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The South American Explorers Lima Club
A Brief History
By Tanilee Eichelberger

When looking at nearly three decades of South American Explorers (SAE) in Lima, it is important to note not just milestones, but also the contributions South American Explorers has made in support of its mission “to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions within South America by fostering greater awareness of this continent through the diffusion of information and cross cultural interaction.” South American Explorers was the first non-profit established in South America using tourism as a means to address Peru's environmental, economic, and social problems.

SAE Club House in Lima

In 1977 South American Explorers was established as a 501©3 by Don Montague, an independent journalist/ cameraman working in Latin America. In the same year, UNESCO recognized Manu as a Biosphere reserve and a National Park. Extending to some 20,000 sq km of tropical rainforest, the area was first earmarked for protection in 1973, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and became a World Natural Heritage Site in 1987. Today, Manu is Peru's most popular eco-tourism destination as well as a “hot spot” of biodiversity. Back in 1977, foreign interest in environmental preservation was relatively new to Peru. Don Montague and UNESCO were at the forefront of preserving Peru's natural heritage. Within the context of growing international concern for environmental protection, tourism offered a promising alternative for exploiting Peru's resources in a sustainable manner as opposed to depleting them in the pursuit of short-term monetary gains. Tourism can either help or harm communities that deeply depend on it as a major source of income. Today organizations like SAE are working together to promote scientific research and environmental protection in Peru. SAE was a pioneer in this field through the publication of its quarterly magazine.

SAE has been dedicated to foster scientific research and cultural preservation since its founding. With the inauguration of its first official clubhouse in Breña (Lima), SAE laid the cornerstone for twenty-seven years of work. Within its first year of existence and largely thanks to the financial assistance of Don Griffis of Lima Times, SAE successfully launched its publications “Outside” and “South American Explorer.” The achievements of SAE would have been unthinkable without the generous contributions of its members. One of the most generous contributors was Prince Chalermpol, who donated $500 to the Lima club house. For nearly 30 years SAE staff has been answering members' questions and inquiries about travel, research, volunteer opportunities and living in Peru. The Lima club has become a hub for disseminating objective information in Peru.

In 1980 founders opened an office in the Capitol Hill State Bank building in Denver. It was there where Don Montague met Doug Vaughan of the local chapter of the International Committee Against Racism. This alliance, rooted in the desire to make the world a better place, grew into an extensive mutual support system. Despite SAE's philanthropic mission, it could not ignore the political hostility brewing in the Andean city of Ayacucho. The early 80's were a difficult period for both Peru and the Club. In 1982, not a single issue of “South American Explorer” was published. During the 1980's Peru's tourist economy suffered greatly and the Lima Club was facing tough times. As a result SAE life members came to the rescue and pulled together enough money to open up a Quito clubhouse in 1989. Had the Quito club not opened during this time, SAE might have ceased to exist in 1989, due to escalating violence in Peru. At a time when even locals hardly left their homes, the whole tourist industry was on the brink of collapse. Thousands of indigenous people died during those years. Only in 1992, after Abimael Guzmán was captured, Peru slowly began to rebuild its' tourist economy. SAE played an important role in this effort. By November 1995 the situation had returneed to normal so that the U.S. State Department lifted the travel warning for Peru.

In the same year SAE launched its website and members happily collaborated in gathering travel information as well as supporting sustainable projects after years of devastation in Peru.

Another important cornerstone was the January 1996 publication of SAE's first magazine printed in color. Along with the magazine, SAE fulfills its mission and was able to foster social awareness and cultural exchange by organizing weekly presentations in its clubhouse. SAE presentations continue to support the mission of SAE by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among professionals working in fields like conservation, education research and in the non-profit sector involving prestigious organizations such as Amnesty International, USAID, the Peace Corps, as well as local grass-roots movements. Speakers share their knowledge about a wide variety of subjects, including sustainable business and development, history, Peruvian weaving and other art forms, cartography, and eco-tourism. In addition to organizing these presentations, SAE acts as a sponsor for non-profit organizations and helps them to find volunteers for their projects.

Currently, SAE is supporting the research of pre-historic navigation techniques by hosting a press conference with the Tangaroa Expedition-Kon-Tiki team. The 2005 Tangaroa expedition is sailing from Lima over the Pacific and to Polynesia on a balsa raft. A similar expedition of this kind was already carried out in 1947 by the famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. This time, the aim is not only investigate ancient seafaring and pay tribute to Thor Heyerdahl and other explorers, but also to carry out research on marine pollution. Kon-Tiki 2005 has been publicized by CBS news and CNN from Oslo, Norway in broadcasts on September 6th (CBS) and 9th (CNN).

Why does SAE provide members with a book exchange, library, maps, extensive up to date trip reports with hard to find details, discounts on restaurants, hotels, tour agencies, storage facilities, flight confirmation, message boards, mail pick up and expert staff advice? The answer is simple: all this is in line with its mission to foster greater awareness of South America.

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