Interview with Javier Schiaffino.
It is a magical feeling to be immersed for three days in the middle of the mountains, turquoise lagoons, and viewpoints overlooking the snowy Ausangate mountain while walking along paths that connect communities where time seems to have stopped.
A few years ago, Javier Schiaffino, better known as Wachi, a good friend and incredible photographer, joined us on an exploration trip to one of Terra Explorer‘s favorite trails.
The longing to get closer to the mountains motivated us to interview him so that we could once again remember and feel the fresh air of this snow-capped mountain through his memories.
I had just arrived in Cusco at that time. I was very grateful for the opportunity, knowing that Ausangate is such an important Apu. Thanks to you, I had my first approach to the audiovisual world in Cusco.
It is undoubtedly a unique experience. Having the opportunity to walk with local people and listen to their stories and anecdotes about their families and ancestors is priceless.
The fact that you won’t see other groups of travelers or campsites during the entire trek makes you feel like it’s just you and the mighty mountain.
Intense, high, and comfortable.
The trail is amazing, especially for those who like nature photography. The sunrises and sunsets invited me to take out my camera and especially the drone at all times.
Terra Explorer‘s team saved me from the cold. I thought I would freeze at night because I wasn’t prepared in terms of personal equipment. I did not imagine that we would have advanced mountain tents and sleepings, the same ones used in the Everest base camps. I jokingly told Santiago Ibañez, friend and guide of Terra Explorer: “if it weren’t for the Terra Explorer team, we would be frozen.”
It was a great experience. I learned that you can achieve your goals if you set your mind to it. In fact, it was a challenge for me because going meant not smoking cigarettes, something that I have a hard time giving up. The group we were with, both guests and guides, none smoked. Before starting the trek, I left my cigarettes at Piero’s house, and it was a great challenge to endure those days. A challenge accomplished!
Incredible staff, all with accurate information, knowing where we were going, where we were standing, from the chef to the guides. Always with a sense of humor.
I was photographing the scene from behind, like a spectator, and I saw the operation details all the way. Everything was very organized. I felt safe at all times, seeing that everyone had their radios, satellite phones, excellent equipment, etc.
Hiking a mountain pass over 5000 meters above sea level, crossing through lagoons, to a separate area where I could fly the drone from very high up. The feeling of being on top of the world and then returning to where you were before feels very rewarding. Photographically amazing. Stepping on top of ice for the first time was one of the best parts of the trip.
We were with a porter who was riding a donkey; I became friends with him there. He is originally from the area and was helping carry the supplies and equipment. I walked to the open with him, and it was fascinating to share and make videos with a person who is from there, who sees everything in a different and unique way.
Being able to reach the top was definitely what I liked the most!
Piero Vellutino, the founder of Terra Explorer, spent months exploring the snowy Ausangate area to offer a unique and different hike. The purpose was to be able to feel the energy of the mountain in all its splendor.
We will only share the journey with local people who live in communities, traveling with them along the same roads that their ancestors walked.
We wanted to make a hike accessible to everyone; that’s why we will walk a maximum of three hours a day. You will enjoy every step, and then you will rest in a luxury campsite.
Three days of hiking and spectacular camps will make you forget about everyday life and become one with the nature surrounding you.
Now that you know more about our Ausangate trek, do you dare to join this excursion that we offer? In Terra Explorer, we have different itineraries for you. You can find the details of this here. If you want to know Peru in an authentic way and through adventure tourism, get in touch with us, and we will help you design the trip of your dreams!
To ensure the well-being and safety of our travelers and staff throughout our operational chain, Terra Explorer will comply with the health and safety measures and protocols established by the Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism (APTAE), and implement the Covid-19 health and safety guidelines for adventure tourism developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Our experiences are designed considering the least possible exposure, where the final destinations are usually remote places. By their very nature, our adventure activities are considered to be low risk, mainly because they are performed outdoors where ventilation is constant and making it easy to achieve social distancing.
During these times we are working together with a small staff of honorable people who have been part of the Terra Explorer family for many years. They and their families are aligned with the established health and safety measures. Employing these staff members also seeks to reactivate the local economy.
We guarantee a safe, soul-fulfilling trip to all our travelers for whom we make these adventures possible.
Terra Explorer will strictly comply with the safety, cleaning, and hygiene protocols during our internal processes, third parties, and throughout your trip. This involves:
Follow the instructions related to health and safety given by the Terra Explorer team and your guide, before and during your trip.
Stay home if:
With the intention of delivering the most flexibility at the time of confirming your trip, we will determine the amount of the initial deposit individually and according to your itinerary characteristics.
Secure your trip with a deposit and pay the rest in one or more payments, at a time that suits you best. Please make sure you adhere to our policy and pay in full at least 31 days prior to your trip date.
If you need to cancel your trip, we will apply the following flexible policies.
For more detailed information on our terms and conditions and Covid-19 policies, please contact us at [email protected]
