Pisco, Peru

Having suffered severely in the earthquake which devastated this region of Peru early in the evening of August 15th, 2007, and which registered 8 on the Richter Scale, PISCO is still reeling from the aftermath. The city, which remains one of the most active seismic spots on earth, still looks like it has suffered recent and extensive air bombardment. Less than three hours by bus from Lima, Pisco has long been a rewarding stop en route to Nasca, Arequipa or the frontier with Chile. While it's of little interest in itself, the town makes a pleasant enough base; it has several good hotels and hostels, most of which were left intact and provides access to the Paracas National Reserve, the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and the well-preserved Inca coastal outpost ofTambo Colorado.