Port information & tips for Puerto San Martín
Puerto San Martín is the spectacular gateway to the Peruvian Pacific coast and the ideal starting point for unforgettable discoveries in the Ica region. Located on the striking Paracas Peninsula, it impresses with a fascinating desert landscape and impressive biodiversity along the rugged coastlines. Absolute highlights include the species-rich Islas Ballestas, the protected ecosystem of the Reserva Nacional de Paracas, and the mysterious prehistoric geoglyph El Candelabro. Cruise ships dock at the modern Terminal Portuario Paracas, from where the charming coastal town of Paracas is easily accessible in about twenty minutes travel time and, thanks to organized shuttle services and guided tours, offers excellent connections to the cultural and natural highlights of the region.
The port of Puerto San Martín, also known as Terminal Portuario General San Martín, serves as the primary cruise port for the Pisco region on Perus central coast. As an industrial port, it does not have dedicated passenger terminals with comprehensive amenities, which is why shuttles or pre-arranged tours are essential for onward travel from the port.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region usually takes place via Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, which has excellent global connections. Lima Airport is located around 250 kilometers north of Puerto San Martín. For shorter domestic flights or special Nazca Lines overflights, the local Pisco Airport is of importance.
Transfer & Shuttle
Private transfers from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima to the port of Puerto San Martín are available and recommended to make the approximately five-hour journey comfortable. These transfers offer a door-to-door service with professional drivers and modern vehicles. Shuttles, taxis, and tour buses are also available directly at the port to take passengers to surrounding attractions such as Paracas.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight times from Europe and the distance to the port of Puerto San Martín, staying overnight in a pre-cruise hotel is strongly recommended. Numerous hotels can be found in Lima, as well as in the nearby tourist towns of Pisco and Paracas. This allows for a relaxed arrival and acclimatization before embarkation, thanks to short travel times of about 20 to 30 minutes from Paracas to the cruise port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
