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green lake near mountain during daytime
green lake near mountain during daytime - Photo by David Vives

Explore Peru's Iconic Capital City: Visit Pisco for a Mem

About Pisco, Peru

Pisco, Peru is a small coastal town with a big personality. Known for its delicious national drink, Pisco Sour, and its proximity to the Paracas National Reserve, Pisco has become a popular destination for tourists looking for a unique blend of beach and culture. Visit Pisco to discover the magic of Peru's Pacific coast.

Pisco, Peru is a hidden gem for travelers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path destination. Located about four hours south of the bustling city of Lima, Pisco offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.

One of the main attractions in Pisco is the Paracas National Reserve. This protected area encompasses a vast desert landscape and the Ballestas Islands, a group of small islands that are home to an array of wildlife including sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the islands and witness the diverse wildlife up close.

In addition to the natural attractions, Pisco is also rich in history and culture. The town is home to the Tambo Colorado ruins, an ancient Incan administrative center that dates back to the 15th century. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Incan empire.

For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience, Pisco is also known for its traditional dances and music. The Marinera is a popular dance in the region, and visitors can attend a local festival to witness the colorful costumes and lively performances.

When it comes to food, Pisco is famous for its eponymous brandy, which is made from grapes grown in the region. Visitors can tour local distilleries and sample the brandy, as well as other regional specialties such as ceviche and fresh seafood.

Overall, Pisco is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Peru beyond the typical tourist hotspots. With its diverse natural attractions, rich history and culture, and delicious cuisine, Pisco is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler who visits.

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Popular Stays in Pisco, Peru

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Pisco, Peru

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Double Tree By Hilton Resort Paracas

The following services and amenities are available, but with **reduced service**: Business Center, Fitness Center, Breakfast, On-site Restaurant(s).The following services and amenities are currently **not available**: Golf, Pool, Spa.Situated on the beautiful Santo Domingo Beach, the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paracas-Peru offers an oasis retreat close to a range of exciting attractions. Visit Paracas Natural Reserve, situated just steps from the hotel. Discover the Ballestas Islands or the mysterious pre-Incan ‘Candelabro.' Admire sea lions and endangered Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat. Go sightseeing or enjoy on-site leisure activities. Choose wind and water sports or pamper yourself with a day of beauty and spa treatments. Each of our 124 suites features a terrace or balcony with magnificent views of tranquil Paracas Bay or the palm gardens. All two-room suites have a full array of amenities, including our ultra-comfortable Sweet Dreams beds, two 32-inch TVs, and a kitchenette. Dining options include El Pardo al Mar restaurant, offering local and continental dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, either on the buffet or a la carte. At the terrace, you'll have an extensive selection of international appetizers and dining by the ocean overlooking our pool. El Rey de las Olas is the place to enjoy drinks and tropical beverages, including our regional favorite Pisco Sour. For a quick bite or tempting cocktail, Glazz Bar is right next to the main pool. Our caring DoubleTree Paracas hotel staff looks forward to welcoming you with our signature warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in.
This modern hotel is situated right on the shore of Paracas Bay, offering a beautiful setting for a relaxing beachside holiday. Visitors might go for a stroll along the beach, take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to observe colonies of penguins and sea lions, and spend sunny afternoons lounging in a sun lounger by the hotel's sparkling outdoor pool. The hotel boasts a stylish, contemporary architecture made with environmentally friendly materials. All rooms feature stunning views of the pool and the bay, and second-floor rooms come with a private terrace. Guests can enjoy meals in the onsite restaurant and drinks at the bar. Business travellers might appreciate access to the business centre, event hall, and free Wi-Fi in common areas, while everyone can make use of private onsite parking and the beach volleyball court.

Things to do in Pisco, Peru

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Pisco, Peru

Discover one of the most famous world wonders, Machu Picchu, with our 7-day package. You will be impressed upon arrival in the beautiful city of Lima. Taking a trip to Cusco, you will discover a city full of history and mystery. Experience the thrill of exploring the deserts of Ica. Take the time to take those Instagram-worthy photos throughout each region of Peru. Live this exciting adventure with the best activities that we have designed for you. Adventure is dangerous, but routine is deadly.
If your cruise dock at San Martin Port, don't miss this great opportunity and visit the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve in our exclusive small group tour.
If your cruise dock at San Martin Port, don't miss this great opportunity and visit the Ballestas Islands . This tour is for all visitors who are landing at San Martin Port where you can enjoy a half day trip around the beautiful Islands. You will be able to spot thousands of marine species such as, penguins, sea lions, sea birds, dolphins and many other species.
Take a boat tour to see the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, Peruvian boobies, Humboldt penguins, and abundant marine life at the Ballestas Islands archipelago. Visit the pristine Paracas Natural Reserve in the afternoon to see La Catedral rock formation and watch flamingos and parihuanas from a breathtaking scenic overlook.
This is the perfect tour for those wishing to be close to nature, knowing thousands of species in their own natural habitat. The tour consists in two views, The Candelabra and Ballestas Islands. This tour is no for cruise ship passenger arriving at San Martin Port.
Live an unforgettable experience on our 2-day, 1-night trip from Lima, exploring Paracas, Huacachina and Nazca. Discover the impressive Ballestas Islands of Paracas, live the adventure in the dunes of Huacachina and fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. This tour is designed to offer you total immersion in the beauty and mysteries of southern Peru. Book now and get ready for the adventure of your life!
Enjoy a great day in Paracas with its amazing marine life on the tour to Ballestas Islands. Combine nature with adrenaline. Explore one of the most dry areas of the world driving your own Minibuggy. Our motivated and experience multilingual team will organize this great day for you and with you.
Enjoy a great day in Paracas with its amazing marine life on the tour to Ballestas Islands. Combine nature with adrenaline. Explore one of the most dry areas of the world, the National Park of Paracas in Minibuggy driving yourself and finish the day at sunset time with a dunebuggy ride and sandboarding in the Dessert of California close to Paracas. Our motivated and experience multilingual team will organize this great day for you and with you.

Why People Love Pisco, Peru

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Pisco, Peru

W
W6366EHdianab
5
Jul 2024
Muy buena organización de todos los tours, muy puntuales, las vistas increíbles El guía Ali muy amable y muy preparado Recomendado ampliamente :)
R
R351VAfernandao
5
Jan 2024
Excelente opción si viajas sola todo fue muy fácil y seguro bien organizado y excelente actitud de servicio
JL
Jasmin L
5
Jul 2024
This was an amazing tour. The company did a great job planning, organizing, and communicating the entire trip. We felt extremely safe in each step of the journey. Each step they had a driver to drive us to each location and a translator to explain each portion of the journey. The locations they t...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pisco

What are some must-visit attractions in Pisco?

Pisco is a charming town with plenty to offer visitors. One of the most popular attractions is the Paracas National Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes. Another must-visit is the Ballestas Islands, where you can take a boat tour to see sea lions, penguins, and other marine life up close. If you're interested in history, be sure to check out the Tambo Colorado archaeological site, which was an important Inca administrative center. Finally, don't miss the chance to sample some of the region's famous pisco brandy at a local distillery.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Pisco?

Pisco is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to visiting the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands, you can also go sandboarding in the nearby Huacachina oasis. If you're looking for a more relaxing outdoor activity, consider taking a boat tour of the nearby Chincha Islands or spending the day at the beach in Paracas. Finally, if you're up for a bit of an adventure, consider taking a day trip to the Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs that can only be seen from the air.

What are some cultural experiences to have in Pisco?

Pisco has a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of ways to experience it during your visit. One option is to take a tour of the vineyards and distilleries in the area, where you can learn about the history and production of pisco brandy. You can also visit the nearby town of Ica, which has a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Regional Museum of Ica and the Lord of Luren Sanctuary. Finally, be sure to check out the local markets, where you can shop for handicrafts and sample traditional Peruvian cuisine.

What are some family-friendly activities in Pisco?

Pisco is a great destination for families, with plenty of fun and educational activities for kids. A visit to the Paracas National Reserve is always a hit, as is taking a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. You can also visit the nearby zoos and aquariums, such as the Parque de las Leyendas or the Lima Aquarium. Finally, consider taking a cooking class with the kids, where you can learn how to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.

What is the best time of year to visit Pisco?

The best time to visit Pisco is during the summer months, from December to February. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities like visiting the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to November.

What are some accommodations options in Pisco?

Pisco has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. For a luxury experience, consider staying at the Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, or the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paracas. For a more affordable option, consider the Hotel San Agustn Paracas or the Bamboo Paracas Resort. Finally, if you're looking for a unique experience, consider staying at a local homestay or bed and breakfast.

What is the food like in Pisco?

Pisco is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a fusion of Spanish, Inca, and Asian flavors. Some must-try dishes include ceviche, a dish of marinated raw fish, and lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes served with rice and french fries. You can also try local specialties like causa, a dish of mashed potatoes stuffed with fish or chicken, or rocoto relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper. Finally, be sure to sample some of the local pisco brandy, which is often served in cocktails like the pisco sour.

What is the nightlife like in Pisco?

Pisco is a relatively small town, but it still has a lively nightlife scene. There are a number of bars and clubs in the town center, particularly around the Plaza de Armas. If you're looking for a more laid-back experience, consider heading to one of the beachside bars and restaurants in nearby Paracas. Finally, if you're a fan of live music, be sure to check out one of the local peas, which are traditional Peruvian music clubs.

What is the best way to get around Pisco?

The best way to get around Pisco is by taxi or rental car. There are a number of taxi companies in the town, and most attractions are within a short drive of the center. If you're planning to visit the nearby Nazca Lines or other attractions outside of Pisco, consider renting a car for the day. Finally, if you're looking for a more unique way to see the sights, consider taking a horseback riding tour or renting a bicycle.

What are some tips for staying safe in Pisco?

Pisco is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it's always important to take precautions when traveling in a new place. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded areas like markets and on public transportation. If you're traveling by taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in the car. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night, particularly in areas that are poorly lit.