Peru’s growing popularity as a tourist destination has led to the emergence of numerous experiences in recent years. Given this magnificent landscape and diverse geographical conditions, you can find some unique activities, to say the least. Among these, we highlight sandboarding in Paracas, an extreme sport that even the most adventurous will find surprising. Gliding down the sand dunes of this Andean country is simply thrilling.
Therefore, daring to experience the adrenaline rush in one of South America’s best deserts will be incredible for everyone. Nonetheless, if you’re just starting, you should not worry much, as you can effortlessly appreciate the experience. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team has prepared an article where we’ll tell you all about this magical activity. Remember that you can contact our specialized advisors for more information whenever you need.
Enjoy one of the best activities in the exciting Paracas desert
- What to do in Paracas?
- Ways to go to Paracas
- Best places to practice it
- Level and difficulty of the tour
- The best seasons to enjoy
- What to bring
- Alternative activities to enjoy in Paracas
- Frequently asked questions
What to do in Paracas?
Without a doubt, the best recommendation for things to do in Paracas is sandboarding, a popular sport on the coast. Many tours to this destination include at least one stop to try it and experience it. Likewise, many visitors consider it an extreme adventure activity because of its unique characteristics. Picture yourself racing across the expansive sand at top speed, experiencing an unparalleled adrenaline rush.
To practice this activity, you’ll absolutely need a board similar to snowboarding, another popular extreme sport in California. However, you won’t have to worry about purchasing one because many agencies provide one to their visitors temporarily. Furthermore, assistance from experienced professionals will guarantee a unique and safe experience. With proper instructions, adequate equipment, and trained personnel, you won’t have to worry.
Ways to go to Paracas
Paracas is located in the province of Pisco, in the department of Ica, Peru. This privileged location is special because it is the gateway to the Paracas National Reserve. Likewise, it is also so close that it is only 250 kilometers from Lima, the capital of Peru. Therefore, a three-hour drive from the capital is the most viable and recommended option.
However, to complement your trip to Peru with this destination, you can easily travel from other cities. The main ones are Ica and Arequipa, two favorite destinations in Peru. However, you could also travel from other cities such as Cusco or Puno, but you will have to take the previous route. Access to this city is not complicated, but you should consider that Paracas does not have its own airport.
Best places to practice it
People develop and practice sandboarding in Paracas, one of the most beautiful desert landscapes in South America. And there are many opportunities to practice this sport because it has an area of approximately 450 km². There you will find dunes of different sizes suitable for beginner, seasoned, and advanced travelers. With so much space available, it is impossible to get bored and not find something new.
The courses are also varied, starting at 15 meters for those new to the sport. Other courses exceeding 50 meters in length are a complete challenge for any enthusiast. Depending on the tour chosen and the area to explore, you will have a different type of experience. No matter which dunes you decide to ride, there is no better experience than sandboarding in Paracas.
Level and difficulty of the tour
As we mentioned before, there is a wide variety of difficulty levels ideal for any type of tourist. However, although it may seem hard to believe, it is not a complicated sport to understand and master. Furthermore, specialized instructors and the proper equipment will help enhance your experience. Below, we provide the three main difficulty levels for sandboarding in Paracas:
- Beginner: Those just starting in sandboarding will start on low dunes with gentle slopes of 5 meters. The main objective is to maintain balance and learn the basic technique of sliding. It also allows for easy control of the board without taking too many risks. The slightly more compact dunes are the favorites for beginners, so keep that in mind.
- Middle: For those with some experience and a slightly greater challenge, the medium level will be ideal. The dunes with looser sand, higher in height, and steeper slopes are the favorites for those willing to take little risks. Although you need greater skill in handling the board, balance, and reaction time, you will have a guaranteed experience.
- Expert: Those who master the technique and seek maximum adrenaline will enjoy the tallest and steepest dunes. With lengths exceeding 15 meters and loose, powdery sand, you’ll need skill to maintain speed and control. Also, unlike the easy difficulty, you can do it standing up to further increase the level.
The best season to enjoy
Paracas is one of the Peruvian destinations with the most stable weather year-round. With temperatures of approximately 75°F (23.9°C), virtually any time of year is ideal for this sport. However, the summer in Peru is the favorite season for national and international tourists. Despite the warmer and sunnier climate, it’s perfect for combining with other activities in nearby destinations.
However, for those who prefer more dynamic temperatures, ranging from cool to hot, winter will be excellent. From June to September, daytime temperatures range from 72°F (22°C) to 56°F (13°C) at night. With these conditions, this is the second busiest season of the year. Therefore, no matter which season you choose, you’ll experience incredible sensations.
What to bring
Keep in mind that, being a unique sport in Peru, you have to bring some essential items. Likewise, it goes without saying that you’ll need a sandboard, but many travel agencies provide them temporarily. Aside from that, we recommend considering the following personal items and belongings.
- Light clothing
- T-shirt
- Windbreaker jacket
- Sunscreen Cap and sunglasses
- A board for sandboarding (but some agencies can include it)
- Sneakers (don’t use sandals – inhibit your ability to sandboard and explore the dunes)
- Water or any hydration drinks.
Alternative activities to enjoy in Paracas
Although sandboarding is one of the main activities in Paracas, it’s not the only one you can experience. Its vast territory and proximity to other attractions offer countless complementary experiences. From luxurious hotels to outdoor activities, you should experience at least once. Therefore, knowing everything that Paracas and other destinations have to offer is a good idea.
Buggy ride through the dunes
The buggy ride is the second adrenaline rush and the favorite complementary activity to the sandboarding. While you navigate through the great Paracas desert aboard a powerful buggy, you will feel the excitement. Although for many it is an activity full of excitement and adrenaline, it is completely enjoyable as a family. Therefore, you can come to enjoy it with your children and take some little precautions.
In case you’ve never heard the term “buggy”, it refers to exclusive 4×4 vehicles for transporting in the dunes. An extraordinary road awaits you in the middle of the desert, which will offer you an exciting Peruvian perspective. Along the way, you can also make stops to appreciate the landscape and take fantastic panoramic photos. In addition, the course alternates between mild and intense to moderate and extreme, satisfying even the most demanding customers.
Explore the Paracas National Reserve
The magic of Paracas still has more; our personal recommendation is to discover the Paracas National Reserve. This destination is so important because it is the only protected maritime area in Peru. Likewise, it conserves a representative sample of the cold sea of the Peruvian Current. Besides, its particular ecosystems bring exceptional conditions for wildlife.
According to some reports, more than 100,000 people visit this reserve annually. You can find many types of exploration here, like biking and even hiking. Whatever you choose, you can have the opportunity to appreciate different beaches and natural settings at your own pace. Likewise, the impressive views, excellent for taking amazing photos, complement the experience perfectly.
A tour through the Ballestas Islands
Another great option is to visit the Ballestas Islands, which offer spectacular natural scenery in the Pacific Ocean. Access to these islands is by boat only, so you’ll need to book a tour for at least one day. Keep in mind that the three main islands make up this destination: North, Central, and South Ballestas. Therefore, you should choose the most suitable one based on your interests.
Watching local marine life is undoubtedly the best activity you could do here. The diversity of habitats provides ideal conditions for a large number of species. Among these, we can mention penguins, sea lions, seals, and a wide variety of birds. This diversity has earned them the name “the Galapagos of Peru” or the Mini Galapagos.
Furthermore, during the excursion, you will also be able to observe the iconic figure of the “Candelabro”. This famous and immense geoglyph remains visible on the changing surface of a dune. Likewise, if you enjoy outdoor activities, you can also opt for kitesurfing. With a wide range of options, you’ll find plenty of options for your dream trip.
Fly over the nearby Lines of Nazca
After touring the different Paracas spots, you can opt for a tour of the wonderful Nazca Lines. The lines pose one of the greatest enigmas in the world due to their quantity, nature, size, and continuity. Likewise, the geoglyphs represent living creatures, stylized plants, fantastic beings, and geometric figures several kilometers long. Besides, some investigations suggest that it has a ritual function linked to astronomy.
The main figures are the trapezoids, the whale, the astronaut, the monkey, the dog, the condor, the spider, the hummingbird, Alcatraz (the pelican), the parrot, the hands, and the tree. The best way to appreciate them is through an organized flight of over 50 minutes. Nazca is quite close to Paracas, and you can visit two of the most wonderful destinations in Peru.
Frequently asked questions
Is sandboarding safe?
You can practice sandboarding safely by taking certain necessary precautions. For example, a professional instructor will ensure your experience is completely trouble-free. However, falls and collisions are possible, especially for beginners. To this end, you may also want to bring additional items such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
Where is the best place to sandboard in Peru?
For many people, the best place to sandboard in Peru is the Huacachina Oasis. Its large dunes and ideal climate provide the perfect conditions for this sport. However, the Paracas Desert is just as good as the previous destination. With similar characteristics, it is one of the best places in Peru to practice it.
Is sandboarding in Paracas scary?
Sandboarding in Paracas isn’t terrifying, but it is exciting and even intimidating. Riding the steep dunes of this destination will inevitably give you an adrenaline rush. However, beginners should start with shorter courses. Therefore, you can choose the difficulty level based on your experience.
Is there another alternative place to go sandboarding in Peru?
Of course, the imposing Peruvian desert has many favorite spots for this sport. Places like the Chilca Dunes, Cerro Blanco, Huaral, and Huamanchacate are alternatives for sandboarding in Peru. We recommend doing your research in advance to plan your itinerary and experience the best of the Andean country.
Could you spend more time sandboarding?
Yes, although the approximate duration of the activity is between 1 and 2 hours, you can spend more time here. Those who want to perfect their skills could extend their stay to enjoy more sandboarding. However, you will need to take additional precautions to avoid heatstroke, such as staying hydrated.
What’s harder: snowboarding or sandboarding?
For some adventure enthusiasts, snowboarding is harder to learn than sandboarding. However, the second is usually more challenging because of the weather conditions and abrasive nature. It may also require more effort to ascend and maintain the board. Nevertheless, the experience is completely worth it.
“ADRENALINE ADVENTURES, THRILLS AND SATISFACTION IN AN EXCITING PLACE IS ALL YOU NEED”
Sandboarding in Paracas is a must-do activity for those planning to visit the Peruvian coast. Although some visitors tend to avoid this experience, trust us, it’s something you can’t miss. The Machu Travel Peru team hopes we’ve provided you with the information you needed regarding this exciting adventure. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our expert advisors; they will be happy to assist you.
Paracas has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
