Because of the strike in Juliaca area, we missed our Lake Titicaca tour, but we got the opportunity to explore more in Cusco before returning home.

We had a 3-hour standoff with macaws before they finally came down to the river bank to eat clay. Unlike their hasty relatives in smaller size, parrots, macaws were very cautious and took themselves much more seriously.

Tambopata National Reserve was created by the Peruvian government in 1990 to protected rainforest and species within. We took the boat 4-hour upstream passing through the reserve to Chuncho area to watch Macaw's clay lick the next day morning.

From Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, elevation drops dramatically from 11,000 ft to 600 ft. The grand Andes gives its way to the endless tropical rainforest within half-an-hour flight.

Not only I was crazy enough to got up at 3am and climbed Huayna Picchu, but also I chose to hike, instead of taking the bus, to the citadel. It was an agonizing yet rewarding journey.

The mild climate and fertile soil made Sacred Valley the key settlement area of Incas. It is called the Inca heartland. The one-day tour offers a quick way for visitors to appreciate the fascinating Inca ruins and beautiful landscapes.

Use to be the capital city of Inca Empire, Cusco today is a picturesque city blending of Colonial Spanish and Andean elements. From here, visitors can explore the Inca heartland and route to other areas in southern Peru.

We chose Peru as the first South American country to visit because of its world-famous landmarks, the rich traditions in culture and food and its geographic diversity.