Sandboarding Thrills by Huacachina Oasis near Ica, Peru

The cities of Ica and Nazca are found south of Lima, along Peru’s desert coast. Not far outside of Ica, one finds Huacachina Lagoon, surrounded by some of the largest sand dunes in the world. (You can take a taxi there from Ica for about S/5 Peruvian soles).

Its massive sand dunes are attractive to travelers who careen along them in 4-wheel-drive sand buggies or try sandboarding, which is thought to date back to the ancient Egyptians. Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding or surfing, except that it takes place on sand dunes rather than snow-covered mountains or waves. (The main differences in equipment are that sandboards are generally harder than snowboards, waxed to increase speed on the sand, and may or may not have straps for your feet.) It’s a fun sport that can be practiced year-round. Rather than a lift, sandboarders get to the top of the sand dunes by walking or riding a dune buggy.

If you head to Huacachina on your own, you can rent a board and some wax on the street for a few soles. Or, you can arrange a daytrip from Ica, with a dune buggy, all the necessary equipment, and instructor/guide. Dune buggy rides are perfect for thrill-seekers and rollercoaster fans, and guides can help you with your boarding techniques.

You’ll be surprised how fast a waxed board can go (sandboarding champion Erik Johnson actually holds the speed record at 51 miles per hour, although unofficial clocked speeds have reached 60mph), but by shifting the weight on your heels or toes, you can exercise some control on your speed.

Each year by Huacachina, Ica hosts aninternational competition known as Peru’s Sandboarding Cup. Amateurs and professionals showcase their skills, which are generally the same tricks one can do on a snowboard: 360s, 720s, back flips, and switch blind 180s. No pressure, though- even if you’re inexperienced and very uncoordinated, you can have an adrenaline-filled time going down on their bellies!