Cultural Zone
Manu Hidden Paradise & Pusharo Petroglyphs Tour 5D/4N
Duration
From (per Person)
Tour Type
Difficulty
Route
Journey to the Ancient Mysteries of the Peruvian Amazon
The Manu Hidden Paradise & Pusharo Petroglyphs Tour is an unforgettable five-day adventure that combines the extraordinary biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon with the fascinating cultural heritage of the Manu region. Traveling from Cusco into the lush cloud forest and lowland rainforest, you’ll experience spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, and authentic encounters with Indigenous communities.
One of the highlights of this expedition is the visit to the enigmatic Pusharo Petroglyphs, remarkable rock carvings located along the Palotoa River inside Manu National Park. These ancient engravings are closely connected to local traditions and legends surrounding the mythical lost city of Paititi. Along the way, you’ll also discover vibrant birdlife, scenic river journeys, jungle lakes, and the welcoming culture of the Palotoa Teparo Native Community, creating an adventure that blends nature, archaeology, and local traditions into one remarkable experience.
Cusco to the Cloud Forest of Pilcopata
Your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Cusco between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. Traveling in private transportation, you’ll cross the Andes while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery.
The first stop is the Ninamarca Chullpas, ancient pre-Inca funerary towers located at approximately 3,750 meters (12,303 ft). Afterwards, you’ll visit the traditional colonial town of Paucartambo, known for its colorful culture and historic bridge.
Continuing the journey, you’ll reach Ajanaco Pass at approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), the official entrance to Manu National Park. From here, the road descends into the cloud forest, where orchids, heliconias, giant ferns, and countless bird species thrive.
A guided walk offers an opportunity to observe the spectacular mating display of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Depending on wildlife activity and a bit of luck, you may also spot quetzals, trogons, toucans, monkeys, and even the elusive spectacled bear.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Pilcopata, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable lodge featuring private rooms and private bathrooms.
Atalaya, Machuwasi Lake & Paititi Lodge
After breakfast, travel approximately 45 minutes by road to the river port of Atalaya.
From there, continue by motorboat to Paititi Lodge, enjoying your first close encounters with Amazonian wildlife along the riverbanks.
Following lunch, you’ll visit Machuwasi Lake, exploring its tranquil waters aboard a traditional local catamaran. This wetland is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including hoatzins, monkeys, reptiles, insects, dwarf caimans, and, if conditions allow, capybaras.
In the evening, guests may choose to join an optional guided night walk to experience the rainforest after dark before returning to the lodge for the night.
Parrot Clay Lick & Palotoa Teparo Native Community
Following breakfast, you’ll visit a vibrant parrot clay lick, where colorful parrots gather to feed on mineral-rich clay deposits.
Later, continue by boat toward the Palotoa Teparo Native Community, located before Santa Cruz. Upon arrival, community representatives will welcome you before transferring by traditional canoe to the village.
Spend the remainder of the day learning about the community’s surroundings and way of life while enjoying an authentic cultural experience deep within the Amazon.
Accommodation for the night is provided in either tents or a basic community shelter.
Pusharo Petroglyphs Exploration
After a traditional breakfast prepared by local families, depart for one of the expedition’s most important destinations—the mysterious Pusharo Petroglyphs.
Located near the Pongo de Meganto area, these impressive rock carvings remain one of the Amazon’s greatest archaeological enigmas. The petroglyphs are closely associated with the legendary city of Paititi, often referred to as the lost city of gold.
Members of the Palotoa Teparo community consider this sacred area part of their ancestral territory, where the petroglyphs have long been connected to traditional ceremonies, hunting practices, and cultural beliefs.
In the afternoon, return to the community to spend another evening immersed in the Amazon rainforest.
Return to Cusco
After breakfast, begin the return journey by motorboat to Atalaya, making several stops along the river to observe wildlife whenever possible.
From Atalaya, continue by private vehicle through the beautiful cloud forest, retracing your route across the Andes before arriving back in Cusco at approximately 9:30 p.m., bringing your Amazon adventure to a memorable conclusion.
Included
- Private ground transportation
- Private river transportation
- Professional specialized guide
- Telescope and binoculars
- 4 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Snacks
- Mineral water
- Comfortable lodge accommodation with private bathrooms (where available)
- Professional support staff, including cook, driver, and boat crew
- Safety equipment
- First aid kit
- Entrance fees to all scheduled tourist attractions
- Entrance to the Pusharo Community
- Entrance to the Pusharo Petroglyphs
- Solar-powered battery charging
- Optional guided night walks
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks
- Water on the first day
What to bring
- Warm clothing for chilly early mornings
- Hiking shoes
- Mountain or trekking pants
- Small backpack
- Portable charger
- Notebook and pencil
- Rain jacket or rain gear
- Reusable water bottle or canteen
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Hat or cap
- Long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts
- Long pants
- Insect repellent containing at least 10% DEET
- Sandals
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Personal medications
- Personal toiletries, including toilet paper
- Extra cash for souvenirs, gratuities, and optional gifts for the local community
Reservations
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