Pisco is normally visited because of the concentration of marine animals and birds at the Paracas National Reserve, or the Peruvian Galápagos. At the reserve there are the Ballestas Islands, which are off limits to people, but boat tours can get close. This wildlife is definitely something to boast about, but Pisco origins are from one of the major ancient civilizations in Peru, the Paracas culture. Due to its ease of access, and its crossroads to the Andes the Spanish considered making Pisco the capital, before they decided on Lima.

Dangers and Annoyances
The "tourist safe" area seems to be the 2-block radius around the Plaza de Armas. Paracas seems safe as well.

Numerous locals warn about watching your bags, even just walking in the market area and beach. Tuk tuks are recommended for safe, cheap travel through the sketchier parts of town.

Around and closeby
The Chincha Islands are also near its coast. On the islands there are many birds, including pelicans, penguins, cormorants, Peruvian boobies and Inca terns. There are also sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales. Take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to see the sea lions and hillside Candelabra.

A few buses a day go to Ayacucho in the Andes, passing the Inca ruins at Tambo Colorado 2 hours away. To get one of these buses you have to catch a taxi (10-12 Soles) up to San Clemente, a scruffy junction of a town; watch your bags. Two bus companies go to Ayacucho, but Molina is recommended over the other. It provides night service, with buses leaving at 11:30pm, 00:00am and 00:30am.

Sightseeing
In the city is the Plaza de Armas, where people hang out and buy tejas, small sweets made from pecans and assorted dried fruits. The different points of interest that surround the Plaza are the statue of José de San Martín, the mansion he lived in, and the Municipal Palace. Another building in the city is the heavy Baroque Iglesia de la Compañía, dating from 1689, it features a superb carved pulpit and gold-leaf altarpiece.

Getting there
Most of the buses on the Panamerican Highway from Lima to Ica, Nazca, Arequipa etc. won't leave this road, dropping you off at the junction about 4 miles outside town. From there you can pick up a local bus or taxi.

Some buses from Lima (3-4hrs) do go in to town and there are local buses to Ica.