Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Tour
Experience Overview
Conquer the Giant Dunes of Cerro Blanco
Rising above the Nazca Desert at the foothills of the Andes, Cerro Blanco is one of the world’s highest sand dunes and the setting for an extraordinary trekking and sandboarding adventure.
The Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Tour begins before sunrise with a transfer from Nazca to the trailhead, followed by an approximately three-hour ascent through rocky desert terrain and immense sandy slopes. Along the way, experience the changing colors of dawn and take part in a traditional Andean coca leaf offering to the mountain.
After reaching the summit and taking in spectacular views across the Nazca Valley and surrounding Andes, the adventure culminates with an exhilarating sandboarding descent of more than 800 meters down the slopes of Cerro Blanco.
Part trek, part cultural experience, and part adrenaline-filled descent, this is one of Nazca’s ultimate desert adventures.
Departure
Your hotel in Nazca.
Starting Time
4:00 AM
Cerro Blanco Trek
Approx. 3 Hours
Sandboarding
800+ Meter Descent
Total Experience
Approx. 5-6 Hours
Language
English
Why Choose the Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Tour?
What You’ll Experience at Cerro Blanco
From sunrise over the Nazca Desert to the summit of Cerro Blanco, discover the landscapes, traditions, and unforgettable moments that define this adventure.
Sunrise Over the Nazca Desert
Begin the adventure before dawn and watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the desert and Andean foothills surrounding Cerro Blanco.
Your Cerro Blanco Adventure
Hotel Pick-Up
Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Nazca followed by a private transfer to the starting point of the Cerro Blanco trek.
Sunrise Trek
Begin the ascent through the Andean foothills and desert landscape as the first light appears over the Nazca Desert.
Cerro Blanco Summit
Reach the summit after approximately three hours of trekking and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the desert and surrounding Andes.
Sandboarding Descent
Receive a safety briefing, practice on smaller slopes, and then experience the thrilling 800+ meter descent down Cerro Blanco.
Return Walk & Transfer
Walk approximately 45 minutes through the desert to the pickup point, where your private vehicle will be waiting for the return to Nazca.
Full Itinerary
Tour description:
Stop 1Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Tour – From Summit to Desert Descent
Before Dawn – Journey to Cerro Blanco
Your Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Tour begins early in the morning at 4:00 AM, when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Nazca. Starting before sunrise allows us to enjoy cooler desert temperatures and experience the changing colors of dawn over the surrounding landscape.
We travel for approximately 30 minutes toward the foothills of the Andes, reaching KM 28, where our trekking adventure begins.
With the desert still quiet around us, we set out on foot through a remarkable landscape of rocky terrain, native cacti, desert vegetation, and distant mountains. As daylight gradually reveals the scenery, your guide will introduce you to Cerro Blanco and the unique natural environment of the Nazca Desert.
Along the way, we pause for a traditional Andean coca leaf offering, a symbolic ceremony expressing respect and gratitude to the mountain and nature before continuing our ascent.
The Ascent – Reaching the Summit of Cerro Blanco
As we gain elevation, the rocky landscape gradually gives way to the immense sandy slopes of Cerro Blanco. From here, the trek becomes more demanding, but we follow a gradual route with opportunities to stop, rest, and enjoy the increasingly impressive views.
After approximately three hours of trekking, we reach the summit.
From the top of Cerro Blanco, the scale of the surrounding landscape becomes truly apparent. Vast dunes stretch toward the Nazca Valley while the rugged Andes rise in the distance. On favorable mornings, a remarkable sea of clouds can form below, creating one of the most spectacular views of the entire expedition.
There will be time at the summit to rest, take photographs, enjoy the scenery, and celebrate reaching the highest point of our adventure.
The Descent – Sandboarding Cerro Blanco
Now comes the reward for the climb.
Before beginning the main descent, your guide provides a sandboarding and safety briefing, explaining the basic techniques for controlling the board and descending safely. You will first have the opportunity to practice on smaller slopes and become comfortable with the equipment.
Once ready, the ultimate Cerro Blanco experience begins: an exhilarating sandboarding descent down the enormous golden slopes of the dune.
The longest descent extends for more than 800 meters, combining speed, adrenaline, and extraordinary views across the desert. Whether you descend standing or using a more controlled position will depend on your experience and your guide's recommendations.
Across the Desert – Return to Nazca
After reaching the lower slopes of Cerro Blanco, we continue on foot through the desert for approximately 45 minutes toward our designated pickup point.
Our private vehicle will be waiting there to take us back to Nazca.
After an extraordinary morning of trekking, Andean traditions, panoramic landscapes, and sandboarding, we return to your hotel in Nazca, bringing your Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Tour to an end.
What's included
- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off – Private transfers from and to your hotel in Nazca.
- Private Transportation – Transportation between Nazca and the Cerro Blanco trekking area.
- Professional Guide – Experienced English-speaking local guide throughout the adventure.
- Sandboards – Sandboarding equipment provided for the Cerro Blanco descent.
- Safety Briefing – Sandboarding instructions and basic riding techniques before the main descent.
- First Aid Kit – Basic first aid equipment carried during the expedition.
- Emergency Radio – Communication equipment carried by your guide for additional safety during the trek.
Not included
- Meals & Drinks – Food, snacks, and beverages are not included.
- Personal Expenses – Any purchases or expenses of a personal nature.
- Gratuities – Tips for your guide and driver are optional and at your discretion.
Be Prepared
Before You Go
Download Tour PDF
Download this tour PDF brochure and start planning offline
Tour Location
Prepared for the Desert
Get Ready to Climb Above 2,000 Meters
Cerro Blanco rises dramatically above the Nazca Desert. Reaching its summit means trekking into the Andean foothills and climbing to more than 2,000 meters above sea level.
Local Expertise
Your expedition is led by an experienced local guide familiar with Cerro Blanco and its desert routes.
Emergency Communication
A radio is carried throughout the expedition, providing communication support in this remote environment.
First Aid Equipment
Your guide carries a first aid kit throughout the trek for immediate assistance if needed.
Private Expedition
The experience operates privately, allowing your guide to provide dedicated attention throughout the journey.
Your Cerro Blanco Adventure Questions, Answered
How difficult is the Cerro Blanco trek?
The trek is physically demanding and includes approximately three hours of uphill hiking over rocky terrain and deep sand. A good level of fitness is recommended.
2. Do I need previous sandboarding experience?
3. Do I have to carry my own sandboard?
4. How high is Cerro Blanco?
5. Why does the tour start at 4:00 AM?
6. Is the Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Tour private?
7. What should I bring for the tour?
Cerro Blanco Sandboarding Photo Gallery
Explore the experience through images, from the sunrise trek and dramatic desert landscapes to the summit of Cerro Blanco and the exhilarating sandboarding descent.
Traveler Reviews
What travelers say after conquering Cerro Blanco with us.
The climb was challenging but absolutely worth it. Reaching the top of Cerro Blanco at sunrise was incredible, and sandboarding down the huge dune was easily one of the highlights of our trip to Peru.
An amazing adventure from beginning to end. Our guide kept a comfortable pace during the climb, and the views from the summit were spectacular. The long sandboarding descent was unforgettable.
Cerro Blanco was much more than sandboarding. The early morning trek, the desert scenery and finally reaching the summit made the whole experience special. The ride down was the perfect reward after the climb.
Terms & Conditions
Please review the booking conditions before confirming your Cerro Blanco adventure.
Cancellations & Refunds
Conquer Cerro Blanco. Ride the Desert.
Trek to the summit at sunrise, then experience an unforgettable sandboarding descent across one of Nazca’s most spectacular desert landscapes.
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