The Pisco Earthquake

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By Daniel T. Johnson

 On August 15, 2007, at 6:40 p.m. local time, a magnitude 8 earthquake jolted the Pacific South Coast of Peru. By the time the dust had settled more than 500 deaths and 1,800 injuries had been reported, and nearly 100,000 people had been forced from their homes. Hardest hit was the coastal town of Pisco, where up to 80 percent of the homes in town were destroyed. Indeed, in a matter of minutes, centuries-old neighborhoods and architectural treasures throughout Peru’s southern coast were lost, including Pisco’s San Clemente Cathedral. In all, the trembler destroyed close to 55,000 buildings and left another 21,000 damaged.

Since the quake, travel to the region has been more difficult, though by no means impossible. The Peruvian government made early efforts to repair highways and improve services to Pisco and the surrounding areas, and reports indicate that progress has been swift. If you are thinking about visiting the quake-affected area, be aware that water supply and the usual comforts are not going to be the same as before. Also, be prepared to be flexible when it comes to lodging. Relief efforts have attracted thousands of NGO volunteers to the region to help rebuild, leaving some hotels and hostels booked indefinitely, and many other hotels have limited space due to ongoing repairs.

This shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting, however. Hotels and restaurants are open and receiving visitors—including in Pisco—and more are scheduled to reopen soon. Firsthand reports also indicate that crime has actually decreased since before to the earthquake. And, if you do visit, you have the added bonus of knowing that your tourism dollars are going a long way in helping the region rebuild. Most people working in tourism in the area are desperate for business, particularly in Paracas and Huacachina, which, though largely unaffected by the disaster, are still suffering a tourism drought.

We have made every effort to include information regarding interruption in services.

The following is a list of businesses that were either completely destroyed during the earthquake or are currently closed due to damage. It is unknown at this time when any on this list will be rebuilt, if ever.

Lodging

Hostal Pisco, San Fransisco 120, Pisco, Tel: 51-5-653-2018.

Las Olas Hostal, Miguel Grau 156, Pisco. Hotel Paracas, Av. Paracas 173, Tel: 51-5-654-5100.

Hacienda San José Juan Fanning 328 #202, Miraflores, Lima (office), Ica (location).

Hotel Hacienda Ocucaje, Av. 28 de Julio 810 (Lima office), Tel: 51-1-444-4059.

Restaurants

El Dorado, main plaza opposite the destroyed San Clemente Cathedral, Pisco.

Don Manuel, Comercio 187, Pisco.

El Otro Peñocito, Bolivar 255, Ica.

Plaza 125, Plaza 125, Ica, 51-5-621-1816. Venezia, Lima 230, Ica.