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Marble caves are the most beautiful and awe-inspiring creations of nature. These caves offer a beautiful embrace of water meeting rock almost sculptured in the artistic sense. This sculpture has taken many thousands of years. The peculiar shapes and forms are caused by the incessant erosion of the water in the lake which continues into the marble. When the sun is above water level, the walls of the cave are illuminated in colours that complement the beauty of the cave walls making them suitable for photography.
Marble Caves Location
Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons
The Cuevas de Mármol are also referred to as the Marble Caves and are situated on the shore of Lake General Carrera within the Aysén region of Chile. The caves that are found in the Patagonian Andes are famed for their exquisite sculptures of blue and white marble formed owing to melting glaciers over the years. The caves can only be accessed via boat from the nearest village known as Puerto Río Tranquilo, thus making the caverns even more fascinating as one can view the sun’s artwork underneath the waters and inside the caves.
How To Reach Marble Caves
Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons
There is no direct access to the Marble Caves (Cuevas de Mármol) located in Patagonia, Chile but the best possible option needs a combination of air and road travel.
By Air: Start the flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) located in Santiago to Balmaceda Airport (BBA). Usually, this flight takes approximately two hours with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
By Road: When you get to Balmaceda Airport, you can hire a car and make a journey of about 119 miles (193 km) to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The journey, which is very picturesque along the Carretera Austral, takes about four hours as it passes through beautiful forests and mountainous regions.
By Boat: From Puerto Río Tranquilo, the only access to Marble Caves is either by boat or kayak. Many local visiting agencies run tours on a boat across Lake General Carrera many of which are mainly aimed at going to the caves.
Places To Visit Around Marble Caves
When visiting the Marble Caves, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring:
1. Lake General Carrera
Photo: M M / Wikimedia Commons
Lake General Carrera, which is locally known as Lago Chelenko in the Aonikenk language, is the biggest lake in Chile and comes second in South America. The lake measures around 200 kilometres in length and crosses the borders of two countries, Argentina and Chile, as Lake Buenos Aires. The turquoise waters of the lake, given that it is surrounded by mountains, specifically Monte San Valentín and Monte San Lorenzo, are, to a great part, due to glacial melt and mineral deposits.
Location: Aysén Region, Chile; accessible via Carretera Austral
Activities: Kayaking, fishing, hiking, and photography
2. San Rafael Glacier
Photo: Gillermo Adolfo / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most attractive and fastest-moving glaciers in all of Patagonia found in Laguna San Rafael National Park, is the San Rafael Glacier. It branches off from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and is easily recognizable due to its high flow rate of around 7.6 km a year. The lagoon of San Rafael is home to a glacier that erupts in torrents creating tufts of ice that float in the water. It is of great interest to passengers who are eager to hear the sound of ice falling cavity-ward.
Location: Laguna San Rafael National Park, Aysén Region, Chile
Activities: Boat tours, trekking, wildlife observation, and photography
3. Cerro Castillo National Reserve
Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann / Wikimedia Commons
Cerro Castillo National Reserve is found in the Aysén Region, Chile, and is a natural reserve that takes its name from the Cerro Castillo mountain range. The traits of the reserve include magnificent granite heights surrounded by extensive valleys as well as glacial lakes making it a perfect haven for adventure lovers. The park contains several types of ecosystems ranging from lenga woodlands to alpine meadows and has different species of animals such as threatened South Andean Deer and birds of which the Andean condors are a part.
Location: Aysén Region, Chile; approximately 80 km south of Coyhaique
Activities: Trekking, camping, wildlife observation, and photography
4. Puerto Tranquilo
Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons
Puerto Tranquilo, a lovely small town perched on the banks of Lake General Carrera, serves as a key point for accessing the stunning Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) as well as Exploradores Glacier. Settled in 1955, this beautiful location is in the middle of impressive use of natural resources like blue water and steep hills. The visitors will be able to appreciate the delicate structures of marble enhanced by years of water erosion, in the form of incredible caverns and tunnels. Besides, it also has several lodgings, restaurants, shops, and other services for tourists on the Carretera Austral.
Location: Aysén Region, Chile; 139 miles south of Coyhaique
Activities: Kayak or boat tours to the Marble Caves
5. Coyhaique
Photo: Gaston39-123 / Wikimedia Commons
Coyhaique is the administrative centre of the Aysén Region of southern Chile. Dramatic mountains and wild green forests envelop the town of Coyhaique, creating an ideal environment where city life and Mother Nature coexist. There is a square in the city called Plaza de Armas that is always full of activity with many including farmers markets ready to come over and sell fresh produce and crafts. Other sites of interest include the Patagonia Regional Museum which features the culture and history of the region.
Location: Aysén Region, Chile; approximately 50 miles from the Pacific coast
Activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking
Where To Stay
Photo: Claudia Cárdenas Ovando / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you’re heading to see the Marble Caves of Patagonia, it is best to make Puerto Río Tranquilo your base because of the ease with which the caves can be reached. There are various lodgings available such as a handful of hotels and some nice cabañas to experience the hospitality of the locals. Cabañas Don Hugo is a budget resort with family-oriented wooden cabins complete with all the basic facilities and nice lawns. Cabañas Río Tranquilo has apartments for couples and families of up to four travellers. Hotel Alma De Patagonia is suitable for young people, it includes shared accommodation, communal bathing facilities and an affordable charge.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ra Boe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many places to eat near the Marble Caves in Puerto Río Tranquilo. One of the best among them is La Fogata. Thanks to the warm interior and barbeque including grilled meats and some famous local dishes, this restaurant serves quite a number of its patrons. A good alternative place is Restaurant Cervecería Río Tranquilo which offers fresh fish cuisine and Patagonian food such as grilled salmon and heavy soups.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Travelling to the Marble Caves, located in Patagonia, Chile, can be done at any time of the year. However, summer season periods starting in December and ending in March are ideal. This is because during this time of the year, it is relatively warm and the water levels are lower which helps to expose the colored caves well. Mornings are the best time for tours as it is less windy thus riding in the boats is comfortable and a perfect time for taking pictures since the sun will be shining on the marble rocks
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Anakenaservicios / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Here are some factors to consider while you plan your trip to Marble Caves.
Average Cost Of Trip: Expenses associated with planning a vacation to visit the Marble Caves in Patagonia will also be different based on the mode of transport, accommodation, and food among other factors.
Transport: From Coyhaique, buying a bus ticket to Puerto Río Tranquilo costs about CLP $10,000 (about $15 USD). If travelling by plane, one should budget about $150 to $300 USD for a round trip ticket from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport and would have to include the cost of renting a car to Puerto Rio Tranquilo or the bus fare.
Accommodation: In Puerto Río Tranquilo, one can expect to pay around $30-70 USD per day for hostels or cabañas, while hotels can range from $80-150 USD per night depending on the type of amenities that they offer.
Meals: A three-course meal at an average-priced restaurant would be around $10-20 USD but if one is looking for more affordable meals, they can go for $5-10 USD meals.
Tips For Travelers
Cash Payments: Most of the tour operators in Puerto Río Tranquilo are cash only so make sure you have enough pesos before you arrive. It is better to get cash in withdrawals from ATMs in big cities to escape any hassle.
Dress Appropriately: The weather can be changed at any time, so carry some layers and a waterproof jacket just in case. Appropriate footwear is a must when you intend to walk to get off the boat.
Check Weather Conditions: High winds or adverse weather conditions may lead to trips being cancelled. Local forecasts should always be checked, and arrangements made with sufficient flexibility.
Stay Hydrated and Snack Ready: Carry some water and snacks, mainly if you are going for a longer tour that may involve extra activities or longer travelling hours.
Patagonia’s marble caves are worth appreciation as an incredible piece of art that has been made in its way by nature. They exhibit captivating colors and interesting shapes making them an adventure for every tourist in one of the most attractive regions of Chile. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or a half-curled-up-on-the-sofa crotch hugging a pack of gummy bears who are looking for the prettiest sights in the world, planning a visit with TripXL to Marble Caves will give you an experience that will mystify one with the beauties of our planet.
Cover Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons
