Silversea Luxury Cruises To PISCO

Embrace the pristine natural beauty of 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

Depart the pier for the approximate 45-minute drive to Libertador Paracas Hotel. On arrival, enjoy an early morning 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.

Embrace the spectacular beauty of Paracas Bay in a relaxing new way during this picturesque, half-day sunset cruise excursion.

Paracas Hotel and Bay Cruise

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Paracas Hotel. Upon arrival, walk to the private wharf and embark your awaiting luxury yacht for an easy, approximately two-hour sunset cruise around Paracas Bay. This bay is one of the richest seas of Peru, because of its proximity to the Paracas National Reserve and cold water currents. These currents abound with plankton that feed diverse species of mammals, including whales, dolphins and sea lions.

Champagne and Peruvian Delicacies

During your relaxing cruise, enjoy Peruvian delicacies, hors d'oeuvres and champagne in comfort whilst the magnificent scenery unfolds before your eyes. At the conclusion of your cruise, return to the Paracas Hotel, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

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.

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.

Paracas Hotel and Desert

Depart the pier for a 30-minute drive to the Paracas Hotel. Transfer to your off-road, 4x4 vehicle, then head for the Paracas Desert. The driest desert in the world, the Paracas Desert is full of history, culture and amazing views of the dunes where the winds blow eastward.

Sand Dune-Riding and Sunset Picnic

Feel the adrenaline surge during an exhilarating ride through the spectacular dunes of Paracas. Following your dune-ride, proceed for a sunset picnic under the stars whilst relaxing in the comfort of an open-sided luxury tent. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your off-road, 4x4 vehicle for the ride back to the Paracas Hotel. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Tambo Colorado Ruins

Depart the pier for the approximately 70-minute drive to the Pisco Valley, and a visit to the Tambo Colorado site. Tambo Colorado is considered by some to be the best example of Incan architecture in Peru, and thought to have served as an administrative centre for the Incas around the 15th century. Upon arrival, explore the ruins of various buildings and walls that still retain their original color.

The Structures that stand out in the complex are the "Acllahuasi", Temple of the Sun and a main square with more than 150 trapezoidal niches. The archaeologist Federico Kauffman indicates that Tambo Colorado is the expression of the architecture born from the cusqueña invasion. It is possible to observe the doors and trapezoid vaulted niche, as well as a series of stones worked to the Cusco style.

Hacienda San Jose

Continue on to the private Hacienda San Jose, located in El Carmen - Chincha. Back in time, this Manor House had one of the richest plantations in Chincha, with around 1000 slaves working on its fields.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in this unique hacienda while enjoying a Afro-Peruvian musical show.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 45-minute return drive to the pier.