Pisco

Pisco (or San Martin as it's sometimes referred as) is a city located in the Ica Region of Peru, in South America.

A popular organised tour is to the Pisco brandy factory.

Pisco is the gateway to the ruins at Machu Picchu, where most visitors head to.

Take a flight over the famous Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs (large designs/motifs on the ground) located in the Nazca Desert. They were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and stretch more than 80km between the towns of Nazca and Palpa.

The Paracas Candelabra is a well known prehistoric geoglyph found on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula at Pisco Bay. The design is cut two feet into the soil and the figure is 595ft tall, large enough to be seen 12 miles at sea.

Take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, a group of small islands near the town of Paracas. These islands are an important sanctuary for marine birds, penguins and seals.

Tambo Colorado is a well-preserved Inca site thought to have been built at the end of the 15th century.

The Paracas National Reserve is home to many species of wildlife, particularly birds. Near the entrance, the Muséo Sitio de Julio C. Tello features artefacts and information about the flora and fauna of this unique region.

Local dishes to try include 'ceviche' (raw fish marinated in citrus juice), 'causa' (type of casserole, sliced and served cold) and 'anticuchos' (skewers of grilled, marinated meat).

Cruise ships dock in the modern port of San Martin, on the peninsula of Paracas.

Some cruise lines may provide shuttle buses.

Tuk tuks are available for tours around the town.