About the Port
General San Martin serves as the maritime gateway to Peru's southern desert coast, a stretch of arid landscape where the Pacific meets sweeping dunes and rocky headlands. The port lies near the town of Pisco and within reach of the Paracas National Reserve, a protected coastal ecosystem known for its seabird colonies, sea lions, and striking desert-meets-ocean scenery.
From here, travelers commonly venture to the Ballestas Islands, where boat excursions reveal dense concentrations of cormorants, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins, or arrange flights over the Nazca Lines, the vast pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into the desert floor further inland. Because the port itself is industrial and offers little to explore on foot, most visitors join organized transport to reach these attractions, making advance arrangements worthwhile for anyone hoping to see the region's signature sights in a single call.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in General San Martin .
Cruise the Ballestas Islands
Board a short boat trip (about two hours round trip) to see dense colonies of cormorants, pelicans, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins along dramatic rock arches just offshore.
Fly Over the Nazca Lines
Small aircraft tours reveal the massive pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into the desert floor; the excursion requires significant transit time inland, so book ahead and confirm timing against the ship's schedule.
Explore Paracas National Reserve
Head to this protected desert-meets-ocean landscape for striking cliffside overlooks, red sand beaches, and a small interpretive center on the region's marine wildlife and fossil history.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit General San Martin
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 18, 2026 | Holland America | Oosterdam | 31 | $4,889 | |
| Nov 18, 2026 | Holland America | Oosterdam | 16 | $2,259 | |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Holland America | Zaandam | 70 | $13,599 | |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Holland America | Zaandam | 41 | $8,999 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 35 | $15,809 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 126 | $90,099 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 63 | $30,004 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 145 | $87,269 | |
| Jan 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 23 | $9,604 | |
| Mar 9, 2027 | Holland America | Oosterdam | 31 | $4,924 | |
| Mar 24, 2027 | Holland America | Oosterdam | 16 | $2,459 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 41 | $4,724 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 26 | $3,309 | |
| Oct 12, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 36 | $4,249 | |
| Oct 12, 2027 | Holland America | Nieuw Amsterdam | 21 | $2,784 | |
| Jan 7, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 57 | $35,784 | |
| Jan 7, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 120 | $77,999 | |
| Jan 7, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 82 | $45,984 | |
| Jan 7, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 29 | $16,149 | |
| Jan 7, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 112 | $72,799 |
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