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Manu Petroglyphs Of Pusharo – 6 Days
Deep in the jungle of Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, lies an archaeological treasure that continues to intrigue explorers, scientists, and adventurous travelers alike: the Pusharo Petroglyphs.
Amazing Manu Expeditions – 6 Days
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Service Type: Private or Group Expedition
- Location: Southern Peru, Madre de Dios Department, Puerto Maldonado
- Activities: Trekking Expedition, Parrot Clay Lick Expeditions, Rainforest Exploration
- Altitude during Expedition: 3,500 – 400 meters above sea level
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Departure Frequency: Daily departures
- Minimum Participants: 2
- Maximum Participants: 10
- Price per Person: (To be confirmed)
The Pusharo Petroglyphs: An Ancient Mystery at the Heart of Manu National Park
This set of mysterious stone carvings, possibly of Amazonian origin, is located along the banks of the Palotoa River, a tributary of the Upper Madre de Dios, in the Madre de Dios Department of Peru. Situated at an altitude of 529 meters above sea level, the petroglyphs are distributed across three distinct sectors along a rocky slope—some at river level, others higher up—challenging even the most daring travelers.
A Millennia-Old Legacy Etched in Stone
The Pusharo petroglyphs are not merely drawings—they are deep engravings made by an ancient civilization whose exact identity remains a mystery. Archaeological studies suggest that these carvings could have been made over a broad time span, from the Formative Period (around 2000 B.C.) to the Inca Empire (15th–16th centuries). This wide temporal range suggests that the site held sacred or significant value for multiple cultures over the centuries.
The rock panels display geometric symbols, anthropomorphic faces, abstract figures, and forms that some researchers believe to represent astronomical maps or ceremonial routes. Some panels are just a few centimeters wide, while others stretch over 24 meters in length, making them one of the most impressive rock art displays in the Amazon.
An Ideal Destination for Adventurous Travelers and History Enthusiasts
Pusharo is not your typical tourist destination. Reaching it involves trekking through jungle paths, navigating powerful rivers, and entering protected lands rich in both natural and cultural heritage. This makes the journey a transformative experience—ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and the mysteries of the past.
Moreover, since it lies within the boundaries of Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the surroundings of the petroglyphs are nothing short of breathtaking: dense rainforest, abundant wildlife, and an atmosphere steeped in mysticism that pervades the entire area.
A Mystery Still Unsolved
To this day, the Pusharo Petroglyphs remain a subject of ongoing debate among archaeologists, anthropologists, and esoteric researchers. Are they a solar calendar? A star map? A spiritual route? Or a combination of all these? Whatever their true meaning, this archaeological site invites contemplation about the ancient cultures that once inhabited the Amazon, long before the Incas arrived.
Tips for Visiting the Pusharo Petroglyphs:
Access from Cusco via land and river routes to Shintuya or Palotoa.
- A permit from SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) is required.
- It’s highly recommended to hire a guide specialized in experiential tourism or Amazonian archaeology.
- Best time to visit: Dry season (May to October).
DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY:
Manu Petroglyphs Of Pusharo Itinerary – 6 Days
The Manu Petroglyphs Of Pusharo – A Mysterious Pre-Columbian Rock Art Site in Peru : Located deep in the Peruvian Amazon, the Petroglyphs of Pusharo are among the most significant examples of pre-Columbian rock art in
South America. These enigmatic carvings, etched into massive stone surfaces, are believed to hold spiritual or
astronomical meanings. The site’s remote location and mysterious origin continue to intrigue archaeologists and explorers alike, making it a key attraction for cultural and adventure tourism in the region. Manu Jungle Trips
Day 1 Tour: Cusco to Cloud Forest – Manu Petroglyphs Of Pusharo
We depart from Cusco early in the morning in our comfortable bus, traveling through mountains, scenic valleys, and rural communities. En route, we visit the Ninamarca Chullpas (ancient tombs), a remnant of the pre-Inca Lupaca culture. We then ascend to the final mountain pass, Acjanaco, the gateway to Manu National Park.
From there, we descend into the mysterious cloud forest, home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. You’ll see striking epiphytes, orchids, and bromeliads. In the afternoon, we walk through the forest to observe the national
bird of Peru—the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock—performing its fascinating mating dance. With luck, we may
also spot toucans, trogons, monkeys, quetzals, and the elusive spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). We spend the night at our cozy forest lodge. Manu Jungle Trips
Day 2 Tour: Manu Petroglyphs Of Pusharo- Atalaya – Villa Salvación –
We start the day early with the calls of Amazonian birds. There’s an exciting option to raft for 2 hours (Class II or III) along the Kcosñipata River, connecting to the renowned Madre de Dios River. Later, we hike through highland jungle and visit local farms cultivating coca, pineapples, and other tropical crops.
On the way to Atalaya, you’ll have opportunities to spot and photograph colorful birds and playful monkey families. After crossing the river, we continue to the town of Salvación. Manu Jungle Trips
In the afternoon, we explore the Machuwasi Lagoon for about 3 hours. Using our telescope, we’ll observe fascinating
bird species such as the hoatzin—an ancient-looking bird with unusual traits—along with hawks, herons, horned
screamers, capybaras (the world’s largest rodent), and possibly even a massive anaconda. We overnight at our comfortable Rainforest Expedition Lodge. Manu Jungle Trips
Day 3 Tour: Salvación Village – Puerto Santa Cruz –Manu Petroglyphs Of Pusharo .
After an early breakfast, we drive to Puerto Santa Cruz, a scenic two-hour journey. We check in at the Santa Cruz
ranger station to enter Manu National Park and visit the Pusharo region. From here, we continue by small wooden boat to the Palotoa campsite, after coordinating with and paying the entrance fee to the local indigenous community.
This day offers a chance to engage meaningfully with the region’s Indigenous cultures. The Manu rainforest is
home to various Indigenous groups, each with unique languages, agricultural techniques, traditional hunting and
fishing practices, spiritual beliefs, and medicinal knowledge—many of which have been passed down for generations.
The beautiful community of Palotoa Teparo, home to the Matsigenka people, now welcomes visitors as part of a community-based tourism initiative. Manu Jungle Trips
Day 4 Tour: Palotoa Teparo – Rainforest Expedition to the Petroglyphs
We begin our expedition early by boat, navigating a narrow, shallow river where we may need to push or walk
portions of the way. Our destination is Pongo de Meganto, a site rich with ancient rock carvings.
The Pusharo petroglyphs captivate both local and international researchers. This area is steeped in legend and is
believed to be connected to the mythical lost city of Paititi—sometimes referred to as El Dorado or the “Inca’s gold.”
To the people of Palotoa Teparo, Pusharo is part of their ancestral lands. Until recent decades, these rock carvings were visited during traditional hunting rituals in what is now protected as part of Manu National Park. Manu Jungle Trips
Day 5 Tour: Petroglyph Jungle Expedition – Palotoa Lodge
After a hearty traditional breakfast, we begin our journey back, walking through pristine primary rainforest and
enjoying refreshing swims in natural jungle pools. We stop for lunch along the Palotoa River and take time to relax in this tranquil setting.
In the afternoon, we return to the lodge and enjoy one final opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural environment
—perhaps even caimans at the river’s edge. We spend our last night in the jungle at our comfortable lodge. Manu Jungle Trips
Day 6 Tour: Return from Palotoa Lodge to Cusco
After breakfast, we begin our return trip to Cusco, once again passing through the magical cloud forest. With stops along the way to observe birdlife, we arrive back in Cusco in the late afternoon.
Note: Pusharo National Park Expedition Manu Jungle Trips
The Pusharo Petroglyphs, located in the remote southeastern Amazon of Peru, are the largest known rock art site
within Manu National Park. Still largely unexplored and rarely visited, this area offers a rare combination of cultural
heritage and biodiversity, making it a highlight for adventurous travelers and researchers alike.
WHAT TOUR SERVICES:
- A professional naturalist guide on a travel expedition;
- Transportation by tour bus and motorboat.
- Ground transportation by private vehicle;
- Meals: 5x breakfast, 6x lunch, 5x dinner, and drinking water (Please note:
- vegetarian options available upon request at no additional cost);
- Accommodations: 5 nights in a jungle lodge with a private room and shower;
- First aid kit, including a venom extractor, mosquito bite treatment, and an antidote for snake bites;
- Special equipment for the jungle expedition;
- Radio communications for the tour;
- Water.
- Rubber boots for trekking during the jungle expedition
- Any flight or airport departure taxes;
- Travel insurance;
- Vaccinations;
- Drinks;
- Tips for local staff.
- Breakfast on the first and last day; Dinner;
What to bring with you on the expedition:
- Mosquito repellent (DEET 35 recommended as a minimum!)
- Original passport
- Small backpack (please bring with you)
- Long-sleeved cotton shirts (preferably green)
- Long cotton pants
- Long cotton socks (to tuck into pants)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or lightweight shoes for the trek
- Rain gear (e.g., rain poncho)
- Sweater (only for the start of the trek in the Andes and cloud forest)
- Swimsuits;
- Binoculars (we also rent them)
- Camera and charger are to be brought on tour
- Plastic bags for clothes and a camera
- A hat
- Toiletries
- Small towel
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries)
- A bottle of water (minimum 1 liter)
- Pocket money (soles) to buy some drinks and souvenirs, as well as to tip.
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Pusharo Expedition in Manu National Park | Ancient Petroglyphs of the Amazon
Explore the Mystical Rock Art of the Amazon Rainforest
Pusharo Expedition
Discover the ancient Pusharo petroglyphs deep in Manu National Park, Peru. Explore this mystical Amazonian rock art site, believed to be of shamanic and Incan origin.
Introduction to Pusharo Expeditions
The Pusharo Expedition leads travelers deep into Manu National Park, one of Peru’s most remote and biodiverse regions. Known for the Pusharo Petroglyphs, this site showcases the only extensive ancient rock art found within the park. Located in the southeastern Amazon rainforest, the area is still largely unexplored and requires special government permission to access.
Ancient Pusharo Petroglyphs
These unique Amazonian petroglyphs span over 9 meters (30 feet) in height and are carved onto a vertical rock wall over 100 feet long and 75 meters high. They are located on the southern bank of the Palatoa “Chico” River, at a longitude of 71°28′ W.
Researchers believe that the site has Amazonian religious or shamanic origins, with some suggesting it may contain Incan symbols. These engravings possibly form part of a sacred map embedded within Manu National Park.
Symbols and Meanings
The petroglyphs include mysterious shapes and patterns, such as:
- Heart-shaped faces (some with double outlines)
- Zigzag lines
- Sun symbols
- Spirals
- Unidentified geometric patterns
These enigmatic symbols defy simple interpretation and add to the spiritual allure of the Pusharo site.
Cultural Significance and Historical Context
Historically, the Amazon was underestimated by scholars compared to the Andean and coastal regions. Earlier theories proposed that Amazonian civilizations were primarily composed of hunter-gatherers with limited agricultural influence.
However, recent archaeological studies have shifted this perspective. Evidence now suggests that Amazonian root crop farming, such as cassava cultivation, may predate Andean agriculture. This new understanding highlights the cultural complexity and antiquity of jungle societies.
According to archaeologist Federico Kauffmann-Doig, Amazonian people practiced a mixed economy, but he acknowledged early forms of agriculture among some groups. These findings suggest the jungle’s contributions to Peru’s ancient civilization were far more significant than once believed.
Visit Pusharo with Official Expeditions
Access to the Pusharo petroglyphs requires official permits, and we organize secure, guided Pusharo Expeditions with experienced local experts. This ensures both protection of the site and an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Manu Petroglyphs Of Pusharo 6 days
- Manu National Park tour
- Manu Peru expeditions
- Pusharo petroglyph exploration
- Amazonian cultural tourism
- Cusco to Manu jungle trips
- Manu rainforest lodges
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