Minimum number of travelers: 02
Our popular Cerro Blanco Hiking and Sandboarding Tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike up and sandboard down one of the largest sand dunes in the world. Just how large is this dune? At 2,078 meters high, when you stand at the top of the dune there are many mountains that are below you. The scenery is unforgettable.
This tour offers an excellent combination of adventure, uphill hiking, and beautiful desert scenery. But it is physically demanding, requiring an early morning start and then a multi-hour uphill climb.
Itinerary
Pickup is at 4:30 AM from your hotel in Nazca. This early departure helps avoid the intense desert heat later in the day.
We’ll transport you by car approximately one hour to the east, along the highway to Abancay.
From there, we will spend 3-4 hours walking uphill until we reach a high point on the dune. At approximately 2,000 meters in altitude, we will practice sandboarding on some of the small dunes found at the top of Cerro Blanco. For this tour we will be sliding down the sand dunes on a sandboard, on our stomachs.
After the travelers feel comfortable with the concept of sandboarding, they are welcome to sandboard all the way down to the bottom of the dune, almost a kilometer away.
Then we’ll walk back to the car, and return to Nazca. We will be back in Nazca between 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
What to Bring?
Sunscreen / sunblock
Hat or cap
Sunglasses + Sunglasses container
Hiking shoes (closed-toe recommended)
Water
Snacks
Light, breathable clothing (see below)
Footwear Advice
Closed hiking shoes are strongly recommended.
The sand heats up quickly.
Open-toe shoes can fill with sand and cause discomfort.
You’ll use your feet to brake while sandboarding — this is not fun in sandals.
Clothing Tips
Long sleeves and long pants (lightweight and breathable) are ideal.
Sandboarding is done lying on your stomach, and long clothes protect your skin from abrasion.
However, many travelers do the tour in shorts and t-shirts without issues — it’s up to your comfort level.
Eye Protection
Goggles are not necessary for this tour.
Sunglasses are recommended, especially if it’s windy.
Bring a small case or pouch to store them while sandboarding.
Physical Requirements
The hike is challenging and physically demanding. Travelers should be in good shape and prepared for a long ascent on sand.
Please note: Professional Sandboards with boots and bindings are not available for rent or purchase in Nazca. You will sandboard down the dunes on your stomach or on your back, which is safer and easier.
#1 Rated Nazca Lines tour operator in Ica
Average rating of 4.8 of 5 stars by our clients
They are perfect for travelers who want to experience Peru’s must-see coastal destinations, fly over the Nazca Lines, and discover hidden gems that few visitors know about — unique places poised to become the next big thing in Peruvian travel. We offer highly rated ready-made tours, but if you prefer we can use your input and our deep knowledge of this region of Peru in order to design a bespoke curated package that reflects the sites and experiences most exciting to you.
For more than a decade, we have planned and operated unforgettable private tours to the Nazca Lines, and throughout Peru. How can we assist you?
With the Dune Buggy and Sandboarding tour
When travelers select this optional tour, we schedule their flight from the airport in Ica, located just 10 minutes away from the oasis where the dune buggy tour begins. We can also offer a two hour group dune buggy tour instead of a one hour private tour, if you are willing to arrive back to Lima very late at 11:45 PM. Let us know if you prefer this.
Pickup at your hotel, transfer to bus station
6:10 AM - 6:30 AM
First-class bus from Lima to Ica
6:55 AM - 11:00 AM
Check-in, security procedures, boarding flight
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Purchase and eat lunch at the oasis
1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Private dune and sandboarding tour
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Return to Lima by first-class bus
5:00 PM - 9:40 PM
Transfer to your hotel
9:40 PM - 10:00 PM
With the Paracas National Reserve tour
Please note that the flight departure times at the airport in Pisco change every day, depending on the weather and the arrival times of the other passengers. So the listed times below are just an example; you might be picked up earlier or later than this. And your flight might be before your Paracas Reserve tour or afterwards. It is important to be flexible and patient.
Pickup at your hotel, transfer to bus station
6:10 AM - 6:30 AM
Touristic Bus from Lima to Paracas
6:55 AM - 10:45 AM
Check-in, security procedures, boarding flight
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Paracas National Reserve private tour + time for lunch
1:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Return to Lima by first-class bus
4:10 PM - 8:10 PM
Transfer to your hotel in Lima
8:10 PM - 8:30 PM
With a private Tambo Colorado Tour
When our clients add the dune buggy tour to this tour package, we will schedule the Nazca Lines flight from the airport in Ica, which is just a few minutes away from the oasis where your dune buggy tour begins.
Private transport from Lima to Paracas
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Paracas National Reserve private tour, eat lunch
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Sleep in Paracas
Pickup at your hotel
7:40 AM
Ballestas Islands boat tour
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Tambo Colorado tour and time for lunch
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Private transport back to Lima, end of tour
2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
With the Dune buggy Tour
When our clients add the dune buggy tour to this tour package, we will schedule the Nazca Lines flight from the airport in Ica, which is just a few minutes away from the oasis where your dune buggy tour begins.
Private transport from your hotel to Ica airport
6:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines from Ica airport
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Eat lunch, relax at the oasis
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Dune buggy and sandboarding tour
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Private transport to Paracas
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sleep in Paracas ( kindly reserve whichever hotel you prefer)
Pickup at your hotel in Paracas
7:40 AM
Ballestas Islands boat tour
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Paracas National Reserve private tour
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Private transport to Lima
2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
with a private tour to Hacienda San Jose
Sometimes the airline may need to change your flight time, meaning we may need to pick you up later or earlier than this schedule indicates.
With this optional tour, we will schedule your flight from the airport in Ica, located just 10 minutes away from the oasis where your dune buggy tour will begin. We can also offer a two hour group dune buggy tour instead of a one hour private tour, if you are willing to arrive back to Lima very late at 10:45 PM.
Private transport from Lima to Paracas
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Paracas National Reserve tour
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sleep in Paracas
Private transport to Ica
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Visit archaeology museum (optional)
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines from Ica
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Winery tour, lunch
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Dune buggy tour of the desert, with option
to try sandboarding
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Private transport back to hotel in Paracas
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sleep in Paracas
Pickup at your hotel
7:40 AM
Ballestas Islands boat tour
8:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Private transport to Hacienda San Jose
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Tambo Colorado private tour
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Time for lunch nearby
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Private transport back to Lima
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
with Tambo Colorado
Sometimes the airline may need to change your flight time, meaning we may need to pick you up later or earlier than this schedule indicates.
With this optional tour, we will schedule your flight from the airport in Ica, located just 10 minutes away from the oasis where your dune buggy tour will begin. We can also offer a two hour group dune buggy tour instead of a one hour private tour, if you are willing to arrive back to Lima very late at 10:45 PM.
Private transport from Lima to Paracas
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Paracas National Reserve tour
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sleep in Paracas
Private transport to Ica
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Visit archaeology museum (optional)
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines from Ica
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Winery tour, lunch
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Dune buggy tour of the desert, with option
to try sandboarding
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Private transport back to hotel in Paracas
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sleep in Paracas
Pickup at your hotel
7:40 AM
Ballestas Islands boat tour
8:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Tambo Colorado private tour
10:15 AM - 1:15 PM
Time for lunch in Paracas
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Private transport back to Lima
2:15 PM - 5:45 PM
With the Dune Buggy and Sandboarding tour
Sometimes the airline may need to change your flight time, meaning we may need to pick you up later or earlier than this schedule indicates.
With this optional tour, we will schedule your flight from the airport in Ica, located just 10 minutes away from the oasis where your dune buggy tour will begin. We can also offer a two hour group dune buggy tour instead of a one hour private tour, if you are willing to arrive back to Lima very late at 10:45 PM.
Private transport from Lima to Ica
6:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Check-in, security procedures, boarding flight
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Purchase and eat lunch at the oasis
1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Private dune buggy and sandboarding tour
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Return to Lima by private transport
4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
With the Paracas National Reserve tour
Please note that the flight departure times at the airport in Pisco change every day, depending on the weather and the arrival times of the other passengers. So the listed times below are just an example; you might be picked up earlier or later than this. And your flight might be before your Paracas Reserve tour or afterwards. It is important to be flexible.
Private transport from Lima to Paracas
7:00 AM - 10:40 AM
Check-in, security procedures, boarding flight
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Paracas National Reserve private tour + time for lunch
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Return to Lima by private transport
4:00 PM - 7:30 PM
With the Ballestas Islands tour
Please note that the flight departure times at the airport in Pisco change every day, depending on the weather and the arrival times of the other passengers. So the listed times below are just an example; you might be flying later in the day. But you will be picked up at 4:20 AM in Lima.
Private transport from Lima to Paracas
4:20 AM - 7:30 AM
Ballestas Islands boat tour
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Transfer to Pisco Regional Airport
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Check-in, security procedures, boarding flight
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
Flight over the Nazca Lines
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Time for lunch in Paracas
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Return to Lima by private transport
1:45 PM - 5:45 PM
