Hiking the Inca Trail and Exploring the Wonders of Peru: An Unforgettable Father-Daughter Adventure
- Karen Israel
- Dec 26, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Traveling with my dad to Peru was an experience I will never forget. Usually, I plan every detail of my trips on my own, but this time we joined a group tour though Intrepid Travel's Peruvian Pathways, which brought a new dynamic to the adventure. Our journey began in Lima, the vibrant capital, before we met up with the rest of our group. From there, we ventured deep into the Amazon rainforest, then headed to Cusco, where part of our group split off. Four of us, including my dad and me, took on the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail. After that, we visited Lake Titicaca in Puno before flying back to Lima to wrap up our trip. Here’s a detailed look at this incredible journey.
Starting in Lima: A City of Contrasts
Lima welcomed us with a blend of colonial architecture and contemporary life. We landed in Lima at 5:00 am following our overnight flight. Intrepid had organized an airport pickup for us, so after collecting our bags and passing through immigration, we met our driver. The journey from the airport to our hotel in Miraflores took approximately 45 minutes. Unfortunately, with having such an early flight, it was only around 7 am when we arrived so we couldn't check into our room at the Girasoles Hotel yet. We sat in the lounge for a bit, debating what to do when a hotel employee approached us that we would be eligible for early check-in for $26 USD and that it would include breakfast. We were sold!
After getting our stuff to our room and grabbing breakfast, we started exploring Miraflores on foot. There was a nice walking path that took us first to Kennedy Park, then to Love Park, and eventually down to the shore. Kennedy Park, also known as Cat Park, has tons of stray cats that call this place home. They were originally brought in to take care of a rodent infestation but eventually took over the park as their numbers grew. Love Park, or Parque de Amor, is a small park that overlooks the shore from high above. The views were outstanding! From here we were able to take a very long staircase down to the shore. It wasn't the nicest beach but I was just happy to be at the ocean.
From there, we returned to our hotel for some rest before our welcome meeting at 2 pm. During the meeting, we met the other group members and received an overview of what to expect. We then boarded a bus to downtown Lima for a walking tour. We visited the Mayor Plaza, the Lima Cathedral, the monastery, and the catacombs. As we walked through the historic center, I was impressed by the grand plazas and ornate churches. The city's energy was vibrant, with street vendors, musicians, and locals going about their day. Since it was Easter Sunday, there was an extra excitement in the air with all the festivities.
Immersed in the Amazon Rainforest
Next, our group flew to Puerto Maldonado where we were given a duffle bag to pack just what we needed for our time in the jungle. The rest would be held for us at the local Intrepid office. We then took a boat upriver through the Amazon rainforest, a complete change from the urban buzz of Lima. Staying at Ñape Lodge, nestled in the jungle and only reachable by boat, we experienced the incredible biodiversity firsthand. The rooms featured just three walls, with the fourth side fully open to the jungle. There were no windows or even screens! However, the beds were equipped with mosquito nets.
Once we were settled in we went out for a little bit of archery practice. Turns out, I'm really bad at it! It was still a fun experience as I haven't tried archery since I was a kid at summer camp. As the sun started to set we went out into the jungle for a walk. We were shown many medicinal plants and what they are used for. When the sun went down, we started to look for critters. We didn't see a lot but we did find a few tarantulas and an agouti, a guinea-pig like rodent.
The next day, we woke up at 4 am to take a boat down the river where we went on a short hike to Tres Chimbadas Lake, a small oxbow a little over a mile long and less than 12 feet deep. While the landscape of the lake may be serene, it’s teaming with wildlife. Here we saw piranhas, plenty of birds, and a family of Giant River Otters.
In the afternoon we were meant to take a tour of a banana plantation but as we were taking the boat up river, the weather started to get worse and worse so it was decided that we would have to skip that. By this time the sun was starting to set and it was time to do our caiman search. We only spotted one but what we did see were tons and tons of squirrel monkeys leaping from one tree to another. Having been a monkey lover my whole life (squirrel monkeys in particular), I couldn't have been happier! Watching the sun set from the boat and feeling completely immersed in nature was a reminder of how vast and wild Peru’s landscapes are beyond the cities.
The next morning, we embarked on one final early morning excursion before making our way to the historic city of Cusco. This particular adventure took us upriver to look for macaws that are known to inhabit the lush surroundings. As we journeyed upstream, we were delighted by the sight of two capybaras lounging leisurely on the riverbank. These large, gentle creatures, known for their friendly demeanor, were basking in the soft light of the morning sun, seemingly unbothered by our presence.
While we didn’t manage to spot macaws, we were treated to the sight of a variety of parrots flitting through the trees, their vibrant feathers a dazzling display against the backdrop of green foliage. While I enjoyed my time here, the sweltering temperatures, combined with the persistent buzzing of insects, had begun to wear on me, and I was ready for the cooler, crisper air that awaited us in Cusco.
Cusco: Gateway to the Andes and Inca History
Arriving in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, felt like stepping back in time. The city’s cobblestone streets and stone walls told stories of a rich past. Usually, we would have a local guide for each location we visited. However, since Cusco is the hometown of our main guide, Kleberth, he gave us a tour of his city upon our arrival. Before dinner, those of us hiking the Inca Trail separated from the rest of the group for a preparation meeting about the Inca Trail.
The next day we packed our bags for the Inca Trail plus a little extra for a night in Ollantaytambo. We hopped on a bus to take a tour of the Sacred Valley on the way. Our first stop was Sacsayhuaman, where massive stones fit together without mortar, showcasing Inca engineering. We learned about it's history and were lucky enough to see some llamas running through the site!
After Sacsayhuaman we stopped at an overlook with sweeping views over the Sacred Valley. From there we drove through the beautiful valley and stopped at the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Here we were served tea and dessert. They also have a small shop on site where I purchased a baby alpaca sweater. Baby alpaca refers to the first sheer of an alpaca (not an actual baby) and is softer than later sheers.
For lunch, we went to the Huilloq community above Ollantaytambo. The people here still hold on to many of their old customs, including their traditional dress. Upon arrival, we were invited to put on some of their traditional clothes. After lunch they showed us how they dye their yarn and weave the clothes. They also had a few items available for purchase. Knowing that these items were handmade by these people made them extra special. Before we left they performed a dance for us and invited the group to join us at the end.
Finally we headed to Ollantaytambo where we checked into our hotel, grabbed some dinner, and did our final preparations for starting the Inca Trail tomorrow.
Hiking the Inca Trail: A Challenge and a Reward
Four of us, including my dad and I, set out on the famous Inca Trail, a four-day trek through breathtaking mountain scenery and ancient ruins. This was the most physically demanding part of the trip, but also the most rewarding.
Each day brought new challenges: steep climbs, narrow paths, and unpredictable weather. Along the way, we explored ruins like Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca and paused to take in panoramic views of the Andes. The trail culminated at the Sun Gate, where we caught our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. The sight was unforgettable, a perfect reward for our effort.
Hiking with my dad made the experience even more special. We supported each other through tough moments and shared the joy of reaching the ancient citadel together. Keep an eye out for a whole post about what it was like hiking the Inca Trail!
Visiting Lake Titicaca and Puno
After the Inca Trail, our group reunited in Cusco. While this was the end of the line for a few of our group members, 8 of us boarded a bus and traveled to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake’s deep blue waters and surrounding mountains created a stunning backdrop.
We took boat tours to visit the Uros floating islands, made entirely of reeds. Meeting the local communities who live on these islands gave us insight into their unique way of life. We also visited Taquile Island, where traditional weaving and customs are still preserved.
The calmness of Lake Titicaca was a peaceful contrast to the physical exertion of the Inca Trail, allowing us to relax and reflect on the journey so far.
Returning to Lima and Heading Home
Our final stop was back in Lima, where we spent the evening resting and enjoying the city before flying home. Reflecting on the trip, I realized how much I had gained from traveling with a group and sharing the experience with my dad.
This trip showed me the value of combining planned adventures with moments of connection and discovery. Peru’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm people made it a destination I will always cherish.
Comments