Video Blog: South American Explorers -- Cusco Clubhouse
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 9:02AM Before we decided to head to Peru, friends told us about a place in Cusco called South American Explorers. They are a non-profit travel organization based in several cities in - you guessed it - South America. We all fell in love with the concept of SAE, as well as the people who work and volunteer there.
Here's how they describe themselves:
The vision of South American Explorers is to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions within South America by fostering the diffusion of information and positive cross-cultural interaction.
The mission of South American Explorers is to support and promote a deeper understanding of South American history and culture through programs, lectures, accurate information, and in-country clubhouses.
Mary, Mark, Doris, & Miguel have created a home-away-from-home in Cusco, and our kids felt it the moment they walked through the door. Ella immediately got herself involved: in helping prep for events, making signs, and grooming the guinea pigs. She even got to help name the newborn Guinea Pigs (NOT the ones for eating!) Owen loved being invited to board game nights and raiding the English book exchange. Brenna and I didn't mind at all going out on the Charity Pub Crawl either. Drinking for a good cause -- that's a win-win.
So now it's our turn to pass on the good advice that our British friends gave to us... If you happen to be headed anywhere in South America where SAE has a clubhouse, join. It's a great home base for your travels, you'll learn more than you would any other way, and you'll likely meet some interesting people, hang out, and trade travel stories.
Here's the promo video we shot for the Cusco Clubhouse website. It was a pleasure.
Reader Comments (4)
It seems to me that you've made a successful video when, in spite of the unlikelihood that I'll even be considering a trip to Peru for a year or more, I finished watching it and went immediately to their website... and wondered "should I join now?"
I love that you found SAE. AND that you told us about it!
Wonderful video!! Great information for travlers to South America. I am glad you are affiliated with this wonderful orginization.
We loved visiting the SAE in Cusco, and it really is a wonderful resource. Definitely worth much more than the price of membership!
It's great that people are involved and participating in SAE. I love your interaction with the people that came across in your travels. The South American people have big hearts. I went to South America a few years ago and took one of the Patagonia tours down there. The scenery, people, and wildlife made a trip of as lifetime. I hope i can get down there again.