler. Many travellers book on arrival, but in busy periods advance reservation avoids disappointment.

If you want to extend the adventure, ask about add-ons such as a campfire, a pisco tasting or a night session under the stars, which some operators offer. Wearing a swimsuit under your clothes is not needed, but a spare shirt for the ride home is a good idea. Children need shoes they cannot lose in the sand.