MTC rejects new Huacachina ride authorisation on 23 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 11:42 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
At Huacachina, the Ministry of Transport and Communications rejected a new authorisation for tubular rides on 23 September 2026, leaving the desert attraction in Ica under existing technical and safety rules. The clarification followed the return of rides on 22 September after more than a week of disruption.
MTC clarification leaves Huacachina rides under existing rules
The MTC said discussions with the Association of Peruvian Tourism Companies concerned requirements for vehicles carrying tourists through the dunes. Its statement did not authorise the resumption of services, and it confirmed that the applicable provisions of Peru's National Regulation of Transport Administration remain in force.
The clarification came after operators resumed rides on 22 September 2026. MTC clarification on the rides said the meeting with operators was not permission to operate. The service remains linked to continuing discussions about vehicle age, modifications, inspection and passenger safety.
Why Huacachina's dunes are central to the dispute
The rides cross the sand dunes around the lagoon and oasis of Huacachina, a tourist site in the Ica region. That setting explains why operators have sought rules that reflect desert driving, while authorities continue to apply national transport requirements and local authorisation procedures.
The MTC previously told companies that tubular vehicles need permission from the Provincial Municipality of Ica. Its July 2026 notice also said vehicles must retain an original chassis and other automotive systems, while drivers need a Class A, Category II-a licence for this special passenger-transport service. The notice was issued through the technical group responsible for safer tourism in the Huacachina regional conservation area. MTC requirements for Huacachina companies
Visiting Huacachina: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The MTC clarification was issued on 23 September 2026. Tubular rides had resumed on 22 September 2026, but the resumption was not described as a new authorisation.
- Access to the rides depends on operators meeting the existing technical rules and holding the required municipal authorisation. The MTC said discussions did not change those requirements.
- Huacachina is in the Ica region of Peru, around a lagoon and oasis surrounded by desert dunes. The attraction's dune circuits are the terrain involved in the transport dispute.
- Peru's official language is Spanish and its national currency is the sol.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Huacachina
What changed at Huacachina on 23 September 2026?
The MTC clarified that discussions with tubular-ride operators did not authorise their service. Existing technical, safety and municipal requirements remain in force.
Are tubular rides operating at Huacachina?
Operators resumed rides on 22 September 2026 after more than a week of disruption. The MTC said the return did not amount to a new authorisation.
Where is Huacachina and what is it?
Huacachina is an oasis and lagoon attraction in Peru's Ica region, surrounded by desert dunes. The dunes are the setting for the tubular rides covered by the current transport clarification.
