Manu and Pusharo Petroglyphs Tour 6 Days
Six days to the Pusharo petroglyphs, rock carvings deep in the Manu rainforest whose origin is still debated, traveling by small boat up the Teparo River with the Matsiguenka community of Palotoa Teparo, plus the Machuhuasi oxbow lake, a parrot clay lick and the Shintuya hot springs.
About this Expedition
Pristine Biodiversity
Immersion in primary forest trails and macaw or tapir clay licks with privileged viewing.
Native Guides
Bilingual guides from the native communities of Manu and Tambopata, with spotting scopes and binoculars.
Logistics and Lodges
Private transport and boats, a cook on the trip and nights in rainforest lodges.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Manu Cloud Forest – Pilcopata
We leave Cusco at 6:00 a.m. in a private minivan and cross the Andes. Our first stop is the pre-Inca burial towers of Ninamarca, followed by a short visit to Paucartambo, a picturesque Andean village known for its traditional dress, before we reach the entrance of Manu National Park, the highest point of the trip.
From there we descend into the cloud forest, full of orchids, heliconias and tree ferns. After lunch we look for Peru’s national bird, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, as well as quetzals, trogons, the Amazonian umbrellabird, woolly monkeys (the largest monkey in Peru), brown capuchins and, with luck, a spectacled bear. In the afternoon we arrive in Pilcopata, where we spend the night at Pilcopata Lodge.
Day 02: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake – Teparo Native Community
After breakfast we drive to the river port of Atalaya (about 350 m / 1,150 ft), stopping at a coca plantation and enjoying views over the lowland rainforest, and continue by boat on the Alto Madre de Dios River. We explore the Machuhuasi oxbow lake on a balsa raft to look for the hoatzin, and walk around the lake watching caimans, herons, toucans and monkeys.
After lunch we continue by boat to the Santa Cruz ranger station to register our entry, then switch to a small wooden “peque-peque” boat up the Teparo River to Palotoa Teparo, a Matsiguenka native community that has started to welcome visitors through tourism. Night walk in the evening.
Day 03: Teparo Native Community – Pusharo Petroglyphs
We set off early in the small boat up a shallow river; on the way we may need to get out and push the boat or walk along the bank. Our goal is the gorge where the largest concentration of the Pusharo petroglyphs is carved into the rock. Their origin is still debated, and local legends link the area to Paititi, the lost city of gold. The people of Palotoa Teparo consider Pusharo the territory of their ancestors, and until a few years ago the petroglyphs were part of rituals related to hunting. Night at a camp on the riverbank.
Day 04: Pusharo Petroglyphs – Teparo Native Community
After a traditional breakfast we explore the forest to look for more petroglyphs and wildlife. Then we return to the native community by canoe, with time to swim, fish and enjoy the clear water of the river.
Day 05: Parrot Clay Lick – Shintuya Hot Springs – Rainforest Lodge
We leave early to visit the parrot clay lick, where hundreds of parakeets and small macaws come to eat mineral-rich clay. On the boat ride back we stop at the Shintuya native community for a soak in the hot springs, with frequent stops to watch wildlife on the way to our last lodge.
Day 06: Rainforest Lodge – Atalaya – Cusco
After a guided morning walk to look for macaws and a good breakfast, we pack and take the boat to Atalaya, then continue by private van to Cusco. We drop you off near the main square at around 5:00 p.m.
Where you will stay
- Night 1 Pilcopata Lodge Manu Cultural Zone
- Night 2 Teparo Native Community Native community
- Night 3 Riverbank camp at Pusharo Camping
- Night 4 Teparo Native Community Native community
Included & Not Included Services
What this trip includes
- Round-trip private transportation from Cusco
- Bilingual native guide with a spotting scope and binoculars
- Private boat with an experienced boat crew
- First aid kit, including snake antivenom
- Three meals a day (semi-buffet) and snacks, with vegetarian and vegan options
- Lodges with private rooms, towels, mosquito nets, showers and toilets, and one night of camping at Pusharo
- Cook on the trip
- Self-service tea, coffee and popcorn
- Radio communication throughout the trip
- Unlimited drinking water
- Rubber boots
- Manu National Park entrance fee
Not included in the price
- Breakfast and drinking water on the first day
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Personal binoculars
- Tips
What to Bring / Packing Tips
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Camera with spare batteries (a 400 mm telephoto lens is ideal)
- A warm layer for misty mornings on the river
- Reusable water bottle
- Sandals, swimsuit, towel and a daypack
- Rain jacket and a hat or cap
- Insect repellent with 30–50% DEET
- Sunscreen and after-bite cream
- Binoculars (10x50 recommended)
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Extra cash
- This itinerary is a guide. The day before departure, our guide gives you a full briefing at your hotel or at our office.
- Departures need a minimum of 3 travelers. Groups of more than 5 get a discount.
- Questions about this tour or prices? Message Percy Huanca, our founder and native guide, on WhatsApp at +51 972 727 516.
Questions about this tour
What are the Pusharo petroglyphs?
Rock carvings in a river gorge deep in the Manu rainforest. Their origin is still debated, and local legends link them to Paititi, the lost city of gold. The Matsiguenka people of Palotoa Teparo consider Pusharo the land of their ancestors.
How physically demanding is it?
Moderately. The river to Pusharo is shallow, so on day 3 you may need to get out and help push the boat or walk along the bank, and one night is spent camping on the riverbank.
Where do we sleep?
Night 1 at Pilcopata Lodge, nights 2 and 4 in the Palotoa Teparo native community, night 3 at a riverbank camp near Pusharo and night 5 at a lodge on the way back to Atalaya.
What is the group size?
Departures need at least 3 travelers, and groups of more than 5 get a discount.
How do I book?
Choose your date and number of travelers on this page and reserve online with a deposit of $100 per person. Card payments carry a 6% fee. You pay the balance before the tour.
