The Icy Wilderness of Antarctica.
Explorers House, a new facility owned by Antarctica21, has been unveiled in Punta Arenas, a port city in southern Chilean Patagonia where Antarctic expeditions begin.Explorers House is a unique establishment specifically created to accommodate Antarctica21's guests. It offers exclusive services and amenities to help guests prepare for their extraordinary small ship expeditions.
For 20 years, Antarctica21 has been transporting visitors to Antarctica, bypassing the typically difficult two-day journey through the Drake Passage and instead allowing them to explore the Peninsula on small, upscale ships.Explorers House offers a place to begin a journey to one of the most isolated and pristine locations on the planet.
Crafted to resemble an exclusive member's club, Explorers House embodies the essence of Antarctica21's expeditions. The venue offers a sophisticated lounge and bar, along with a restaurant that serves a variety of international and Chilean dishes. It can accommodate up to 200 guests across two levels. The location also offers a library stocked with more than 100 specialized books on polar travel and nature, a garden space, and a guest-only shop. A theater-style room will be used for welcome talks and briefings on topics including science, the environment, and the history of polar exploration.
The official opening was attended by local dignitaries from Punta Arenas as well as Jaime Vásquez, Co-founder and President of Antarctica21: “As Antarctica21 grew, we began thinking of a space in Punta Arenas where we could welcome our guests in a way that matched the feeling and elegance they would experience on our ships in Antarctica.”
“We are delighted to have been able to develop and design this special place of our own and to have the opportunity to build on the cultural heritage of the region. This unique, visionary venue will enhance the adventures of Antarctica21's travellers bound for the icy wilderness of Antarctica.”
In Punta Arenas, a popular destination during the busy Southern Hemisphere summer, Explorers House offers a special, designated area for Antarctica21's guests, as finding accommodations and dining options can be difficult for visitors.Passengers can expect to experience the same level of service quality on the company's Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova ships.
Situated in a historic building, Explorers House was once a warehouse for processing and exporting Patagonian wool and leather from local ranchers in the early 1900s.The prestigious Chilean architect Pedro Kovacic fully restored it, with interior design by Enrique Concha, who has also worked on designing Antarctica21's expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer.
By integrating a rainwater collection system and solar panels for underfloor heating, as well as reusing a significant portion of the building's original wooden structure, architect Pedro Kovacic is furthering Antarctica21's focus on sustainability.
Andrea Tellez, Manager at Antarctica21's Explorers House said: “We have always dreamed of establishing a base in Punta Arenas. Our main goal is for our guests to feel at home and be inspired with the spirit of adventure and exploration as they prepare for their journey. It is a cosy retreat and a contemporary refuge from the wilds of Chilean Patagonia for guests to enjoy as they await their expedition.”
Situated in the historic downtown of Punta Arenas, Explorers House is only a short five-minute walk from the main square. The Antarctic Time Tunnel, a project of Antarctica21's Foundation, is also housed here. The Foundation engages in initiatives that promote scientific, artistic, conservation, and educational endeavors, aiming to advance and raise awareness of Antarctic knowledge.
Antarctica21 was created and developed by a group of local individuals and provides air-cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula as well as sea voyages to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and Antarctica. The company operates with small groups of fewer than 100 guests on board Ocean Nova and Magellan Explorer. It is the sole Antarctic operator with a year-round local team.
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