Hafen
Pisco

Embrace the pristine natural beauty of the “Peruvian Galapagos”, one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world during this picturesque, half-day visit to Paracas National Reserve. Established in 1975, and important for the protection of both marine and bird life on the Paracas Peninsula, the Reserve is about 15km (9.3 miles) south of Pisco. It is a saline desert formed in the place of an ancient ocean and home to one of the largest sea-lion colonies in the world.

Ballestas Islands Boat Ride, Bird Watching

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute drive to El Chaco. On arrival, enjoy a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, home to a great variety of wildlife. There are huge colonies of sea lions and unusual marine birds, such as - Humboldt's Penguins, cormorants, Peruvian boobies and Peruvian pelicans. The islands surrounding seas are rich in creel, and associated upper food chain fish. They provide a safe breeding ground for sea lions, pelicans and a large variety of bird life. Natural formations found here include the enigmatic Candelabrum, traced in the hillside and best seen from the sea.

Transfer back to the pier on the approximately 45-minute drive.

Discover the exquisite natural topography of Pisco and its environs during this tour's scenic and exhilarating flight-seeing excursion. Since they became widely known in the late 1920s, when commercial air travel was introduced between Lima and the southern Peruvian city of Arequipa, the mysterious desert drawings known as the Nasca lines have puzzled archaeologists, anthropologists, and anyone fascinated by ancient cultures in the Americas.

Nazca Lines Overflight

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute transfer to Pisco Airport. Upon arrival, board your high-wing light aircraft for an exhilarating, 1.5-hour flight over the desert and the mysterious Nazca Lines, also known as the 'Nazca Markings'. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, these remarkable drawings cut into the stony desert resemble geometrical figures and various forms such as a dog, an enormous monkey, birds, a spider, and a tree. Along the way, learn about how and why the Nazca Lines were made.

Upon landing back at Pisco Airport, your tour concludes with a transfer back to the pier.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paracas National Reserve, a stunning ecological reserve located in the coastal desert. A large area containing beautiful rock formations generated by thousands of years of wind and water erosion, as well as a variety of fauna and the remains of a pre-Inca culture that ruled the desert and created a successful society.

Interpretation Centre

Discover the beauty and tranquility of southern Peru's rugged coastline. More than 2,000 years ago, an advanced civilization prospered in this desolate stretch of South American desert.  Begin your day with a visit to the Interpretation Centre to learn about all the different species protected in this area, and the evolution of this part of the coast, a paradise for geologists.

Scenic Drive through the Natural Reserve

Continue your drive to see the beautiful rock formations, which are the result of thousands of years of erosion in this windswept land. Observe many colonies of marine birds, and inviting beaches, along the coast and small islets. See the remnants of the Paracas culture, which developed a sophisticated system of irrigation and water management to live and rule in this desert land.

At the end of your exploration, drive approximately 30 minutes back to the pier.

On this half-day tour, visit an artisanal distillery where you will learn about the Peruvian national spirit of Pisco, a type of pale brandy that was developed by Spanish settlers in the 16th century and is produced by distilling fermented grapes. Conclude your tour with a refreshing Pisco cocktail before returning to your ship.

Pisco History

Unlike the land in most of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, where only very few vineyards were established (mostly for the production of sacramental wine), some locations in Peru were quite suitable for growing grape vines. By 1560, Peru was already producing wine for commerce, and over time a significant wine industry arose in the region. In 1572, Santa Maria Magelana, a town in Peru, had a port by the name Pisco. Pisco became a crucial route for distribution of an alcoholic beverage called aguardiente. Port of Pisco shortened the name to just Pisco, which was the name of the grape liqueur that originated in the area

Wine fields & Distillery

Following an approximately one hour drive from the port, reach an artisanal distillery, called Pisco 1615, where you will walk through the wine fields and observe the production process of the Peruvian National drink, Pisco. It is produced by distilling fermented grape juice into a high proof spirit.  Pisco 1615 refers to the year 1615, when legend has it, vines were first planted in the región of Pisco.

Pisco Cocktail

Conclude your visit with a refreshing Pisco cocktail before driving back to ship.

A limited amount of time will be made available for you to purchase bottle of piscos at the distillery shop.

Experience Pisco in a unique and exciting new way during this memorable, off-road excursion via dune buggy. Cruise across the sand and travel up and down dunes that range from 65 to 250 feet (20 to 80 meters) in height as you ride along and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery.

Sand Dune Circuit Adventure

Depart the pier for the approximate 45-minute transfer to the starting point of your sand buggy adventure in the desert. Upon arrival, receive your safety and riding instructions, then board your dune buggy and buckle your seat belt for an exciting, one-hour ride with an expert driver. Along the way, experience the thrill of going up and down the golden waves of sand, and discovering new routes as your driver takes you to inaccessible areas in the middle of the hottest dunes.

Upon returning to the starting point, re-board your coach for the approximate 45-minute return drive to the pier.

Take part in a unique experience including Peruvian seashell tasting.

Peruvian Fishermen Tradition

Food for Peruvians goes far beyond pamper the taste buds. For hundreds of years, the connection between nature and communities has been marked by many aspects, including how they eat. The products received were gifts from Mother Earth and the gods. It was important to thank them for the supplies and the good harvest, to make offerings to ask for a better climate to cultivate and protect what they had because it was a divine gift. On the coast of Peru, the relationship with the ocean is similar. The same techniques used by our ancestors have been kept alive in today's artisanal fishermen. With great care and respect, they obtain delicious fish and shellfish that will end up being the protagonists of delicious dishes.

Boat Ride and Seashell Tasting

Leave the pier by bus for the short transfer to Athens Beach, where you will board your small fishermans’ boat and discover the richness of the sea. During the ride relax and enjoy the breeze and the sound of the waves. Stop at the main scallop hatchery for some tasting.

Paracas National Reserve

The Paracas National Reserve is one of the most visited natural areas in Peru, both for its proximity to Lima and its beauty. The reserve was created to protect part of the Peruvian coast's desert ecosystem, with the flora and fauna that inhabit it with such popular species as the Humboldt Penguin. Furthermore, Paracas was the centre of relevant pre-Columbian cultural developments such as the Paracas and Nasca cultures - the first famous for their mantles and funeral traditions and the second for creating the enigmatic Nasca Lines. Today, the reserve and Paracas bay are the favourite destinations for fans of water sports, adventure and experiential tourism.

The excursion will conclude with a short drive back to the pier.

Nestled in the Ica Valley of Peru, amidst the foothills of the Andes, lies the oldest distillery in the Americas, Hacienda La Caravedo, established 1684. Like all good things, Pisco began as an act of rebellion. In 1641, the King of Spain (Philip IV) imposed heavy taxes on all wine produced in Peru. In response, his new world subjects dodged the onerous tax by distilling the year's grape harvest. Travel to Ica and step back in time with a visit to La Caravedo.

Hacienda La Caravedo

Depart the pier for approximately 90-minute drive to Ica and visit distillery La Caravedo. Learn the story of origin at the oldest operating distillery in Americas. Starting by the Grape´s Boulevard, where 7 varieties of pisco strains are shown, followed by the facilities of 1684, this place still keeps a circular container where the grapes were once stomped, a Huarango press, jugs and jars.

The tour continues at the new distillery, which has a capacity to produce 1.5 million litres of pisco, 20% of this production is exported and 80% is for domestic market. Visit Hacienda La Caravedo in Ica, the oldest working distillery in the Americas since 1684 and home to Pisco Portón.

Finish the experience with a Peruvian style lunch at the Hacienda.