Pisco

Pisco

Peru

Witness the otherworldly Ballestas Islands teeming with playful sea lions, penguins, and exotic birds in their natural Pacific habitat.

Currency Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Language Spanish
Time Zone PET (UTC-5)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
Typical Duration 34-36 nights
Price Range From $3,349 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Peru's wine country and archaeological heritage, offering access to the Paracas National Reserve and nearby Nazca Lines.

Cruises that visit Pisco

Build Your Day in Pisco

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Rich history and the guide was incredible, must-do for Peru! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 86k Open · Closes 3:45 PM
Reserva Nacional de Paracas Protected desert bordering the Pacific National reserve · ★ 4.6 · 7k Open · Closes 4 PM
Plaza de Armas de Pisco Onsite services City park · ★ 4.3 · 6k Open 24 hours
MegaPlaza Pisco Playground·On-site parking Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 4k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
plazaVea Good quality of products, prices are the same as in other cities. Hypermarket · ★ 4.1 · 3k Open · Closes 10 PM
Mercado Pisco Market · ★ 3.7 · 3k Open · Closes 6 PM
Restaurante As de Oro's Every bite was packed with fresh seafood and vibrant Peruvian flavors. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k Open · Closes 11 PM
Playa La Mina - Reserva Nacional de Paracas Definitely worth the effort. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open · Closes 6 PM
Malecón Miranda Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open 24 hours
La Viña De Huber Great food, portions, and service! Peruvian restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM
Borde Costero Pisco Playa Picnics·Dogs allowed Public beach · ★ 4.1 · 1k
El Chaco Paracas We had a good lunch complete with a Pisco sour. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Maky Neko Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 2 PM
Cevicheria Habla Barrio Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Los Choritos Magicos Cash-only·Doesn't accept reservations Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 3 PM
MUELLE SAN ANDRES - Pisco Delivery Store · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
TINKUY Drinks & Coffee Happy hour food·Great cocktails·Live music Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 2:30 PM
Toke Toke Cevichería We are 2 Canadians :) really good food and awesome service . Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Casamar Cocina Marina y Criolla Pisco Very good food, very tasty and seasoned. Peruvian restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM
TAVERN DON JAIME PISCO PERU Great pisco sours and friendly dog Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 4 AM
Fusión Delivery Outdoor seating·Doesn't accept reservations·Dogs allowed outside Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Restaurante Campestre Sumak What a great find, hard to get to but the food was well worth it. Peruvian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Sazones restaurante Highly recommended when you’re visiting Pisco! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
La Sazon de Juvencia If you want authentic Peruvian come here. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Amparito's Coffee Drink Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
APROTUR Pisco & Adventure´s Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
KARMA Club and Lounge Great cocktails·Live music·Dancing Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 PM
Guapitas Moda Point ,tienda Chic Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 0k Open · Closes 7 AM Sat
EL PALCO Restaurante en Pisco Very good food, service and sympathy. Peruvian restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Restaurante Campestre Don Luchito Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Maki Maky - Pisco Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Sushi restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 10:45 PM
Puka Yana Café Pisco Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
TIA BERTHA Highly recommend this place for lunch/dinner. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
MERCADO N°1 PISCO Market · ★ 4.2 · 0k
La Gloria Pisco Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k
VALENCO - Crepê - Frappes - Café - Pizzas y más Some of the best food I've had in Peru and for a great price. Pizza restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM
Muelle Fiscal Cevicheria Restaurante Dine-in·Drive-through·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Playa pisco Tourist attraction · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Ruta 371 Dine-in·Takeout Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 1 PM
Centro Comercial Fermín Tangüis Celestino Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Estilos Pisco In-store pickup·Delivery Clothing store · ★ 3.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Playa San Andres Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Baco Lounge Bar Great cocktails·Happy hour drinks Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM
William Ristretto great vibes, amazing coffee. Espresso bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Playa caucato Public beach · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Cafetería Dolce Fusion Dine-in·Drive-through·No-contact delivery Espresso bar · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
D' LA ESQUINA RESTOBAR Rooftop seating·Live music·On-site parking Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Playa La Palmilla Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Victoria Café Dine-in·Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Playa San Andrés pisco ica Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k
La boca del rio Pisco Hiking area · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Huaca Blanca Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
the crew pisco In-store pickup·Delivery Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Pisco

About Pisco

Pisco serves as a port of call on select South American itineraries, primarily through Oceania Cruises, which offers extended voyages exploring the continent's dramatic coastlines and remote destinations. While this intimate port welcomes fewer cruise lines compared to larger regional hubs, it provides access to some of the Pacific's most compelling routes, with cruises typically spanning 36 nights and visiting ports like Callao, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas. The peak season runs through December and January, when southern hemisphere summer brings ideal conditions for exploration.

Stepping ashore in Pisco, cruise passengers find themselves in Peru's wine country, where the region's famous pisco brandy production and nearby archaeological wonders await discovery. The port's smaller scale means a more authentic, less-crowded experience compared to major cruise destinations, allowing travelers to connect genuinely with local culture and history. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences or planning an ambitious South American voyage, Pisco offers a distinctive stop on longer itineraries.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore the Nazca Lines Mystery

Witness the ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor from a scenic flight departing nearby. These UNESCO World Heritage Site figures, created by the Nazca civilization over 1,500 years ago, remain one of archaeology's greatest mysteries. A short excursion offers an unforgettable aerial perspective of these massive artistic wonders spanning the Peruvian plains.

2

Taste Fresh Pisco at Local Bodegas

Visit traditional wineries surrounding Pisco to sample the region's famous brandy and learn about centuries-old production methods. Local bodega owners share stories of grape cultivation in the arid climate while you taste premium pisco varieties. This authentic experience connects you directly to Peru's most celebrated spirit and the passionate artisans who craft it.

3

Discover the Ballestas Islands Wildlife

Take a boat tour to these dramatic rocky islands teeming with sea lions, penguins, and exotic seabirds in their natural habitat. The Humboldt Current creates a rich marine ecosystem visible from the water's edge, where you'll encounter playful wildlife up close. This thrilling excursion showcases Peru's incredible Pacific biodiversity within easy reach of the port.

4

Browse Pisco's Vibrant Local Markets

Wander through bustling markets filled with colorful Peruvian textiles, handcrafted ceramics, and local artisan goods unique to the region. Vendors sell traditional woven blankets, pottery, and jewelry reflecting centuries of indigenous craftsmanship. Haggling is expected and encouraged, making this an interactive cultural experience where you'll find authentic souvenirs unavailable elsewhere.

5

Visit the Ica Regional Museum

Explore pre-Columbian artifacts and mummies from the Nazca and Paracas cultures in this fascinating museum located near the port. The collection includes intricate textiles, pottery, and skeletal remains offering insights into ancient Peruvian civilizations. This compact yet comprehensive museum provides essential cultural context for understanding the region's archaeological significance and indigenous heritage.

Cruise Lines at Pisco

Cruises Departing From Pisco

Cruises Visiting Pisco

Ship Schedule at Pisco

Pisco Location

Other Cruise Ports in Peru

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pisco known for?

Pisco is renowned for Peru's national brandy, used in cocktails like the pisco sour.

Where is Pisco located?

Pisco is a coastal city on Peru's central coast, near Paracas and the Ballestas Islands.

What are nearby attractions?

Nearby attractions include Paracas National Reserve and the Islas Ballestas.

Is Pisco a good base for travelers?

Yes, it's a convenient base for exploring Paracas and supporting local tourism and recovery efforts.