Sandboarding is a popular sport in South America, with destinations like Cerro Blanco, La Boca del Diablo, and Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Sand boarders ride on boards similar to snowboards, with some specially designed or modified. They wear special boots with Velcro fastenings. There are two types: sitting and standing. Sandboarding has gained popularity over the past 20 years, with most sand boarders starting on smaller dunes and progressing to larger ones.

15 Popular Sandboarding Destinations in South America

Sandboarding is a popular sport in South America, particularly in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. Cerro Blanco in Chile is the most popular location, while La Rioja in Argentina offers diverse dunes.

• San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, is a small town in the Atacama Desert, known for its adobe architecture and diverse sports like sandboarding, hiking, biking, sand sledding, and skiing. With a population of around 4,000, it has an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and is home to the “Marble Caves” or “Cuevas de Mármol.”

• Huacachina, Peru

Sandboarding in Peru is a popular activity, especially in the 200-foot-high Huacachina dunes. During the dry months of June to August, travelers can enjoy the Huacachina Oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes. Gear required includes a sandboard, sand skis, protective clothing, sunglasses, a hat, water, and snacks. Huacachina is the only desert oasis in South America.

• Ica, Peru

Ica, Peru’s lesser-known destination, is known for its sand dunes and natural oases. The country is also known for its pisco brandy, which visitors can learn about through a distillery. The region also features the Huaca del Sol archaeological site, an ancient adobe pyramid built by the Wari culture, and is home to over 30 million people.

• Cerro Blanco, Chile

Cerro Blanco, the world’s tallest sand dune in Chile’s Atacama Desert, is a popular destination for sandboarding due to its extreme conditions. Located in the Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces, it offers year-round, warm, sunny conditions accessible from Copiapó. Tour companies offer day trips to the dune, including lunch and transportation, offering a spectacular view and adrenaline-pumping sandboarding tours. 

• Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in northeastern Maranhão is known for its large sand dunes and freshwater lagoons, which transform into mirrors during the dry season. The park is popular for sandboarding, hiking, swimming, and birdwatching, with species like red ibis and spoonbill. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and relaxing at waterfalls. Access is via flight or bus.

• Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Isla del Sol, also known as “Sun Island,” is a serene Bolivian destination in Lake Titicaca, known for its Incan and Aymara ruins and Andean flamingo population. The island has two towns, Yumani and Challapampa, accessible by boat. With a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, it served as a significant religious and cultural center for the Inca and Aymara civilizations. The Incas built temples, shrines, and human sacrifices, including the House of the Sun temple, to commemorate the creation of the sun and moon.

• Salinas Grandes, Argentina

The Salinas Grandes, also known as the “Great Salt Flats,” is a stunning location in Argentina, covering over 1,000 square miles. It is formed by the evaporation of water from the Earth’s surface, consisting of two layers: a top layer of salt and a bottom layer of clay. The salt flats are home to various plants and animals, including the endangered vicuña and saltbushes. Evaporites, such as halite, gypsum, and potassium salts, are found in strata on the salt flats, part of the Andean Altiplano. The salt flats are a key source of lithium, used in batteries and pharmaceuticals, but mining activities have raised concerns about environmental impact. Native American tribes view the Salinas Grandes as sacred due to its mystical significance

• Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats

Bolivia’s Great Salt Flats, covering over 4,000 square miles, are a popular tourist destination with mountains rising from the level. The Train Cemetery, a collection of early 1900s-era derelict trains, is a popular attraction in Uyuni. The Sol de Maana Geyser Field, home to hissing geysers and boiling mud pools, is another remarkable location. The salt flats’ white surface and blue sky create a “mirror effect” and are a source of lithium used in battery production.

• Valley of the Moon, Argentina

Valle de la Luna, a desert valley in Argentina, is known for its unique rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. It’s a popular destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering star-gazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Los Cardones, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a park in Salta Province with rock formations, cacti, and winding roads resembling the moon’s surface. The valley also features the Quebrada de las Conchas, a gorge with red rock formations.

• Tula, Argentina

Tula, a small town in Argentina’s Salta province, is known for its adobe architecture and vibrant cultural life. Its rich indigenous heritage is evident in folk art and traditional music. Tula’s vibrant market offers handicrafts and local products. Visitors can also explore the Calchaquí Valley for stunning landscapes and archaeological sites. Tula’s strong Quechua and Aymara culture makes it an excellent place to learn about the indigenous people of Argentina.

• Tupiza, Bolivia

Tupiza, a Bolivian town known for its beautiful landscapes and association with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, offers activities like horseback riding, hiking, and exploring gorges, rivers, and mountains. The town is surrounded by colorful rock formations and traditional adobe houses, making it an ideal place to learn about Bolivia’s history. The Tupiza Museum of Archaeology houses a collection of Incan artifacts.

• Los Roques National Park,Venezuela

Los Roques National Park is a 300-island archipelago surrounded by crystal-clear water and coral reefs, popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. It is home to wildlife like sea turtles, dolphins, and sea lions. The park features beaches, seagulls, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, turtles, and endangered species. To protect the ecosystem, strict fishing rules are in place.

• Salta, Argentina

Argentina’s north, Salta, is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Cathedral of Salta, Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, and Quebrada de las Conchas canyon. Cafayate, a wine-producing region, is known for Torrontés wine and archaeological sites. Purmamarca, a small village in the Andes Mountains, is known for Seven Colors Hill and Pucara de Tilcara. Jujuy, northwest Argentina, is known for mountainous landscapes and indigenous culture.

• The Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego National Park in South America is known for its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and rainforests. It is home to Cape Horn, a promontory where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. Despite its treacherous waters and shipwrecks, Cape Horn is an iconic symbol of nature’s power and beauty. It has a rich history as a major shipping route, with Sir Francis Drake being the first European to reach it. The region’s stunning landscapes and dramatic calving events have inspired writers and artists.

• Chiloe, Chile

Chiloe, Chile, is a small island known for its lush forests, beautiful beaches, and unique culture. It is a national park with diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, hosting traditional festivals like the Chiloe New Year and Fiesta de la Tirana. Activities include hiking, kayaking, fishing, visiting the Isla Magdalena penguin colony, observing blue whales and Humboldt penguins, and enjoying classic seafood.

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What to Know before Sandboarding in South America 

If you’re planning to try sandboarding in South America, there are a few things you should know; 

• It’s important to wear the right clothing and equipment.  Most sandboarding companies will provide a board and boots, but you’ll need to dress appropriately for the hot sun and the sand.  
• It’s also important to choose the right dune for your skill level.  Some dunes are very steep and can be dangerous for beginners.  
• Finally, remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandboarding in South America 

How Safe is Sandboarding?

Sandboarding is relatively safe, but it’s important to follow safety guidelines and to be aware of your surroundings.

What are the best times of year to go Sandboarding?

The best time to go sandboarding is usually between November and March, when the weather is warm and the dunes are dry.

Do I need to be in good Physical Shape to Sandboard?

You don’t need to be in great shape to sandboard, but it does help to have some level of fitness.

Conclusion

Sandboarding is a thrilling and enjoyable activity suitable for all ages and skill levels. If planning a trip to South America, consider adding sandboarding to your itinerary to experience the region’s natural beauty and adrenaline. However, ensure safety precautions. Sandboarding in South America offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making it a must-try for thrill-seekers and vacationers alike.