Cerro Blanco :
The Highest Dune in South America at Nazca

Cerro Blanco, Nazca's sand giant! With its 2078 meters altitude, this majestic dune dominates the Peruvian desert and offers one of the most extreme sandboarding experiences in the world.

Cerro Blanco Nazca Dune

Cerro Blanco, also known by its Quechua name "Yuraq Urqu" (White Mountain), is considered the highest dune in South America and one of the most impressive in the world.

Impressive Dimensions

• Altitude : 2078 meters above sea level
• Elevation gain : 780 meters of practicable descent
• Dimensions : 6 km long by 3 km wide
• Maximum slope : 600 meters elevation on the steepest face

Exceptional Geology

This fine sand dune stands out for its characteristic white color and perfectly conical shape, visible for kilometers around from Nazca.

Cerro Blanco Nazca Sandboarding

Cerro Blanco is world-renowned for its ideal sandboarding conditions, offering some of the longest and most technical descents on the planet.

Extreme Sandboarding

• Technical descent : Steep slopes reserved for experienced riders
• Exceptional length : Up to 780 meters of continuous descent
• Perfect sand : Ideal texture for sliding
• Guaranteed adrenaline : Speeds can reach 70 km/h

Trekking Challenge

• Ascent duration : 3 to 5 hours depending on physical condition
• Distance : 10.5 km round trip
• Difficulty : Medium to difficult level
• Recommended departure : Early morning (6:00-7:00 AM)

Cerro Blanco Nazca Access

From Nazca

• Distance : 20-24 km east of Nazca
• Transport : 4x4 pickup truck required
• Road : Carretera Interoceánica, km 19.4
• Travel time : 18 minutes to starting point

Final Stretch

• Track : 4 km of rough road (40 minutes by 4x4)
• Hike start : Base of the dune
• Final ascent : 1.8 km on foot (about 1h45)

Cerro Blanco 2025 Prices

Site Access

• Entry : Free and open access
• Parking : Free at starting point

Paid Services

• 4x4 Transport : 80-120 soles (round trip from Nazca)
• Sandboard rental : 20-30 soles per person
• Accompanying guide : 100-150 soles per group
• Complete excursion : 150-200 soles per person

Cerro Blanco Trekking Tips

Recommended Equipment

• Shoes : Closed hiking shoes with good support
• Sun protection : SPF50+ cream, glasses, hat
• Hydration : 2-3 liters of water per person
• Clothing : Long pants against cacti
• Sandboard : Rental recommended on site

Safety

• Early departure : Avoid midday heat
• Physical condition : Reserved for people in good shape
• Sandboarding : Only for experienced practitioners
• Weather : Avoid days with strong wind

Recommended Periods

• Season : All year (desert without rain)
• Hours : 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Best period : April to November (milder temperatures)

Cerro Blanco Nazca Nature

Observable Wildlife

• Birds : Condors, hummingbirds, sand owls
• Mammals : Desert foxes, lizards, occasionally guanacos
• Best time : Early morning or late afternoon

Desert Flora

• Cacti : Different species adapted to the desert
• Shrubs : "Flor florida" and "calato"
• Plants : Typical vegetation of desert ecosystem

Cerro Blanco Landscape Photos

Exceptional Viewpoints

• Summit : 360° panorama of surrounding dunes
• Southern slope : View over Nazca valley
• Sunrise/sunset : Magical lights on the desert
• Dune formations : Unique lunar landscapes