Visit Peru’s Undiscovered, Hidden Gem!

More and more cruise lines are visiting Pisco, in Peru; 8 in total, including familiar names such as Princess, Oceania, Silversea, Azamara and Regent.  There will be many, many more ship calls in the near future, i’m sure, as this area not only has breathtaking desert scenery, intersected by the great Panamerican Highway, but it is also the base for a visit to Peru’s hidden natural wonder; the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru’s equivalent of the Galapagos.  The benefit of these islands is that they are only about 1 hour by speedboat from the mainland, but they boast huge colonies of seabirds (including Penguins!) and sea-lions, that are protected by strict local laws.  The cluster of rocky islands can be fully circumnavigated by the nimble excursion craft, though making a landing is prohibited, in order to conserve the habitat of the local wildlife.

Pisco is about 4-hours by road from Lima (port of Callao), where many ships dock, so it has traditionally been out-of-reach for cruise line day-trippers, but with South America slowly opening-up to more varied cruise-ship itineraries, now is the time to visit, whilst it still has that special ‘away from it all’ vibe.

Once you’re finished with admiring the local fauna, why not kick-back and sample the national drink of Peru, the ‘Pisco Sour’, or try the local raw-fish delicacy, ‘Ceviche’?

Souvenir shops sell authentic local products at very reasonable prices, so whether you want to take home a traditionally-woven blanket, wood carving, or the ever-popular pan-pipes, you won’t be disappointed!

By the time you’re back onboard your cruise ship, you’ll be very much aware that there is more to Peru than just Macchu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Amazonian Rainforest and the Nazca Lines!

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me when you’re ready to discover the real South America for yourself…..