Explorers House

Explorers House is your gateway to Antarctica and Patagonia, the beginning of an experience like no other.

Explorers House

Explorers House is Antarctica21’s new expedition center in Punta Arenas. It is more than a starting point for expeditions; it’s a gateway to the Antarctic experience. It’s a space that encapsulates the spirit of Antarctica21’s expeditions. It’s where travelers from all corners of the globe begin their journey to one of the most remote and untouched places on earth.

With an area of over 2,000 sq mt (21,500 sq ft), you can use this facility like your private club. Relax with a cup of coffee, review a wonderful collection of Antarctic books, and get to know your travel companions as excitement over the upcoming adventure builds. Here, you can meet our expert team and prepare for your expedition by attending briefings, reviewing checklists, trying on expedition gear, etc.

Built from a converted heritage building known as a barraca that historically processed and sold wool and leather from local ranchers, Explorers House combines the history of Patagonia and early Antarctic explorers in this contemporary and inspiring retreat for you to relax in and feel at home as you await your departure.

Explorers House in Punta Arenas, Chile

Highlights

Here are some of the services and amenities that you can find at Explorers House.

Bar

Coffee station

Food and drink services

Library

Relaxing lounges

Amphitheater-style presentation room

Reception area

Gear rental and gift shop

Interactive touch screens

Garden

Learn More

Icon of Design

Design

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 was also responsible for the interiors of Magellan Explorer.

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Sustainability

Explorers House was built using green building practices. For energy efficiency, it features 18 cm (7 in) of insulation on the outside of the building. Solar panels on the roof provide energy to the building and heat to the radiant floors to keep the space warm. Outside, water tanks collect rainwater that is then used in the restrooms, in addition to upcycling much of the original materials of the building.

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We’re Locals

Our company was founded in Punta Arenas, Chile, the gateway for the first Antarctic explorers. As a local company in this remote region, we have built a solid infrastructure and an extensive network of key relationships to support your expedition.

Photo Collection

The reception area at Explorers House.
The library at Explorers House has over 100 specialized polar books.
The dining area at Explorers House.
An assortment of dishes for guests at Explorers House. Photo by Tere Pérez.
Interactive touch screens can be found at Explorers House so guests can learn more about Antarctica before their voyage. Photo by Tere Pérez.
The amphitheater-style presentation room can host up to 100 guests for welcome talks and pre-departure briefing sessions. Photo by Tere Pérez.
Gift shop at Explorers House. Photo by Tere Pérez.
Explorers House in Punta Arenas, Chile
The reception area at Explorers House.

Reception

Air-cruise guests are warmyl welcomed by our team to step into a story – a prelude to their own Antarctic adventure.

The library at Explorers House has over 100 specialized polar books.

Library

Browse over 100 specialized polar books before your expedition to Antarctica.

Two floors of lounges and dining areas

Explorers House has an area of over 2,000 square meters (21,500 square feet) split between two floors.

Lounge area

Enjoy plush seating in spacious areas to sip a coffee or a drink.

The dining area at Explorers House.

Dining

Enjoy traditional Chilean dishes, including lamb and salmon, paired with wine during our welcome dinner at Explorers House.

An assortment of dishes for guests at Explorers House. Photo by Tere Pérez.

Food & beverages

Explorers House has a coffee station, bar, and spacious dining space for guests to enjoy snacks during the day and meals.

Interactive touch screens can be found at Explorers House so guests can learn more about Antarctica before their voyage. Photo by Tere Pérez.

Interactive touchscreens

Before your Antarctic expedition, you can engage with educational and instructive content through interactive touchscreens.

The amphitheater-style presentation room can host up to 100 guests for welcome talks and pre-departure briefing sessions. Photo by Tere Pérez.

Theatre-style presentation room

Make use of the theatre-style presentation room where welcome talks, briefing sessions, and programming regarding science, history, and expedition preparation take place.

Gift shop at Explorers House. Photo by Tere Pérez.

Gift shop

The gear rental and gift shop has a selection of gloves, long-sleeved shirts, fleeces, jackets, hats, water bottles, books, and much more.

Explorers House in Punta Arenas, Chile

Explorers House

Explorers House is a heritage building in the very heart of Punta Arenas, it now offers a contemporary refuge amidst the wilds of Chilean Patagonia.

Stories from Our Journal

Guangtu Zhang bio

Testimonial

‘’This was an exceptional travel experience throughout and so much better than we had expected. The expedition staff was the most passionate of any cruise I have been on and lectures of their personal experiences in the Antarctic were one of the highlights of our time on the ship.’’

Hilary S. – Traveler from USA

Antarctica & South Georgia Expedition, February 2022

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