The South American Explorers is a non-profit organization supported almost entirely through the contributions of its members. The organization seeks to aid educational and scientific projects, to sponsor expeditions, to promote worthy community service organizations and activities, and to awaken greater interest in and appreciation of Latin America.

It is an excellent centre for travellers and adventures who need a little advice about South America or need help in planning their trip. It is also one of very few reliable and up-to-date sources of information about this rapidly changing and volatile continent.

One of the best things about South America Explorers is that they have a series of club houses in both Lima, Cusco and Quito in Ecuador. The club houses are a great place to escape from the chaotic Latin American streets and find a little normality again. You can have a cup of tea, chat with fellow travellers and relax in a comfy sofa and read a magazine (in English!).

The knowledgeable volunteer staff can provide advice and practical information. Facilities and services within the club houses are extensive and include:

• Access to an extensive library of books, maps and trip reports made by other SAE members.
• Discounts on maps and guide books for sale. Useful maps include trail maps for the Inca Trail, Mount Ausangate, Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. 
• Discounts on many tours and hotels throughout Peru. A list is available of participating companies on request.
• Book exchange
• Buying and selling used equipment
• Storage facilities. A great service if you've brought loads of climbing equipment and then want to go off and travel afterwards.
• Message boards, either in the club houses or on the web site, to meet travel companions or organize or join expeditions. 
• You can also receive mail at the club houses, but ensure that the mail is sent to their postal address.

Membership Fees

Annual membership costs US$50 per person (US$80 for a couple) which also includes 4 issues of their informative quarterly magazine South America Explorer (members outside US have to add $10 postage)

If you are interested in joining then check out their web site and follow their instructions. Even if you don't finally come to Peru I think becoming a member is worth it just for the magazine. If you do plan on coming to Peru then you will probably save your membership fee just on the discounts that you can receive from the various tour operators and hotels. 

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Andean Travel Web Guide to Peru  www.andeantravelweb.com/peru

Office Address: Calle Garcilaso 265, interior patio 2nd floor, Cusco, Peru (just 2 minutes walk from the main Plaza de Armas). If you are coming to Cusco please bring a couple of second hand clothes, toys, school equipment and drop them off in our office. We will help distribute the items to people who really need them in small village schools and communities in the Andes. For more details visit our web page www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/projects  A map of our office can be found by clicking here.

Copyright Andean Travel Web 2000-2005. All material used within this web site is original work and is subject to international copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior permission from the editor. This web page was last updated in September 2005.