Wild Heart: Juan Cristóbal Del Pedregal Bravo Of Antarctica21 On Life, Nature And Growth

Juan Cristóbal del Pedregal Bravo is a senior commercial director at Antarctica21, a boutique tour operator that conducts expeditions to the continent. He grew up in Chile, speaks three languages (Spanish, French and English), and studied forest engineering before making the switch to the hospitality industry. He shared stories about his upbringing and values with Eisha Gupta.

Growing up in the hills outside Santiago, I was very close to nature yet within reach of the city. My favourite activity as a kid was going for long walks with our dogs.

Those walks felt like little expeditions: we’d prepare like adventurers, not knowing what we would find. That early sense of wonder and exploration has stayed with me throughout my life and for every new place that I visit.

When it came time for higher studies, I studied forest engineering with a focus on forest fire prevention and control because Chile has a thriving forest industry, and I’ve always been drawn to nature. Forestry offered a way for me to work in the outdoors while contributing to the environment in a meaningful way.

Making A Change

I believe fate played its part in my career change from engineering to hospitality. One day I spotted an ad in a local newspaper and applied. It turned out to be for one of Patagonia’s most iconic hotels. That’s where my journey in hospitality began, and I’ve never looked back. Little did I know that it was the start of an incredible adventure.

I worked first as a guide and then as operations manager at the luxury hotel, which was situated in Torres del Paine National Park in the Chilean Patagonia.

Living in Patagonia was transformative; it was like stepping into a landscape that constantly shifts between sublime and surreal. Every day felt like a new expedition—it was wild, raw and deeply humbling, and I was fortunate to be there when the region was still very isolated.

One day I’d be hiking through beautiful valleys, the next leading a horseback expedition beneath magnificent snow-capped peaks. Every guest came with curiosity and left awestruck and transformed—some more than the others. It wasn’t just guiding people through the landscape, it was sharing stories, building connections and opening doors to a place that changes lives.

Yes, it was remote, and yes, the weather can be harsh, but I never saw it as a challenge. I had everything I needed: nature, meaningful work and the space to grow, and that gave me clarity and purpose.

What stands out during my six years there is my friendship with Juan Paredes—a true gaúcho and an embodiment of Patagonian spirit. We shared countless rides across the Pampas, stories by the fire and a deep love for the land. It wasn’t just a job for me; my life there was shaped by camaraderie, nature and purpose.

During this time, I developed a passion for the travel industry and for photography. Through my work, I learnt that in fragile ecosystems common sense goes a long way. You can’t just preach but you need to walk the talk. When guests see untouched landscapes and realise how rare that is, the message of preservation becomes personal.

Joining A Luxury Tour Outfitter To Antarctica

By 2012, I was ready for a new chapter. I met Diana, who introduced me to the world of polar travel. At that time, Antarctica21 was still growing but already had a bold vision: to make Antarctica more accessible through innovation, not scale. I joined to help expand that exact vision globally, and it’s been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life.

At Antarctica21, we balance comfort with responsibility. We guide people into remote places without compromising the ecosystem, proving that luxury can be ethical, immersive and respectful.

We were the first to pioneer the air-cruise model to Antarctica, allowing travellers to fly over the rough Drake Passage in two hours and maximise their time on the continent. Over 300 successful air-cruises later, we remain the global leader in this model.

Our boutique ships host just 76 guests, allowing for fast disembarkation, deeper immersion and a more intimate experience than most. Guests stay in elegant, modern cabins, enjoy chef-curated meals and are guided by a team of polar guides that are the best in the business. We also offer exclusive pre-departure hospitality at our Explorers House in Punta Arenas, a members-only club that acts as a base for the expedition of a lifetime for our guests. Everything that we do, be it logistics or guest experience, it is designed around comfort, sustainability and discovery.

Our guests are curious and conscious adventurers. They’re looking for meaning and not just a checklist. They value comfort, but they also want to feel the spray of seawater, see a whale breach up close, or hike with a polar guide by their side. It is for people looking to experience quiet luxury, the kind of travel where you disconnect from the world to reconnect with yourself, nature and the extraordinary.

Antarctica is one of the last truly wild places on Earth, and tourism, when managed carefully, can foster a deep emotional connection that leads to advocacy and conservation. We are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), and we follow strict guidelines to minimise impact. We’re also CarbonNeutral® certified and continuously invest in new technologies to make our voyages even more sustainable.

Hopes, Fears And Interests

Outside of work, I love sports. I also enjoy designing my own travels and even simply being at home with my family. I try and find balance in life through everything that I do.

Children give me hope: their sense of wonder, their questions, their resilience. If we equip them with the right tools and values, they’ll lead us somewhere better.

My biggest fear is that I might not live life as fully as I want to. The world moves fast, and there are many distractions. But time is precious, and I’m constantly reminded to stay intentional and live with purpose.