In short
- Wear closed-toe shoes, not flip-flops.
- Bring a light windbreaker for late afternoon tours.
- Pack sunglasses and a bandana to block sand.
In this article
The Huacachina desert is extremely dry and sandy. You will ride in open-air tubular buggies and slide face-first down dunes. Because of this, you should wear comfortable athletic clothing that you do not mind getting completely covered in sand.
What kind of shoes do I need?
Wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
The desert sand gets burning hot during the day. Flip-flops easily fall off while riding the buggy or sandboarding. Sneakers protect your feet from the heat and stay securely attached during the 2-hour tour.
What should you wear for sandboarding in Peru?
Choose comfortable athletic clothing that can get dirty.
Unless you have professional snowboard gear, you must slide down the dunes lying flat on your stomach. This prevents severe injuries. Your chest and legs will drag against the sand. Wear longer shorts or lightweight pants to prevent skin irritation.
Do I need warm clothes for the desert?
Yes, bring a light windbreaker or sweater for evening tours.
If you book the 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM tour slot, the temperature drops significantly after sunset. A light jacket will keep you warm on the fast buggy ride back to the village.
How do I protect my face from the sand?
You must bring sunglasses and a buff, bandana, or scarf.
The tubular buggies travel at high speeds across the dunes, whipping fine sand into the air. Sunglasses are crucial for keeping blowing sand out of your eyes. A bandana covers your mouth and nose so you can breathe comfortably.
What do I need for sun protection?
Apply high-SPF sunscreen before your tour begins.
The desert sun is intense even on hazy days. Summer daytime temperatures from December to March average a high of around 31.9°C (89°F). Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin before you leave the oasis village.
Should I bring a bag on the dune buggy?
Only bring a small backpack with secure zippers.
Fine sand easily gets into open pockets. Use a bag with tight zippers to protect cameras and phones from dust. You also need to carry cash in Peruvian soles for the mandatory municipal access tax.
Questions travellers ask
Can I wear shorts sandboarding?
Yes, but longer athletic shorts are better. You will be sliding on your stomach, so longer shorts or lightweight pants help protect your legs from rough sand friction.
How much cash should I bring on the tour?
Bring S/ 8 in cash for the mandatory municipal desert tax. Carry extra small bills in soles for water or snacks, as ATMs in the oasis are very limited.
Do the buggies have seatbelts?
Yes. Passengers must remain seated and wear the provided harnesses or seatbelts at all times while the buggy is in motion.
