Cusco Clubhouse

Founded in 1999 the Cusco clubhouse is now well established and welcomes lots of visitors through its doors. Due to its proximity to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and the Peruvian Amazon, it is one of the busiest clubhouses. The clubhouse is located in the San Blas District at 188 Choquechaca, opposite the alleyway “Siete Culebras”.

Services on offer

As well as the usual SAE services such as trip planning, access to the trip reports and volunteer database, extensive library, reference books, maps & guidebooks for sale, luggage storage, safety deposit box, book exchange and wireless internet, we also offer a weekly events program, and the chance to learn about and contribute to local community and environmental projects.

Volunteer Resources Center

In June 2006 we proudly opened our Volunteer Resources Center – a space dedicated to those members who are looking for a volunteer project or want to learn about and contribute to local community and environmental projects. The center houses binders packed with information about organizations looking for volunteers across South America, and displays by 4 local NGOs working in different fields (Health, Children, Women & Environment) which rotate quarterly.

We also have a collection of greetings cards, notepads and textiles for sale at the clubhouse on behalf of local projects that work with street children, disadvantaged young people and women from rural communities.

Supporting local community projects

Here in Cusco , SAE tries to get involved in, and support community projects. In the past successful river clean ups have been organized, involving local students. More recently we have organized clothes donation trips to remote communities in collaboration with local businesses and NGOs

Our weekly events program also gives local projects a springboard to promote their work. We often invite local organizations to the clubhouse to give a short presentation about their work in the community and how SAE members and other tourists can get involved.

Weekly events Program

We have varied social and cultural events ranging from Peruvian Food & Drink Night, Latin American Film Night and rooftop BBQs to Quechua class, Andean Medicine talks, Salsa class and visits to a Peruvian fair-trade textile project to name a few!

Our Environmental Policy

In following one of the aims of South American Explorers to: “ Support scientific field exploration and research in the social and natural sciences as well as charities and NGO´s with aims to improve social, economical and ecological conditions”, last year we set up a recycling center. It is possible to recycle plastic, paper, tins and glass. There is also a facility to refill your plastic bottles with mineral water. We also try to use low energy appliances and attempt to keep our ecological footprint as low as possible in running the clubhouse. We also sell biodegradable soap at the clubhouse for trekkers to reduce their environmental impact when out in the mountains.

Useful Publications

The Cusco Clubhouse has produced a number of free information leaflets offering advice and recommendations to members. The titles are: “Cusco ´s Ultimate Eating and Drinking Guide”, “Enjoy Cusco Safely” and “How can you help?”. Additionally, this year, the "Cusco & Machu Picchu", "Bolivia Climbing", "Jungle", and "Alternative Inca Trails" Information Packets have been updated and are for sale at the clubhouses and on-line.

Hours

The Cusco Clubhouse is open from Monday to Friday, 9:30am-5:00pm and on Saturdays from 9:30 - 1pm.

Where we are

We are now situated on Choquechaca 188, buzzer No.4 opposite the alleyway called Siete Culebras which comes down from Plaza Nazarenas, where the luxurious Monasterio Hotel is situated. It has a green door and balcony and there is a sign on the right hand side, by the buzzers. If walking from the corner of Cuesta San Blas (Jack´s Café) and Choquechaca, we are situated on the right hand side, past the Chocolate shop and La Paz pharmacy.

If you want to come directly to the clubhouse in Cusco, an airport taxi will cost 10 soles (US$3) to anywhere in Cusco, the drivers have a badge which says “Corporación Peruana de Aeropuertos y Aviación Comersial SA” which also has their name and photo. Alternatively, if you go outside the airport you can usually flag down a taxi for 3 -5 soles (US$1- 1.50). If you decide to do this (especially if you have valuables on you) make sure you check carefully for the authorized sign, which is a sticker with “2006 TAXI Autorizado” on the windscreen. Taxis also often have a black and yellow chequer board on the side doors and the license number painted on the doors.

View the clubhouse from space! (needs Google Earth)

Cusco Founding Life Members:

• Ralph Kopp
• Mark Lowry II
• Ashley & Ivy White
• Connie Jaquith
• Helmut Sandmann
• Kenneth Wright

If you would like to donate to the Cusco Clubhouse, please click the button below!