Crushed by a 2007 earthquake where the evidence is still clear to see, Pisco is a small and welcoming town. Frequented La Taberna de Don Jaime (thankfully not a part of Mr Oliver's empire) two times in as many nights and got on the town's and indeed the nation's favourite beverage, the Pisco Sour, a cocktail made from egg white, lemon juice, syrup, crushed ice and bitters plus the potent spirit itself.

Had a day-trip to Islas Ballestas or 'the poor man's Galapagos' a nickname given perhaps because of the overwhelming stench of bird poo . Started with a boat trip around the islands to view numerous arches and caves, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies and cormorants. Also passed by the famous three-pronged Candelabra, a giant figure etched into the sandy hills.

Drove out to the Reserva Nacional de Paracas, a vast desert-filled space set against the coastline and various geological formations including the red beach (ohhh!) Had another fill of fresh mixed cerviche for lunch.
 
Final morning saw a wander around the post-earthquake affected town centre. We completed our mission to find the grave of 19th-century English vampire Sarah Ellen Roberts, who having been buried in 1893 claimed that she would rise again after 100 years. Much to the locals' disappointment she didn't.

Onward bus journey to Nazca via Ica / Huacachina 4 hours.