Top Things to do in Pisco
Top Restaurants in Pisco
What to do and see in Pisco, Peru: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Pisco, Peru including Museo Arqueologico Paracas, Islas Ballestas, Totem Eco bar, Playa Roja, Plaza de Armas, The Chandelier, Paracas National Reserve, Bahia Tours Peru, Paracas National Reserve, Pisco Beach.
Restaurants in Pisco
1. Museo Arqueologico Paracas
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By WilderGomezRamos - St. Petersburg, Russia
• « Pisco — Distilled Peruvian Spirits Wine »!
• « Pisco — Cultural Heritage of Peru »!
• « Exclusive PERUVIAN APPELLATION of ORIGIN of the drink Pisco »!
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The word “ Pisco ” has an UNDENIABLE PERUVIAN ORIGIN , as has been verified through studies made by lexicographers, chroniclers and historians. It is a Pre-Hispanic ( Quechua ) word meaning “ bird ”. (Juan de Arona, pseudonym of Pedro Paz Soldan y Unanue. Diccionario de Peruanismos [ Dictionary of Peruvianisms ], Volume II, Ediciones Peisa, Lima 1975, page. 323).
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Precisely, the name of the valley was given by the Incas ( and not Diagitas or Manpuches ! ) themselves who were amazed by the large number and diversity of birds of the coastal region. They named the site “Pisko” (located approximately 200 km south of Lima), and the famous Paracas culture took place in this valley.
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However, this is not the only meaning of the word. A native community called “ Piskos ” had lived in the same region since ancient times !
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2. Islas Ballestas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
If you are travelling on a cruise and passes through Paracas, don't miss this 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.
Reviewed By James G - New York City, New York
Definitely recommend taking half a day to visit. We were part of a group traveling through South America, so everything was pre-booked. However, lots of local agencies in Paracas (launchpoint). You will see more birds here than probably your whole live. The bird poop (guano) was actually what helped Peru become wealthy after gaining independence. (The US still buys hundreds of millions of $ of Peruvian guano to help fertilize crops such as cauliflower, broccoli, etc). Anyways, the guide will tell you more. Bring hat + sunscreen.
3. Totem Eco bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen D
Great bar with great vibes. Super friendly staff and great drinks. I had the totem bull and it was awesome. It's got a very west coast chilled out vibe, perfect for kicking back with friends. If you're in Pisco or even Paracas this bar is a must.
4. Playa Roja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By 1Dutchie13 - San Diego, California
You can tour the Paracas Reserve by organized bus tour, bicycle or ATV. Never saw so much sand! The red beach was small but you got a good taste of its uniqueness.
5. Plaza de Armas
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By George S - New Jersey
This is a pretty main square with grass, trees and an impressive statue of General San Martin at its center. However, this square was also the scene of a major tragedy in August 2007 when a severe earthquake struck Pisco and the old adobe Cathedral of San Clemente, which fronted the square, collapsed killing nearly 150 worshipers. It has recently been replaced with a new modern low rise church by the same name. Along side it, stands the old municipal building built in the Moorish style with alternating horizontal blue and white stripes. Both structures look very nice.
6. The Chandelier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
7. Paracas National Reserve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By supersatisfied - Brampton, Ontario, Canada
We were introduced to the reserve by visiting the museum first. It was somewhat claustrophic in the first couple of rooms and, of course hot. It felt like there was no air circulation. Interesting information in the museum, so it's worth the visit. Probably would have been better if we'd been alone or in a smaller group. We the visited 3 different Beaches to view wildlife. This was somewhat disappointing since whatever bird life was there, it was all at such a distance it was not too exciting. At one point we could see three Chilean flamingoes, but so far away you couldn't get a close up. Lots of Turkey vultures and boobies. Make sure you are covered in sunscreen and don't forget the hat and sunshades!
8. Bahia Tours Peru
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Bahia Tours Peru, somos una agecia de turismo, operadora de servicios en la ciudad y puerto de Paracas. Nuestras principales excursiones le permiten conocer las Islas Ballestas y su infinita fauna, la reserva natural de Paracas, las enigmaticas y misteriosas lineas de Nazca y la acogedora naturaleza de las dunas con diferentes opciones turisticas. Disfrute con nosotros de las mejores excursiones
Reviewed By Elaine W - Scotland, United Kingdom
We did the speedboat trip to the Ballestas Islands Peru's Galapagos and we're delighted with the trip close and personal with the wildlife, fantastic experience, be prepared for the eye watering smells at the sea lion colony's but would do it again tomorrow.
9. Paracas National Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By MAU1967 - Montevideo, Uruguay
Really is nice tour. you can see many interesting places and the pictures will be great. the guides explain at english and spanish.
10. Pisco Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By travelbug1525 - London, United Kingdom
Hardly anyone was there apart from a handful of runners, walkers and anglers and there are no restaurants etc. so it was very peaceful. There were a lot of sea birds both in the sea and in the little saltmarshes further up. The area is quite neglected, the sea wall and the pier are damaged, some structures are also about to collapse into the sea - people are probably focussed on rebuilding the city after the earthquake instead of renovating this area. Apart from that, it is a great place with nice and fairly clean sand, only about 15 mins walk from the Plaza de Armas.
