That is what gives this place its unique charm! Published Feb 20, 2022. There are two smaller formations which are known as La Capilla the Chapel which rise from the lake, and La Cueva the Cave. After quite a bit of a paddle, the first sight you come across is the Capilla del Marmol,(Marble Chapel) a free-standing rock islet on Lake Carrera Chile. The colorful Marble Caves transport you to another level of contemplation, especially when you ponder the fact that the rocks were polished over thousands of years of geological time. To visit the caves visitors must be in Chile because that is the side the marble caves are located. Postcard moments from Sedona Specifically, the bus from Los Antiguos should arrive in Chile Chico around 9:3010am. The San Rafael Glacier receives far fewer visitors leaving you plenty of room to explore its icy terrain. But it seemed there were plenty of cabins available anyway. The Marble Caves are a series of beautiful caves dotted along the shore of the General Carrera Lake in Chile. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit! Leave them in the comments below Id be happy to help you out! Furthermore, the water inside the cave is immaculate, allowing guests to appreciate the corals and fish. For my next trip I would like to visit the caves by kayak. Use the form below to find the best car rental rates in Chile. Now you know how to get there, lets talk about the extraordinary boat tour. As the bus from Los Antiguos doesnt arrive until approx. Personally, we couldnt find this bus route on Busbud nor could we even book in advance on the Chaltn Travel website. The glacier water in General Carrera lake always stays super cold throughout the year so you wont need to wear a bathing suit on the Marble Cave tour as swimming or falling into the water can be pretty dangerous. The essence of a Marble Caves excursion. This may compromise your chances of being allowed to get closer to and inside the caves. They fell off and dispersed in water over time. The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Its a bit of a paddle but totally worth it as you can get much closer to the caves than the boat does. The Aysen Region of Northern Patagonia has a harsh, cold climate. If youre interested in camping, there are a number of campsites in Puerto Rio Tranquillo, the best being Camping Rio Chirifo. Sport fishing enthusiasts from all over the world come to the pristine lake for its rich and plentiful source of trout and salmon. The Marble Caves ( also called the Capillas de Mrmol) is one of the best-hidden gems in Chile's Patagonia region. #sedonaarizona #sedonahiking #sedonavortex #sedonaaz #sedonaescape #visitaz #visitarizona #arizonahiking #arizonaexplored #arizona_landscapes #arizonacollective #arizona #getoutside #wellnesstravel #slowtravelling #cathedralrock, Sweet little moments from Gallipoli Destination Slovenia: Are The Postojna Caves Worth Visiting? This creates a magnificent feast of colours. The Marble Caves of Chile are a destination I have visited many times. In the worst-case scenario that you miss the morning bus in Chile Chico, Transportes Costa Carrera may offer another option. Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock. Most people will use buses to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to see the Marble Caves. While the water in the [] Length 0.9 miElevation gain 180 ftRoute type Out & back. The marble caves of Patagonia (Credit: Tom Garmeson) When you arrive at the caves, there's a stillness, a clearness, a synthesis of colours that you fall in love with," said visitor Hans Claussen. . But, reaching the Marble Caves in Patagonia isnt easy. Youll then cross the border to Los Antiguos and then get the bus to El Chlaten. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting the marble caves in Chile. Required fields are marked *. Where is the General Carrera Lake in Chile? Over the years the marble on the sides of these islets has been smoothed down by the mineral-rich water exposing unique patterns of yellow, brown, grey and green striations. These beautiful caves are located in the middle of General Carrera Lake and can be only accessed by boat or kayak. So, if you do go in the afternoon, wrap up in warm and waterproof clothes. If you are visiting the Marble Caves near Puerto Tranquilo, do not miss the chance for the day trip of a lifetime at the mighty San Rafael Glacier! Bellavista camping was great. Both names are internationally accepted, but the marble caves are on the Chilean side. Also keep in mind that the boarder usually only opens between 8am 8pm. This is where the boat tours depart. If youre heading south, your next destination is likely to be El Chalten in Argentina. . How much does it cost to go to the Marble Caves? If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit! These stunning caves were also situated at the heart of General Carrera Lake, and they can only be reached by kayak or boat. Perito Moreno (Los Glaciares National Park), How to Visit the Marble Caves in Chile, Patagonia, What to Expect With Getting to the Marbles Caves in Chile, Getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo From El Chalten, Bus From Coyhaique to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Accommodation: Where to Stay in Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Travel Essentials For Visiting the Marble Caves in Chile, travelling north to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten, bus from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, The Pink Caves Close Due to Deaths: Heres What Happened, The Complete Guide to Hikes Along the NC500. who will be in touch shortly. I think this way you would get a better connection with nature and have more intimacy between yourself, the lake, the marble caves and the beautiful landscapes. Arizona travel. Its smooth and vibrant walls are now a reflection of the lakes azure waters, which often change in color depending on the water levels and time of year. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. As mentioned, there can be very rough conditions in the afternoon. In this guide, well detail our journey (and the common journey) for people travelling north to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten. This means boats can navigate into the caves with greater ease and you wont get anywhere near as wet! You'll visit geysers, lunar valleys, and even do some high . Groups can negotiate a reduced rate. If you are travelling here and to other areas of Patagonia I highly recommend getting an Entel SIM over other companies. However, this time we got informed that the port would be closed due to lots of waves on the lake. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these . Thats unless youre willing to wait days at a time to get to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. These naturally sculpted caves are made completely of marble and are believed to have been formed by the lake's waters. Tucked deep into the fjords of the Aysen Region of Chile is the San Rafael Glacier. Visitors can also try local cuisine at specific restaurants and hike in neighboring nature reserves while enjoying various outdoor activities like trekking and bird watching, making Patagonia ideal for all you adventure and nature lovers. Admittedly, we got absolutely soaked. So when its your turn to get to the Marble Caves in Chile, make sure to contact the company to find out the latest. By telling you about our experience, we hope the journey to the Marble Caves in Chile is simple and straightforward for you. This insurance isnt just for digital nomads, its for everyone and anyone needing travel insurance for their trips. So, we headed to our accommodation, checked in our bags and headed back to the old port. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Certainly, from our mistakes, we can advise on the best way to get to the Marble Caves in Chile. Rentalcars.comandAuto Europefor quick and easy car rentals worldwide, Get Your GuideandViatorfor tours and adventures around the world. A masseria is a traditional form of accommodation you wont find anywhere else but Puglia and southern Italy. Care should be used when using these other names because they may refer to other specific features within the marble caves. Please note that we tried to book the Los Antiguos to Chile Chico bus ticket the night of boarding the overnight bus in El Chaltn. Adult: CLP$ 72.000 per person. Getting to the Marble Caves from Coyhaique. Below, well answer some of the other most frequently asked questions about the Marble Caves in Chile. . First, you'll have to take a 2.5-hour flight from Santiago, Chile to the city of Balmaceda. So accommodation was plentiful. Located in Puerto Rio Tranquilo in the Patagonia area of Chile, the Marble Caves are becoming increasingly well known. The Marble Caves of Lake General Carrera, Chilean Patagonia. I recommend traveling to Puerto Tranquilo if you want to visit the Marble Caves. The distance between Santiago and the stunning Marble Caves ( Cuevas de Mrmol) is 1,367 miles (2,200 km). Well be the first to admit that our journey in February 2020 didnt go exactly to plan. You cant fly directly there from overseas. Winters are snowy and frigid and summers are cool. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This was an adventure in its own right and didnt cost a thing. There really is no easy way to travel there. You can quite easily kayak around it, getting closer to notice the unique rock patterns. The caves have many names, but the most famous of them is the "Capilla de Mrmol," or the Marble Chapel. We had a private guide just for the two of us. If you choose to stay at Hotel Loberas del Sur, make sure to indulge in their fine Patagonian cuisine. #salzburg #salzburgo #salzburg #austriavacations #austriagram #visitaustria, Fairytale places to exist and dreams do some true Now more than ever, make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. All Rights Reserved. They are located on Lake General Carrera of Buenos Aires (but it depends which side of the lake you are on) in Patagonia, Chile. The remarkable Marble caves, called Cuevas de Marmol in Spanish, have slowly been carved by nature for over 6,000 years. Each room oozes that ski-chalet cosiness where you can relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate looking at the turquoise lake beyond. To book a cabin in advance, we contacted Bellavista Camping via Whatsapp (+56981528505). Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for all of our latest hiking adventures! Onyx + Rose Pure Bloom Mint Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning and Stainless Steel Water Bottle With UV Water Purifier. These Are The Most Breathtaking Japanese Gardens In The U.S. 10 Best Hiking Trails In North Cascades National Park. The Cathedral, the Chapel and the Cave are the three formations that make up this natural spectacle that will certainly leave you breathless. Make sure to add Huasteca Potosina to your next Mexico itinerary. Over the span of six centuries, the force of General Carrera Lake carved away at the belly of the caves, transforming their walls into a fusion of every shade of blue. When you get off the bus, therell be local people offering a group tour for around $20,000CLP/person ($24USD). Parque Patagonia has the nearest hiking opportunities to Lago General Carrera. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. Its a long day trip but the journey is worth it if you dont want to stay for a couple of nights at Puerto Tranquilo. They dont offer breakfast but if you book a kayak tour with them and you stay with them the kayak tour only costs 35.000 CLP per person. In this short guide find out everything you need to know about visiting the Marble Caves Patagonia Chile and prepare for an experience of a lifetime. Did you known these waterfalls are tucked deep in the Mexican jungle near the city of San Luis de Potosi? This allows the cavern walls to instantly reflect the piercing blue lake and sparkling warm sun, gifting visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Daily buses leave Coyhaique and Cochrane and travel south and north along the Carretera Austral stopping in Puerto Rio Tranquillo. Well be sure to update the guide and direct readers to your comment (and any other comments that might follow) so that our readers have the most up-to-date information about visiting the Marble Caves. Yes, visiting the Marbles Caves is one of the best things you can do in the Chile part of Patagonia. The Marble Caves, Chile The route in brief Puerto Montt, on the southern edge of the Lake District, gets a lot of rainfall, so you start this route hemmed in among vividly green temperate rainforest and mountains often smudged with low-lying clouds. The lake water is higher during this time of the year which causes a deeper shade of blue to evolve. Chile's marble caves are an incredible sight, and the summer months provide the perfect climate for travelers to book their seafaring tours. Although youll likely be here for just a night or two so its no biggy! The first town on the Chilean side is Chile Chico. On my second trip to the Marble Caves we traveled in spring. We are hiking enthusiasts, so you'll find plenty of awesome hiking content. Furthermore, the image is heightened by a mix of excellent light sources and projections from the freezing glacier water, and the colors are truly breathtaking. Not all phone companies cover the area. Nature created these caves out of pure marble of beautiful colors, and it is a privilege to be able to see them. The colorful Marble Caves transport you to another level of contemplation, especially when you ponder the fact that the rocks were polished over thousands of years of geological time. The 6,000-year-old stunning cave network known as the Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mrmol is located on the peninsula consisting entirely of marble and washed with the deep blue waters of the glacial Lake General Carrera on the border between Chile and Argentina. Made Out Of Pure Marble, These Incredible Caves Change Color Throughout The Year. The area is particularly beautiful in early spring during the ice melt, when water colour is enchantingly turquoise, and also in summer which boasts amazing deep blue hues. Also, many firms provide transportation services and ships to the caverns. Youll notice several caverns and caves here, the entrances to which are perfectly smooth with linear markings throughout. Although, as mentioned before, let us know if transport options to the Marble Caves in Chile have changed and well update this guide! This structure can only be reached by boat. Actually, we booked the bus the day before for $10,000CLP/person ($12USD) after doing our afternoon Marble Caves boat tour. So be careful with your belongings as they will get wet! The 6,000-year-old stunning cave network known as the Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mrmol is located on the peninsula consisting entirely of marble and washed with the deep blue waters of the glacial Lake General Carrera on the border between Chile and Argentina. With good weather, the Marble Caves are an unmissable feature of this part of the Carretera Austral. And all transportation and accomodation costs doubled more or less. As a result, each tour of the caverns is exceptional. So, you have finally figured out how to visit the Marble Caves in Chile! The sealed road stops a little past Villa Cerro Castillo and turns into a gravel road that takes you all the way to Puerto Rio Tranquillo. This usually leaves at around 8:30am for around $15USD/person. The climate in this part of Chile is damp and frigid. If you have less time you can always take a day trip from the city of Coyhaique. Coastal erosion is also the cause as to why the cathedral's form shifts over time. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Anyway, before we dive into the nitty-gritty details about how to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to see the Marbles Caves, well answer some commonly asked questions about this natural wonder in Chile. We cant remember where we stayed, but we had the whole hotel to ourselves! Better yet, theres no lock-in contract you can cancel any time you want, which will take effect the following month. The perfect little euro city break. It requires a short ride by speedboat or, with good weather, a . Also, he still accepted our deposit from the night before. Planning a trip right now? The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Show more, Patagonia boasts a plethora of attractions aside from the Marble Caves well worth exploring, such as Chelenko Glacier, Patagonia National Park, and Exploradores Valley. U might want to plan a few days in Puerto Rio Tranquilo just in case. Salmon and trout are the most frequent freshwater species spotted in the cave. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Show more, Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga. Press on the image below to find out more. There are a few different options for visiting the Marble Caves in Chile. Are you interested in collaborating with Roam & Thrive? As the bright early hours of the morning and nighttime light are reflected off onto the lake's crystalline pure water, the uncovered seams of the marble wall are a beautiful blend of yellow, turquoise, blue turquoise, and white. They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Roam & Thrive is designed to help you wander slowly and consciously. There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. The Marble Caves are one of the most stunning natural attractions in the world. Usually all Kayak tours are 45.000 CLP and boat tours between 20.000-25.000 CLP. The Marble Caves can be visited from Argentina by car. Although an afternoon tour of the Marble Caves in Chile is possible on the day of arrival, the waters are notoriously rougher and choppier later in the day. From here you can explore the town and visit other cool places in the area such as Exploradores Glacier and Nutria Waterfall. The standard boat tour costs $10,000 CLP ($13) per person. It has been estimated that these vast sections of marble weigh 5000 million tonnes and consist of 94% calcium carbonate. This might include a waterproof jacket, waterproof bag cover or waterproof over trousers. Tourists touring Marble Cave should spend time looking down and enjoying the glass clear of water since it makes things easier to notice the layers of rock beneath the surface. Its a bit of a paddle out to get to the marble caves but nothing any fit and healthy individual cant handle. Copyright 2023, Roam & Thrive Site Powered by Pix & Hue. Or contact us today to begin planning your trip to the Marble Caves in Patagonia, Chile! As mentioned, if youre doing an afternoon tour of the Marble Caves in Chile, make sure to pack plenty of waterproof gear. Those travelling in Patagonia on a shorter itinerary will usually visit El Chalten. The cheapest way to get from Marble Caves to Torres del Paine National Park costs only $130, and the quickest way takes just 22 hours. It was sold out. The lake's water level will be at its low throughout the spring. The marble effect is the result of 6,000 years of wave action, while the blue tones are simply a reflection of the lake's waters, so the rocks change in intensity and colour throughout the year.. This area is home to beautiful lakes and volcanoes, and this natural setting inspired him to get into landscape photography. If so, youll likely be travelling to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten. By Hernan Lara March 4, 2022. Book your stay here. Sample traditional dishes such as lamb, wild boar, fish, and seafood accompanied by the best Chilean wines. The lake spans both Chile and Argentina, and General Carrera Lake is its Chilean name. Youll have to cross the border at Chile Chico and drive to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to access the marble caves. During this time the water levels are at its lowest and the light at sunrise is at its bounciest. The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. You can rent a car at Balmaceda airport or in Coyhaique at the start of your trip or even in Puerto Montt if youre doing the whole Austral Highway road trip. Its even possible to head straight to the port from the bus (arriving from Chile Chico or Coyhaique) to do a Marble Caves tour. Instead, this will be a completely aquatic adventure. Easy 4.6 (952) Kootenay National Park. Furthermore, the Marble Caves are a natural geological feature, though fanciful. But if you are doing this trip you need to know that you have to walk or hitch hike between the border. Prior booking for camping is usually unnecessary even in peak season. The Nomad Insurance is great value for money with just a small additional cost to add a partner. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. To witness the enchanting turquoise-blue water, the best time to visit Chile's Marble Caves is between September and February when the ice has melted. If you prefer, it is also possible to rent a kayak and paddle to the Marble Caves for about 35,000 CLP ($50 USD). Just below the surface are amazing rock formations that people often miss. That means the situation regarding the best way to get there is always changing. Infant (age 0 to 2, with child chair): CLP$ 23.000 per person. After a quick briefing youll get kitted out and set off on Lake Carrera. Bellavista Camping also offers kayaking tours, usually for a cheaper rate too. Because of the ongoing erosion, many arches that sustain the caverns potentially cave in over time. Furthermore, the marble cathedral was formed through countless generations of weathering. Tourists will need to travel across the Chilean border to get a decent view and tour the caverns. I have tried to visit the caves a few times and to be honest I didnt have much luck on my first visits. The largest is El Catedral the Cathedral. The marble caves in southern Chile can be found in various listings, describing the greatest wonders or most magical sights of the world. They take advanced bookings with a 20% deposit made by international bank transfer. All the companies offer the same tour for around that price (as of 2023). The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Try to time your visit for when the weather is good. Mallin Colorado Ecolodge For the log cabin of your dreams, the Mallin Colorado Ecolodge is located right on General Carrera lake with dreamy views you cant escape from. The good news is, Transportes Costa Carrera actually works with Chaltn Travel and waits until the Los Antiguos bus arrives before departing to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Visit our 66 Items You Must Travel With a guide to find out which warm and waterproof clothes we recommend. Located in Chilean Patagonia, this off-the-beaten-track destination is a firm favourite along the iconic Austral Highway road trip. The accommodation was warm and cosy with a large kitchen area. You can email them directly and ask if they are still doing tours. The hotel is located in Puerto Chacabuco (Aysn Region), approximately two hours from the Balmaceda Airport. These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars! The first trip I took was at the start of fall. Theres also an element of peace and serenity to it. Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. RELATED:These Malaysian Caves Hold Hindu Temples Deep Within. Of course, you may not need to get buses or fly if you decide to hire a car. If travelling from overseas, youll need to fly to Santiago Airport initially and then to Blamaceda Airport. The host is very nice. The only way to visit the Marble Caves is by boat, kayak, or ferry. Its natural beauty has made it one of South America's most sought-after tourist destinations. We are the co-founders of Travel Made Me Do It a website dedicated to publishing comprehensive travel guides. It rained so heavily on the way to Puerto Tranquilo that the rivers began to overflow and we couldnt advance any further to arrive at the Marble Caves. If youre in the area, its certainly worth stopping off for a few hours to explore them, or even spending a day taking a boat out to the more hidden caves and islands. Picture yourself sailing the calm ripples of Chiles largest glacial lake en route to a remote marble structure, nestled within a humble group of rock islands. Furious waves crashed upon the marble for years, gradually shaping the curving walls. Rental is easy just make sure to book in advance as cars in this area sell out quickly. Personally, we found car hire too expensive. Travel down the Carretera Austral and experience not only the Marble Caves but many other beautiful destinations. Find them here. Tours are offered throughout the day, however, on most days the wind picks up in the afternoon making the lake choppier. Boat trips to the caves seem to run in two blocks with departures from 8:30am throughout the morning and then more sessions from 2:30pm onwards throughout mid afternoon. The stone was progressively disintegrated as the lake's water level rose. There is no bus at all between Los antiguos and Chile Chico anymore. The Patagonia Caves themselves are located on the General Carrera Lake, Chiles largest lake which it shares with Argentina. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. Enjoy the rest of your time in Patagonia. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The weather in this area of South America is generally cold and humid. Always make sure to have plenty of food with you and ideally a tent when hitchhiking. However, the rigid walls of a marble cavern throughout Patagonia were not quickly formed into the remarkable structure that tourists witness today. SouthAmerica.travel 19992023. Photos (1,242) Directions. The only other piece of advice I can give is to try to enjoy the entire route. This process has been occurring for over six centuries! . We were told that its better to do a tour in the morning as mornings tend to be calmer with less wind which can make conditions choppier and colder on the water. Below, well review the best accommodation options in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The Marble Caves in Patagonia or Capillas de Marmol have been formed over more than 6000 years and are the result of erosion from waves generated by strong winds on General Carrera Lake.