Known for the grape brandy that bears its name, Pisco sits on the western coast of Peru's lowlands. Its position at water's edge and proximity to the Andes, made a strategic home for the ancient Paracas people. Aptly named ‘bird', in their Quechua language, for the amazing array of bird species still seen on the rocky outcroppings nearby. Well-preserved is the area's natural history including ancient vineyards in operation since 1684 and elegant tasting rooms for some of Chile's best-known wine varietals. Pisco also is where many adventurers take the opportunity of a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines pictographs etched in the desert some 2,000 years ago. History's treasures preserved in nature.