Wineries & Dune Buggies Tour | The Pisco Trail | Full Day

Explore the authentic Pisco Route and the Huacachina Oasis in Ica—an unforgettable experience that combines winemaking tradition, desert landscapes, and pure adrenaline. The tour begins with a visit to the iconic Hacienda Tacama and the traditional artisanal winery El Arrabal, where you’ll learn the secrets of how our spirits are made and enjoy exclusive tastings of pisco, wine, cachina, and sparkling wines.

The journey continues to the legendary Huacachina Oasis, a green lagoon surrounded by palm trees, eucalyptus trees, and imposing golden dunes. Here, you’ll have time to stroll along its picturesque boardwalk, relax by the water’s edge, and capture spectacular photos at one of the most iconic spots on the Peruvian coast.

To cap off the day with excitement, we’ll head into the desert aboard powerful dune buggies to race across the dunes at full speed and glide down them on sandboards under the guidance of experts. The day culminates with a view of the magical sunset over the desert horizon before returning to Ica, completing a perfect journey of flavor, culture, and adventure.

Itinerary

Pickup at your hotel or the bus terminal in Ica (approx. 10:30–10:45 a.m.)

The experience begins with a punctual pickup from your downtown hotel or the bus station in Ica. During the ride, the guide will provide an introduction to the valley’s winemaking history and the activities planned for the day.

Guided tour of Hacienda Tacama and El Arrabal Winery

Arrival at the prestigious Hacienda Tacama and the traditional artisanal El Arrabal Winery to learn about industrial and traditional methods of winemaking and pisco production, complemented by tastings of signature products.

Free time for a regional lunch

A break at a typical restaurant in the Ica countryside to sample the region’s traditional cuisine, rest, and recharge before continuing on to the next leg of the tour.

Guided tasting and Pisco Sour class at Culturpisco

A specialized visit to Culturpisco to explore the different varieties of pisco through a sensory tasting, followed by an interactive class to learn how to prepare Peru’s iconic cocktail.

Transfer to the Huacachina Oasis

Travel by tour bus to the iconic Huacachina Oasis, taking in the transition from the agricultural landscape to the imposing sand formations of the coastal desert.

Walking tour and photo session at the oasis

Free time to walk around the lagoon, admire the surrounding palm trees and dunes, shop for local handicrafts, and take panoramic photos at one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

Buggy (tubular) adventure and sandboarding

Begin the journey across the dunes aboard sand buggies driven by expert drivers, making strategic stops at the peaks to sandboard at different skill levels and watch the desert sunset.

Return to the oasis and rest

Descend the dunes to the Huacachina boardwalk to shake off the sand, rehydrate, rest, and enjoy the last glimmers of golden light over the lagoon.

Final transfer to Ica and end of the tour (approx. 6:30–7:00 p.m.)

Board the tour bus for the return trip to your hotel or the bus terminal in downtown Ica, bringing to a close a full day of wine tasting, winemaking traditions, and desert adventure.

What’s included?

Pickup and Tourist Transfers in Ica
Punctual pickup service from downtown hotels or the bus terminal in Ica, with a return trip arranged to a downtown location at the end of the tour.

Tourist transportation throughout the entire tour
Licensed, air-conditioned tour vehicles driven by a professional driver to ensure comfort and safety on all trips.

Guided tour of Hacienda Tacama and Bodega El Arrabal
An interpretive tour of both wineries’ facilities to learn about the industrial and artisanal processes of making wines and piscos.

Tasting of traditional wines and piscos
A guided tasting of piscos, wines, cachinas, and sparkling wines representative of Ica’s winemaking tradition.

Pisco Sour Hands-On Class at Culturpisco
An interactive workshop led by experts to learn how to make Peru’s signature cocktail and discover its secrets.

Self-guided tour of the Huacachina Oasis
Free time to stroll along the boardwalk, admire the lagoon surrounded by palm trees, and take panoramic photos of the landscape.

Buggy Ride and Sandboarding
An adventure in sand buggies through the Huacachina dunes with a professional driver, including boards and safety instructions for sliding down the sand.

What is not included?

Recommendations

Appropriate Clothing and Accessories

Wear light, comfortable clothing for touring the wineries, along with a light jacket for the afternoon, as the wind picks up in the desert.

Wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers to walk securely on the sand and participate in sandboarding.

Bring sunglasses, a cap or hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from Ica’s strong sunlight throughout the day.

Hydration and Food

Bring your own water bottle to stay well-hydrated, especially before and during the buggy ride and sandboarding.

Pack light snacks to eat along the way, as the tour itinerary does not include meals.

Photography and Device Safety

Secure your cell phone or camera with a lanyard during the dune buggy ride to prevent accidental drops onto the sand.

Take advantage of sunset on the Huacachina dunes, when the warm light provides the best backdrop for capturing photos and videos of the desert.

Bring a power bank or portable charger to ensure your devices stay charged throughout the entire tour.

Tastings and Responsible Consumption

Enjoy the wine, pisco, and cachina tastings—served in small portions—in moderation to make the most of each stage of the itinerary.

Take advantage of the direct-purchase options at the wineries you visit, which often offer special prices and promotions for tour participants.

Safety During Adventure Activities

Strictly follow the professional driver’s instructions during the buggy tour to ensure a safe ride down the dune slopes.

If this is your first time sandboarding, start on low slopes to make it easier to maintain your balance and avoid hard falls.

Personal Belongings

Bring a small, lightweight backpack to comfortably carry your essentials throughout the day.

Avoid carrying loose, heavy, or fragile items that could be damaged or lost during desert adventure activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to book the tour in advance?

Yes, we recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak seasons. The Pisco Route, the wineries, and the activities in Huacachina are usually in high demand, so booking in advance ensures your spot and allows for better scheduling.

What kind of vehicles are used for the buggy ride?

The tour is conducted in dune buggies specially equipped to navigate the dunes of the Ica Desert. These vehicles are driven by professional drivers with experience on these types of routes and in adventure activities.

Does the tour include wine and pisco tastings?

Yes. The tour includes guided tastings of wines, piscos, cachinas, and sparkling wines at the wineries visited. It also includes a hands-on class on how to make a Pisco Sour at Culturpisco.

Is sandboarding suitable for beginners?

Yes. Sandboarding in Huacachina is an activity suitable for people with no prior experience. The guides provide basic instructions and recommend starting on small dunes before trying steeper slopes.

How long do we stay at the Huacachina Oasis?

The itinerary includes free time to explore the area around the oasis, walk along the boardwalk, admire the lagoon, and take photos of the desert landscape.

Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?

The visit to the wineries and the Huacachina Oasis is suitable for people of all ages. However, the buggy ride and sandboarding are adventure activities that may involve sudden movements, so caution is advised for those with mobility issues.

What should I bring to enjoy the tour comfortably?

We recommend bringing light clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water. It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack and protect your cameras or cell phones with cases to keep them safe from sand and dust.

Does the tour include lunch or snacks?

No. Lunch and snacks are not included in the tour price. The restaurant where we stop offers a variety of regional dishes, but each passenger is responsible for their own meal. You can also bring some light snacks for the afternoon.

Which wineries are visited during the Pisco Route?

The tour includes a visit to Hacienda Tacama, renowned for its winemaking tradition, and to the artisanal winery El Arrabal, where you can learn about part of the process of making wines and piscos.

Is the sunset in the desert guaranteed?

The itinerary is designed so you can enjoy the sunset from the Huacachina dunes. However, visibility may vary depending on weather conditions and cloud cover on the day of the tour.

Does the guide accompany the group throughout the tour?

Yes. A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the tour of the wineries, the Huacachina Oasis, and the desert, providing cultural information, guidance, and safety recommendations.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at a central location in Ica, previously arranged with the group. From there, you can easily make your way to your hotel, restaurant, bus terminal, or another location in the city.