Visitors can take a boat tour through the caves to admire their beauty up close. It is the fifth largest lake in South America. All Rights Reserved. Onyx + Rose Pure Bloom Mint Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning and Stainless Steel Water Bottle With UV Water Purifier. 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. The Marble Caves are becoming an ever-popular tour stop for those setting off on their dream Patagonia tour. There are also a few good value Airbnb options in the Marble Caves Patagonia area too. If you have an additional 30 seconds wed love to learn more about you. November and March are also great months to visit with fewer crowds but cooler weather. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. The hills and mountains surrounding the lake provide many wonderful vantage points of the lake itself but be prepared for some rough terrain. Find the travel option that best suits you. Wondering how these majestic blue caves formed? The Marble Cathedral is situated in Patagonia, Chile, on the coast of General Carrera Lake. They are just as magical during other parts of the year. In the post is the link to the tour company we used. Outside of this season, the gravel road that leads to Puerto Rio Tranquilo can close. Enjoy the rest of your time in Patagonia. So when its your turn to get to the Marble Caves in Chile, make sure to contact the company to find out the latest. If you are planning a trip down the scenic Carretera Austral Highway in southern Chile, the Marble Caves is a must! This was too late for the bus services to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The first trip I took was at the start of fall. That way, you wont need to worry about how to get to the Marble Caves. The Marble Caves in southern Chile are a striking sight. Id highly recommend them so be sure to check them out here if youre travelling in high season and prefer to book your trip in advance. Sample traditional dishes such as lamb, wild boar, fish, and seafood accompanied by the best Chilean wines. Admittedly, Chile Chico doesnt get much tourism except for those passing by on their way north. If you cant make it to the Marble Caves during Chiles spring season, dont fret! Hernan Lara is an amateur photographer born in a region of Chile called Araucania. Otherwise, booking upon arrival at a local car hire agency may be riskier in terms of availability and reliability. The design seems more extensive and robust than the pillars that embrace it when viewed outside. Theres also an element of peace and serenity to it. Active travel . This location is certainly off the beaten track. Life jackets will be provided, and the caves are accessible by small boats with a 10-passenger limit. Jump right in and get inspired! The Marble Caves are only accessible by tiny boats, observing and accessing the caves. Furthermore, the Marble Caves are a natural geological feature, though fanciful. The only company that has service in Puerto Rio Tranquillo is Entel. Just one last tip: bring the right clothing and equipment, especially warm clothes regardless of the season because the weather in Patagonia changes without warning. This makes it near impossible to plan a trip to the Marbles Caves at this time. How to get to General Carrera Lake From Coyhaique, youll get a bus going to Cochrane, which passes through Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Outdoors . Or, if youre looking to escape the great outdoors, set sail for Argentina! Usually, buses depart at around 6:30am and 9:30am and take about five hours. The Carretera Austral connects them so it is a scenic, but slow drive of about 4 hours. Required fields are marked *. RELATED:Destination Slovenia: Are The Postojna Caves Worth Visiting? Even though we had our own, Tribu Patagonia did actually offer us a phone and camera dry bag. Personally, we found car hire too expensive. You'll visit geysers, lunar valleys, and even do some high . The kayak tour costs $40,000 ($52) per person but its completely worth the extra spend. By Hernan Lara March 4, 2022. This unique geological formation cannot be directly accessed by land. In that case, youll need to get yourself from Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Chile Chico. Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock. I wasnt going to give up after two failed attempts and Im so glad I didnt because the caves were just spectacular! You have reached the Marble Caves in Chile a rare treat unlike anything else. What kind of fish are in general Carrera Lake? The offices of these companies are found in a street of shacks facing one another down by the old port. This is because private transportation companies continue to offer different services. Continue with Recommended Cookies. As the caves are in a fairly remote area of Chile, the best way to get there is by taking a two-hour flight and an additional four-hour drive. The caves have many names, but the most famous of them is the "Capilla de Mrmol," or the Marble Chapel. There is no road you can drive on to reach the caves and there is no paved pathway or area for you to stroll inside the caves. One of the most isolated natural treasures of the world, the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mrmol) are a series of sculpted caves in the General Carrera Lake in the heart of Patagonia. The area also receives a lot of rainfall all year round so make sure to come prepared with warm clothes and waterproofs. Leave them in the comments below Id be happy to help you out! Youll set off to the Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake in a minivan and arrive at the launch site. The best time to visit the Marble Caves in Chile is from December to March during Patagonian summer. Keep in mind that accommodation options in Puerto Rio Tranquilo are fairly limited. However, these strong walls of the marble cave in Patagonia did not instantly mold into the unique structure you see today. 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. No, as far as were aware, you cant swim at the Marble Caves in Chile, Patagonia. All buses going from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo are privately owned. They have camp sites that are really cheap. Make sure not to miss the Ventisquero Colgante Glacier in Queulat National Park, another of Patagonias gems. . 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. Youll then cross the border to Los Antiguos and then get the bus to El Chlaten. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. Make sure to add Huasteca Potosina to your next Mexico itinerary. The only way to see the Marble Caves is on a tour as youll have to get out onto General Carrera lake to see them properly. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, we want to comment because we just went to the marble caves and we loved your tips on how to get there, but now (January 2023) a lot changed. While the water in the [] Also, getting there is a headache if tourists aren't already on an extensive Patagonia road adventure. Hotel Loberas del Sur is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventure, luxurious amenities, and spectacular views of Chilean Patagonia. The only other piece of advice I can give is to try to enjoy the entire route. Indeed, SafetyWing is cheaper than almost all other travel insurance policies and covers just as much and sometimes more. The weather in Patagonia is everchanging so its best to bring many layers for the trip as it does get cold. 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. A brief chat with your personal Travel Consultant helps us create your perfect trip! If booking this way, we would recommend doing so at least a few days ahead of time, just in case. The host is very nice. Of course, you may not need to get buses or fly if you decide to hire a car. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these . Visit Arizona . The Chilean Patagonia holds some of the most impressive and unique landscapes in the world, one of those is the Marble Cathedral. The sidewalls of the caverns also shift to various colors of blue regularly. You cant fly directly there from overseas. The largest is El Catedral the Cathedral. Unfortunately, youre not allowed to paddle inside the Marble Cathedral for preservation reasons. The Marble Caves are one of the most stunning natural attractions in the world. 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. The Marble Caves of Chile are a destination I have visited many times. 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. Although, if the weather permits, the water during a morning tour is usually calmer. So, if youre leaving Puerto Rio Tranquilo the next morning, this works perfectly. Infant (age 0 to 2, with child chair): CLP$ 23.000 per person. Located in Puerto Rio Tranquilo in the Patagonia area of Chile, the Marble Caves are becoming increasingly well known. Not to mention kayaking or being on a boat for a few hours in the rain and wind might be a bit miserable. Commonly, travellers will make their way south to north in Patagonia. Find them here. Made Out Of Pure Marble, These Incredible Caves Change Color Throughout The Year. Marble Caves are very near to Puerto Tranquilo where departs boats to the Caves, boats run all year but depend of a minimal quota, from Coyhaique are one or two days tours to there. The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. These stunning caves were also situated at the heart of General Carrera Lake, and they can only be reached by kayak or boat. Personally, we couldnt find this bus route on Busbud nor could we even book in advance on the Chaltn Travel website. There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. Parque Patagonia has the nearest hiking opportunities to Lago General Carrera. This usually leaves at around 8:30am for around $15USD/person. This was an adventure in its own right and didnt cost a thing. Arizona travel. 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. FYI the Marbles Caves are also known as the Marble Caves of Patagonia, Chile Chico Marble Caves, Marble Caves of Chile Chico and the Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake. Daily buses leave Coyhaique and Cochrane and travel south and north along the Carretera Austral stopping in Puerto Rio Tranquillo. These amazing natural wonders, are a unique geological formation, featuring a number of caverns, tunnels and pillars, in monoliths of marble. For my next trip I would like to visit the caves by kayak. The new cave, that lay at the altitude of 920 metres (3,020 ft) above sea level, was called Marble (initially, also the name Afghan was used), due to the fact it that was formed by marble limestone. Rental is easy just make sure to book in advance as cars in this area sell out quickly. Show more, Unlike other cave networks worldwide, Chile's Marble Caves are unique due to their stunning, current-carved marble formations. 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. To help get your bearings, feel free to check out this Marble Caves Chile map. Everywhere you look here, theres a photo opportunity. It had admittedly fairly average Wifi. . An Easter Island & Machu Picchu Itinerary to See South Americas Mysterious Places, Take an internal flight to Balmaceda (870 miles south), Embark on a 4-hour drive down the Carretera Austral road to Puerto Tranquilo, Board a motorboat or better yet hop into a kayak and make your way to the beautiful Marble Caves, You can also add the Marble Caves to one of our. On a clear day, the brilliant blue ocean may be seen throughout. The rule of thumb being, when in Patagonia do not delay outdoor activities if the weather is good. The hotel has a direct relationship with some of the most popular attractions in Chilean Patagonia. Thanks to thousands of years of glacial meltwater erosion we are now able to admire the beautiful striations and patterns on this marble in one of the purest glacial lakes in the world. The afternoon tours start running at around 2:30pm. The temperature in the areas surrounding the lake, on the other hand, varies from warm to chilly. #salzburg #salzburgo #salzburg #austriavacations #austriagram #visitaustria, Fairytale places to exist and dreams do some true Throughout this site, you might find affiliate links from which I may make a small commission if you choose to click or purchase something, at no extra cost to you. But if you are doing this trip you need to know that you have to walk or hitch hike between the border. . 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. It happened to us. Instead, an expert local guide will direct you there avoiding any possibility of getting lost! But, booking a Marble Caves boat tour is actually the easy part! Here are some reasons why tourists should visit the Marble Caves this summer. The perfect little euro city break. To visit the caves visitors must be in Chile because that is the side the marble caves are located. Exploring Chile's Marble Caves does require any special equipment. While the caves are at their brightest during the spring, consider visiting during the summer (December to February). Jos Miguel Carrera Verdugo (American Spanish: [xose miel karea]; October 15, 1785 September 4, 1821) was a Chilean general, formerly Spanish military, member of the prominent Carrera family, and considered one of the founders of independent Chile. 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. Winters are brutal and even though the area around General Carrera lake sees little snow, tours to the marble caves no longer operate. As far as were aware, there are no daytime options. Youll find all the tour agencies on the main road by the lake and you can enquire directly with them about tours and costs. Additionally, much of the Carretera Austral is unpaved, so youll need to be brave enough to drive on rough road conditions. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Do you have any comments or questions about visiting the Marble Caves Patagonia Chile? Furthermore, the colors displayed on the stone fluctuate based on the lake's water depth, which is influenced by atmospheric circulation and seasonal changes, adding to its enchantment. This could work if you find others interested or are travelling with a group. Together with my partner we decided to visit this place along with the Marble Caves. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Here are a few samples of our tours that include visiting the Marble Caves: The Marble Caves can be seen at any time of the year. After a quick briefing youll get kitted out and set off on Lake Carrera. Book your stay here. These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars! Below, well review the best accommodation options in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Your email address will not be published. Sport fishing enthusiasts from all over the world come to the pristine lake for its rich and plentiful source of trout and salmon. Hiking Always a popular pursuit in Patagonia, you can hike at General Carrera Lake. Easy 4.6 (952) Kootenay National Park. 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. That means the situation regarding the best way to get there is always changing. Now you know how to get there, lets talk about the extraordinary boat tour. However, this time we got informed that the port would be closed due to lots of waves on the lake. When you get off the bus, therell be local people offering a group tour for around $20,000CLP/person ($24USD). Expect to pay around $15,000CLP per person ($20USD). All the companies offer the same tour for around that price (as of 2023). Apparently, several companies in town can arrange this. The Patagonia Caves themselves are located on the General Carrera Lake, Chiles largest lake which it shares with Argentina. So flexibility with your itinerary is certainly ideal. 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. Our stay at @masseriatorrecoccaro couldnt have been better. NEXT:The World's 10 Best Underwater Caves To Explore, Resting Water And The Marble Cave Itself Change Color, Tourists Will Experience Boating To Explore The Cave, Explore The Underwater World Of Jamaica's Green Grotto Caves, It's an Instagram-worthy natural beauty that can only be seen through a kayak or boat, the lake is a habitat for the Marble Cave and fish. Our goal was to reach Puerto Guadal. The structure of the cracks gave rise to a phenomenon of this unique geological feature. Certainly, getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, to see the Marble Caves isnt straightforward. Yes, visiting the Marbles Caves is one of the best things you can do in the Chile part of Patagonia. It was annoying as we were so excited to get to the Marble Caves and didnt want to be wasting any time. However, visitors should be sure to have warm clothing and rain gear, particularly during winter as it can get pretty cold with the temperature sitting at around 10 degrees Celsius inside the caves. #sedonaarizona #sedonahiking #sedonavortex #sedonaaz #sedonaescape #visitaz #visitarizona #arizonahiking #arizonaexplored #arizona_landscapes #arizonacollective #arizona #getoutside #wellnesstravel #slowtravelling #cathedralrock, Sweet little moments from Gallipoli The climate in this part of Chile is damp and frigid. Its a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. If youre road tripping the Carretera Austral or the famous Ruta 7, then youll pass through Puerto Rio Tranquilo otherwise its a 5 hours drive south of Coyhaique. There are daily buses from Coyhaique to Cochrane, which stop at Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The iridescent Marble Caves can be found near the border of Argentina and Chile, on General Carrera Lake in Patagonia. We had a private guide just for the two of us. During the kayaking tour, you get to see a number of geological features which are located quite close together. Published Feb 20, 2022. This means its not uncommon for accommodation to book out in advance. The distance between Santiago and the stunning Marble Caves ( Cuevas de Mrmol) is 1,367 miles (2,200 km). Lake Buenos Aires Indeed, we hope this guide will help you plan your adventure there! Please note, that for the rest of the journey beyond Los Antiguos, its well-known, that booking and planning in advance is difficult. The earliest bus from Coyhaique should also arrive in time for the afternoon tour. In addition, the little information available online about getting there is usually outdated. Find out how to visit here. Personally, we wanted to drop our bags off first. Its a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. We are hiking enthusiasts, so you'll find plenty of awesome hiking content. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The remarkable Marble caves, called Cuevas de Marmol in Spanish, have slowly been carved by nature for over 6,000 years. It was an amazing adventure! Tucked deep into the fjords of the Aysen Region of Chile is the San Rafael Glacier. I recommend traveling to Puerto Tranquilo if you want to visit the Marble Caves. Are you interested in collaborating with Roam & Thrive? Theres really is no better company for all my insurance needs. Our host at the campground in Elqui Valley where we . There is no road you can drive on to reach the caves and there is no paved pathway or area for you to stroll inside the caves. On this itinerary, you'll get to experience the two most beautiful regions of Chile: the northern Atacama Desert and southern Patagonia. General Carrera Lake is the biggest lake in Chile and second biggest fresh-water lake in South America. We recommend booking this bus in advance. Each room oozes that ski-chalet cosiness where you can relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate looking at the turquoise lake beyond. You can email them directly and ask if they are still doing tours. We gained so much extra knowledge and felt completely comfortable during our entire trip. Like all buses in Patagonia, we felt completely safe throughout the journey. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. The closest airport to Marble Caves in Chile is Balmaceda Airport. 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. Private companies are constantly changing transportation options to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Hi, we're Dan and Beck, collectively known as the Speed Hiking Couple. 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. The threadlike marble interiors give all such caverns their image and reputation. If youre travelling through Patagonia from top to bottom, then you may be needing to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from Coyhaique. Unfortunately, getting to the Marble Caves in Chile is notoriously time-consuming and difficult to get to. Adult: CLP$ 72.000 per person. 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. Salmon and trout are the most frequent freshwater species spotted in the cave.