Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience

A day trip from Ica that mixes pisco tastings with dune buggy chaos is already a good idea, but what makes this one stand out is how cleanly it’s organized into two wine stops and one desert finale. You start at Tacama, then move to El Arrabal for more tasting time, and you end in Huacachina where the dunes are basically made for speed.

I especially like the way this tour balances culture and action, so you’re not stuck in a classroom mood. I also like the small group setup, which keeps the day feeling personal, not like cattle. One thing to consider, though, is that the pace can feel a bit fast at times, especially if you want long, slow stays in each winery.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Tacama at the start, with a tasting focus on wines, pisco, and sparkling styles
• El Arrabal and its pisco story, plus an artisan setting with fruit trees and horses
• Small group feel (capped low, often around 8 to 10 people), with attentive guidance
• Sandboarding is included, using a traditional lying-down style, with pro equipment optional
• Buggy ride timing shifts on Peru holidays, about 1 hour on official holidays, about 2 hours normally
• Sunset at Huacachina is part of the plan, not an afterthought

Pisco and wine in Ica, then the desert in a 4-wheel adrenaline package

This is a 6 to 7 hour Ica combo tour built around two very different flavors of the region. First comes the vineyard and distillery side, where pisco and wine are made from grapes grown in the Ica valleys. Then it switches gears to Huacachina, the small oasis surrounded by huge dunes, where you ride sand carts and try sandboarding.

The best part is you’re not the driver for the buggy. You get to sit back, hold on, and enjoy the dune views while someone with experience handles the throttle. It’s a smart setup for most people, from couples on a shared day out to solo travelers who still want an action highlight.

Entering Tacama, one of South America’s oldest wineries

Your first stop is Tacama, currently called Hacienda Tacama. This is presented as the oldest winery in South America, and it’s the kind of place that helps you understand why Ica is famous for both wine and pisco. Plan on about 1 hour here.

The tasting focus is on their wines, pisco, and sparkling products. This is where the tour gives you a foundation. Even if you’re not a wine nerd, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of what you’re actually tasting, not just sipping and nodding.

A practical catch: Tacama admission is extra

Tacama’s admission ticket is not included in the tour price. You’ll typically pay PEN 25.00 per person, in cash or by card. If you’re traveling with a tight wallet, this matters, so I’d budget for it up front.

Monday swap: Tacama is replaced

If your tour date falls on a Monday, Tacama isn’t operating. The plan swaps to Hacienda Vista Alegre, described as the same category as Tacama. So you still get a proper winery start, just not that specific estate.

El Arrabal and the pisco tradition you can taste

Next you head to the El Arrabal winery estate, connected with Cultur Pisco. This stop runs about 2 hours and is where the day leans more toward craft and story.

You’ll learn more about the history of pisco and wine, and you’ll experience the estate setting with fruit trees and horses. Then the tasting comes in: this is one of the moments that makes the entire trip feel like more than a simple ride to a viewpoint.

Lunch is on your own tab, not included

At El Arrabal, there’s a tourist restaurant where most people eat after the vineyard visit. Food is on behalf of each passenger, so you should plan to pay for your own lunch.

One review detail that’s useful: the lunch can be tasty and easy to over-order when everything looks good. If you’re the type who snacks lightly later, I’d keep lunch simple and save energy for the dune part of the day.

Huacachina dunes: buggy ride, sandboarding practice, and sunset

From the wineries, the tour moves to Huacachina Oasis. This is the outdoor finish line where the day becomes pure fun.

You get about 2 hours at Huacachina, including:

• the buggy ride
• sandboarding practice
• sunset

Buggy ride length changes for Peru holidays

On official holidays in Peru, the buggy ride is about 1 hour. On normal days, it usually runs about 2 hours. Either way, the idea stays the same: you’re riding the dunes in sand carts with experienced drivers.

Sandboarding is included, with a traditional style

Sandboarding practice is included, and it’s described as a traditional way, lying down on the board. If you want a more professional version, professional equipment can be rented optionally in Huacachina.

Even if you’ve never done it, lying down sandboarding is the kind of entry point that keeps the activity fun instead of stressful. And because it’s included, you avoid surprise add-ons right when the day is getting exciting.

The small-group factor matters here

Huacachina can feel chaotic on the ground, but a smaller group helps with timing, getting geared up, and keeping you from waiting around forever. In practice, that’s a big part of why the day feels smooth, especially when the dunes and sunset both demand schedules.

Hotel pickup, drop-off, and the value of not guessing logistics

One of the most underrated parts of good tours is making the hard parts disappear. This one includes pickup in Ica from the hotel or from the bus station, then drop-off after the tour.

That means you don’t have to locate a meeting point, coordinate taxis for multiple legs, or figure out how to get back at the end of a long day. For a 6 to 7 hour itinerary, that convenience is real value.

It also helps that guides are consistently praised for being on time and for clear communication. Some guides, including Sam, Kevin, Joel, and Irwin, are specifically noted for strong English and for keeping the day organized. Even if your guide is different, you can expect the same style: clear pacing and a tight plan.

Price, what you really get for $46.16, and what costs extra

The tour price is $46.16 per person, for a day that combines two winery visits with tastings plus Huacachina dune activities.

Here’s how I think about the value:

• Included: winery visits (Tacama ticket is the exception), tastings of pisco and wine, El Arrabal entry and tasting, buggy ride plus sandboarding practice, and sunset time
• Extra costs you should budget: Tacama admission (PEN 25.00) and the Huacachina tourist ticket

Huacachina tourist ticket

Huacachina has a tourist ticket fee that’s not included. It’s cash only:

• S/4.00 soles for nationals
• S/8.10 soles for foreigners

Because that amount is small compared to the overall day, it’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a classic place where people forget and then scramble for cash.

What to expect timing-wise, and how to stay comfortable

Most people start in the late morning, with one account mentioning around 10:30am, and the tour finishing around 6pm. The day is structured around set stop lengths, so you’ll keep moving.

To make that work for you:

• plan to be flexible with pace at the wineries
• keep your schedule light before and after this day trip
• treat lunch as optional structure, not a guaranteed long sit-down

Also, remember you’re mixing wine and pisco tastings with physical dune activities. If that concerns you, pace your tastings. The tour is set up for tasting, not for heavy drinking, so it’s still very doable for most people, just keep it sensible.

For Huacachina, bring what you’ll want for outdoor time. At minimum, wear clothes you don’t mind getting sandy. Sunset is part of the payoff, but sand and sun are part of the reality.

Who this tour fits best

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a one-day Ica highlight without hunting down multiple companies
• a mix of cultural tasting and active desert fun
• a small group day trip where your guide can actually answer questions

It’s especially good for couples, families who can handle the buggy and sandboarding portion, and solo travelers who want the day to feel social but not crowded. One review summed up the vibe well: the day feels like a full combination of spirit tasting and desert thrills.

The one real drawback to consider

The biggest drawback is not the quality of the tour. It’s the pace. The day is packed: winery time is timed, tastings happen within set windows, and then you’re in Huacachina.

If you’re the type who wants extended wandering time inside vineyards, or you prefer slower group travel, this might feel a little rushed. The flip side is that you get a lot of Ica in one shot, which is usually the whole point of a day trip.

Should you book Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience from Ica?

I’d book it if you want a single day that hits the essentials of Ica: pisco and wine tastings, then the Huacachina dunes with a buggy ride and included sandboarding practice. The value is strongest when you compare what’s included in one pass, plus the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Skip or rethink if:

• you strongly dislike alcohol tastings, since pisco and wine tasting are built in
• you prefer unstructured, slow travel and hate set schedules
• you don’t want any extra cash costs, since Tacama admission and the Huacachina tourist ticket are additional

If your goal is an active, memorable day that feels organized and fun, this is the kind of tour you book once and then feel glad you did.

FAQ

How long is the Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience?

The duration is about 6 to 7 hours. The day is split into stops, with Tacama about 1 hour, El Arrabal about 2 hours, and Huacachina about 2 hours.

Is Tacama included in the price?

Tacama Hacienda admission is not included. You pay PEN 25.00 per person (cash or card).

What is included in the Huacachina portion?

Huacachina includes the buggy ride, sandboarding practice, and sunset. Admission is listed as free, but you still pay a Huacachina tourist ticket separately in cash.

How much is the Huacachina tourist ticket?

The tourist ticket in Huacachina is S/4.00 soles for nationals and S/8.10 soles for foreigners. It is paid in cash.

How long is the buggy ride on Peruvian official holidays?

On Peru official holidays, the buggy ride lasts about 1 hour. On normal days it usually lasts about 2 hours.

What style of sandboarding do you do on this tour?

Sandboarding is practiced in a traditional way, lying down on the board. Professional sandboarding equipment can be rented optionally in Huacachina if you want a more advanced setup.

What if the weather is bad or you need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance; within 24 hours, the amount you paid is not refunded.