The Explora Treks team at the end of a second attempt of long and difficult expedition on the Auyantepuy. The trip involved climbing, kayaking and rappelling. Those fingers are saying “A little bit of victory!” upon completion of the last difficult section of the expedition.
Pictured: Andres Vancampenhoud (Guide), Henry Gonzalez (founder of Explora Treks) Leopoldo Turco (friend), Alejandro Buzzo (guide) , Alfredo Rangel (Guide), Xavier Garriga (Guide).
What is the most memorable adventure experience you have had and why?
In May of this year we helped with the field production of a reality show called “DESAFIO VERTICAL” for a Spanish TV channel. We completed 32 days of trekking in Auyantepuy, including rappelling at Angel Falls. This climbing, trekking and rappelling adventure led six participants without outdoor experience in the challenge of competing for a one month Round the World trip for two — and there could only be one winner.
We managed 21 production crew members, 95 porters, 3 cooks, and 6 professional climbing guides. Even though we had extremely adverse conditions because of bad weather, the end result was outstanding.
What is the one place you would like to go?
The Himalayas!
Tell us about your team.
Our team is composed of the most experienced and seasoned climbers in Venezuela . We are a team of friends and adventurers that are pioneers in trekking and climbing routes with first ascents in the region of Parque Nacional Canaima, or what we like to call ” The Land of Tepuys.” We work for fun!!
Tell us about a specific trip – what is unique, challenging and exciting about it?
The Auyantepuy, also called the Devil’s Mountain by the Arekuna Ethnos, is the largest of the plateaus in Canaima National Park . It’s a 700 square kilometers world of irregular and astonishing surfaces with caves, tea-like waterways that spring and disappear, cliffs and sandstone walls that shelter and amuse the insects, frogs and small mammals that live in these incredible sites.
This impressive and spectacular tepuy is located in the western sector of the Canaima National Park and spawns the world’s tallest waterfall with 979 meters , as well as Venezuela ‘s deepest caves, the North Auyantepuy and Ahonda chasms.
Our goal is Neblina Camp and the Kerepacupai river, reaching the canyon of the Churum river and the wall’s border, with the Kerepacupai or Angel Falls. Then we rappell along the left side of the falls down to Ratón (Mouse) Island in the lower Churum river and Devil’s Canyon.
We access the Auyantepuy on the opposite side of the Angel Falls. We climb for three days, crossing through an amazing flat top rocky savanna covered with native plant life. Millions of years of isolation in time that make this place a magical spot in the universe.
Book this trip! Trekking of Auyantepuy with Rappels of Angel Falls
What is the best keep secret about Venezuela ?
Akopan Tepuy. It is a beautiful section of the Chimanta System of the Tepuys that is virgin and underdeveloped. It holds the potential for lots of new trekking and big wall climbing routes.
What are people surprised by when they come to Venezuela ?
We are the friendliest and most accepting people, we have the most incredible beaches on the Caribbean Sea and we have the magic of The Land of Tepuys.
What type of physical training do your trips require? Any tips or recommendations?
You have to like trekking and the outdoor conditions. We operate demanding treks but with a couple of month of previous training anyone should be ready.
What do people forget to bring when they participate?
Batteries and enough memory cards for cameras.
Have you had any celebrities on your trips?
Jesus Callejas, a Spanish adventurer with various book publications and the host of an adventure TV show, and Daniela Monteir, another adventure TV show host in Brazil.
If I’m arriving early or staying after a few days, what’s nearby that I should add on to my itinerary?
Stay two or three days and visit Margarita Island or Los Roques.
What’s the food like on your trips?
We are know for serving very good food during our trekking expeditions. We like to impress our clients with our guides’ outback cooking skills. Our meals are high in animal and vegetable proteins and plenty of carbs.
Provisions are given every day to our participants, often composed of a variety of dried fruits and nuts. In camp, we keep a ready supply of different teas, coffee and cookies.