Experience Peruvian Perfection

Cruise to Pisco, Peru

The first time you heard of Pisco it may have had the words 'sour' and 'cocktail' attached. Pisco, however, is also a vibrant city located on the southern Peruvian coast, and while it's known for producing brandy, which gives the aforementioned cocktail its kick, it's also a popular port of call. Cruises to Pisco, Peru, are an ideal way to kick off a trip to stunning natural destinations, including the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve. One of the best things to do in Pisco, Peru, is eat. To experience Peruvian food is to experience an international renaissance, and you can savour many a fresh coastal dish in the port before heading off for some shopping – perhaps for some Pisco brandy or cool-weather, handcrafted alpaca clothing? Then, head out for a relaxing swim and some sunshine in nearby Paracas or to the refreshing Morón Lagoon oasis to cap off a wonderfully unique visit.

National Language Spanish

Currency Accepted Sol (S/)

Things To Do in Pisco

Paragliding in the paracas national reserve

Riding the Waves of Sand and Sea

The choppy Pacific winds near Pisco offer endless opportunities to take to the skies, whether suspended from a kite or a paraglider. The cliffs at Paracas National Reserve are uniquely situated and offer spectacular desert vistas – one of the few places on earth to do this. Kitesurfing is an extremely popular holiday activity for thrill-seekers, as it combines the feeling of surfing with the added bonus of getting some air. Not to mention, it's suitable for novices and experts alike.

Lush green vineyard for the production of pisco in Ica, Peru

Sip and Savour Pisco's Flavour

Pisco brandy got its name from the port that launched this grape-based spirit to the world. One of the best things to do in Pisco, Peru, is to find a fine pisco to savour slowly. There are numerous tours in nearby Ica, the epicentre for many of the finest producers. If this is too much for you, then indulge in the just-as-famous, tangy-sweet pisco sour, a cocktail of pisco, egg white and lemon juice.

Candelabra of the Andes in Pisco Bay, Peru.

Pisco's Ancient Mysteries

The Inca were certainly no strangers to this part of Peru, and you can take in some of their legacies by visiting the outpost of Tambo Colorado, a multi-hued abode complex made up of colourful walls, which are still visible today. Add a touch of mystery by visiting the profound Paracas Candelabra or Band of Holes, a series of serpentine indentations of unknown origin or purpose that stretch eerily for a mile into the desert.

LOCAL CUISINE

Thanks to its location, fresh fish is a must-have when you visit Pisco. Ceviche is fresh fish cured in lime juice with onions and local aji peppers. If you prefer your seafood cooked, then try a dish called jalea – freshly fried fish and crispy yucca, topped off with a citrus, onion, tomato, garlic and chilli-based salsa criolla. A smorgasbord of flavours and textural contrasts is available at many a boardwalk café, especially in Paracas.

SHOPPING

Apart from its namesake spirit, there are other items to tease the 'sols' from your wallet. Alpaca textiles are abundant, and this lightweight, non-itchy wool is also water-resistant, making it ideal for layering during a hike. Or consider a chullo, a wool hat with ear coverings in vibrant colours, perfect for cold winters. Gourmands should look out for pink Peruvian salt, which is mineral-rich and mined in the Sacred Valley.