Antarctica21's Expedition Center
Explorers House is is an exclusive facility in Punta Arenas where our team helps you prepare for your expedition. It is a dedicated facility built from a converted heritage building, with an area of over 2,000 sq mt (21,500 sq ft) on two floors.
Here, our guests can prepare for their expedition by attending briefings,
reviewing checklists, trying on expedition gear, practicing wearing a life
jacket, and learning how to board a Zodiac.
They can also interact with our team and get answers to any questions
they may have about their trip so they will be ready and confident when
they arrive in Antarctica.
A Closer Look Inside
Explorers House was designed by renowned architexts and was built using sustainable building practices. It also features a solar panel system to produce electricity and heat.
services & Amenities
Multi-story lounges and dining areas
Coffee Station & Bar
Food & drink service
Amphitheater-style presentation room
specialized Library
Gift shop
Interactive touch screens
Reception area
Patio
Learn more about explorers house
Crafted by Renowned Designers
Explorers House has been designed by renowned architects and designers. The leading architect on the project is Pedro Kovacic, who, among other projects, led the conversion of the Singular Patagonia Hotel. The interior design is by Enrique Concha & Co., the studio that imagined the interiors of Magellan Explorer.
Sustainability at Heart
During the restoration and construction of Explorers House, sustainable materials and practices were employed. For example, the rusted metal sheets that made up the old structure's exterior
have been preserved. They now add a unique look to the bulding, while modern, environmentally friendly materials were used for the new additions and renovations.
Explorers House also includes collection tanks that gather rainwater from the roof. This collected rainwater is then used in the bathrooms, reducing the reliance on the city's water supply and conserving freshwater resources.
A large commercial solar panel system has been installed to harness solar energy. This is particularly efficient during the summer months when there's ample daylight, helping to power the facility
sustainably. The building features radiant floor heating systems powered by heat pumps.
These systems utilize the stored solar energy, ensuring efficient and ecofriendly heating.
A Historic Building
Explorers House, formerly the Salles y Bianco Wool Warehouse, is a converted heritage barraca in Punta Arenas, historically processing and selling Patagonian wool and leather.
This early 20th-century storage barracks has two levels with spacious, well-equipped spaces made entirely of wood, supported by sturdy pillars and cross beams. Covered in corrugated iron sheets, it features a skylight along its peak for natural illumination and large windows on the northern and southern ends.
The framework of the original structure has been retained in its lanolin-stained, natural state as an homage to the history and people of the region. Some of the original machinery, including two large wool presses, have also been preserved and integrated in the design of the building.
Your Gateway to the Seventh Continent
Antarctica21's Private Expedition Club
Step into a space where history meets modern comfort. Explorers House is a beautifully restored landmark in Punta Arenas, thoughtfully designed to honor the region’s rich heritage while providing contemporary amenities. Its historic charm, paired with modern touches, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere—an ideal starting point for your adventure and a cornerstone of the modern Antarctic experience.
A Haven in Punta Arenas
Designed to Enhance our Guests' Experience
Explorers House is a relaxed yet elegant environment for travelers to get ready for their Antarctic voyage. Travelers can arrive and immerse themselves in our space, learning about their destination and their upcoming expedition. Following long international and domestic flights, our guests are greeted by a welcoming reception and can unwind in a lounge with comfortable plush seating.
Local Cuisine
Enjoy Chilean Cuisine
At our welcome dinner, savor authentic local flavors crafted from fresh, regional ingredients, perfectly paired with fine Chilean wines or your beverage of choice. This culinary experience not only celebrates the rich gastronomic heritage of Patagonia but also sets the tone for the extraordinary journey ahead. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow travelers and immerse yourself in the spirit of exploration.
Travelers Reviews
"Expedition leader and staff more than exceeded my expectations – so qualified, intelligent, passionate and patient. By the end of our few days, they felt like old friends. I’ll really miss them and the environment they created for me and my family.’’
Lucy M - Traveler from USA
Experience the Extraordinary
From dramatic landscapes to close wildlife encounters, every journey to the White Continent is unique. Let's start planning yours together.
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