Esperanza Base, an Antarctic research station
An occasional landing site during our Antarctica cruises, Esperanza Base is a fascinating location for a friendly visit. The base was built in 1953 and houses over 50 residents, including scientists, military personnel, school teachers, and their families. Research topics studied at Esperanza include glaciology, seismology, and biology, among others. Upwards of 1,100 tourists visit Esperanza Base each year.
Noteworthy features of Esperanza Base
In 1978, the first person ever to be born in Antarctica was born at Esperanza Base. At least ten other children have been born at Esperanza since then. Also, four items designated Antarctic Historical Sites or Monuments are located at Esperanza Base: a grotto with a statue of the Virgin of Lujan, a bust of General San Martin, a flagpole raised in 1955, and a cemetery with a stele honoring the Argentine expedition crew who have died in the area.
Seeing Esperanza Base on your Antarctica trip
Some of our Antarctica voyages make stops at Esperanza Base, as noted in our itineraries. Residents of Esperanza offer tours around the base, showing our guests the small museum and other facilities, and even putting out refreshments and a modest selection of items for sale. We enjoy visiting this relatively easy landing site, which also boasts some great historic remains from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901–1903.