Irish Couple Trekking Machu Picchu Capture The Most Epic Photobomb

Dubliners Katie Hogan and boyfriend Luke are travelling around South America and by the looks of things they are having a complete blast.

They've unplugged and lived in the jungle, worked in a locally run chocolate factory and they've seen some of the most incredible sights South America has to offer.

 

Over 6 hours hiking across Huascarán National Park, high up in altitude, to reach the most picturesque lake we've ever seen, and the most beautiful sight in Peru (so far!). It wasn't easy, thanks to the lake sitting at 4,600metres above sea level which meant thin air, trouble breathing, heavy legs and a touch of sun and wind burn. The lake is formed by the snow melting from the frosty peaks above. This creates cascading waterfalls, freezing temperatures and mineral rich water, hence the colour. Our legs ache and our skin stings but as you can see, it was totally worth every step and every groan. Shout to our bananas for the energy, coca tea for keeping us strong against the altitude and our h20, for just always having our dehydrated backs. Laguna 69, it really is as sexy as it sounds. Swipe right for more ridey photos âž¡

A post shared by The Ungraceful Guide (@ungracefulguide) on Aug 16, 2017 at 1:29pm PDT

This week Katie and Luke trekked Machu Picchu.

They hiked 26km each way just to reach the popular tourist destination, but it looks like it was worth it, just look at those views.

 

With a €40 entry price, we hadn't even visited Machu Picchu and already it was demolishing our budget. A smart money-maker, but a pain in the arse for us budgeteers, the only way you can access Aguas Calientes is by train, a journey that costs up to €120. There are tours that will bring you as close as Hidroelectrica, followed by a 2hr hike, but even those prices start around €100. Then there is the bus, a 20min drive from the centre of the town to the gate of Machu Picchu at the cost of $12. So far the most expensive (short) bus ride in all of Latin America. The pressure to see such a historic site is a little irritating, especially for the broke backpacker. We were told we couldn't come to Peru without seeing the Inca construction. We had to splash out and see such a bucketlister. We agree, but not at the cost of nearly €200 each. Rebels against any and all tourist rates, we avoided the high price tours and transport in favour of an adventure through the sacred valley, on foot. Storing our lives in Ollantaytambo, we spent 8 hrs hiking the 28km to Aguas Calientes, (safely) strolling alongside the train tracks, soaking up sights you couldn't even dream of. We now know why it's so sacred and tip the cap to the Incans for such great taste. We spent the night and rose at 4am to start a further 2 hour hike up 1,996 steps to the main gate, just like the Incas. The aim was to arrive early and enjoy the sunrise but as you can see, in true Ungraceful style, we were met with thick fog for the first 3hrs. And then she reared her beautiful head. Guess they were right, no way you can come to Peru and miss Machu Picchu. She lives up to every reputation and expectation as a wonder of the world. However, let us be living proof that the journey is just as good as the destination. Every second spent walking towards the ancient ruins was an absolute blast, and we cannot recommend it enough; despite the aches, pains and blisters. But how much did it cost us, you ask? Excluding accomodation, including the journey there and back, and the entry ticket, we spent €47 each. Hey, where there's a will, there's a wonder. P.S note KT's lil boner. ° ° #machupicchu #peru

A post shared by The Ungraceful Guide (@ungracefulguide) on Oct 4, 2017 at 8:03pm PDT

One photo captured on the day steals the show though.

 

This photobomber is giving me probllamas. *cough* ° ° ° #machupicchu #peru #travel #sacredvalley #perú #igtravel #incanruins #photobomb #llama #llamasofinstagram #machupicchutravel #southamerica #travelpic #worldwonder

A post shared by Katie Hogan (@hogankth) on Oct 4, 2017 at 8:27pm PDT

It's enough to make you want to jack in your job and travel the world, just you, your backpack and your trusty alpaca!