Journey to the Edge: Why Chile’s Marble Caves Should Top Your Bucket List

There are so many places to see around the world. Some of these spectacular attractions are artificial, while others are natural. When planning holidays, people search for less explored places without losing their unique and natural charm.

If you wish to visit a place that will take your breath away, then the marble caves in Chile will leave you spellbound. This place’s beauty and serenity lie in its being far from civilization and maintaining its natural charm.

Formed at the General Carrera Lake in Chilean Patagonia, it is amongst the best attractions of South America. The lake is an isolated glacial lake covering the border of Chile and Argentina, making it the largest lake in Chile and the fourth-largest in Argentina.

So, would you wish to see this nature’s marvel up close? Here’s a guide on the best way to visit the famous marble caves in Chile.

Why Visit the Marble Caves in Chile?

Often listed in the places to see before you die, this is a natural formation of caves made of huge marble deposits due to water clashing with the calcium carbonate walls for the past 6,000 years. This ages-long process resulted in these stunningly beautiful caverns that awe everyone visiting Chilean Patagonia.

Crystal-clear, smooth-edged walls reflect innumerable colors, revealing the caves’ various forms. The difference in light and water levels throughout the year allows visitors to witness these caves in various forms.

This natural sanctuary spellbinds everyone; you can witness the color changes around you, from deep blue to turquoise to the lightest blue. The change in General Carrera Lake water levels, caused by the nearby glaciers, is also a major contributor to the varying shades of these caves.

Scientists say the finely ground glacial silt gives the water unique color and clarity. Photographers from all over the world come here to capture the various moods of this cavern. This means that a whole new experience is waiting for you to explore each time you visit.

So, in what part of Chile are the marble caves? These awe-inspiring caves sit in Patagonia, Chile, a few kilometers from Puerto Río Tranquilo. The caves sit on a marble peninsula bordering Lake General Carrera. This lake is shared by two South American countries: Chile and Argentina.

The Andes mountains surround this place and offer a stunning view of General Carrera Lake. The cave entrance is a short boat ride from Puerto Río Tranquilo, approximately four hours from Coyhaique.

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How to Get There

Getting to Marble Caves in Chile can be quite an adventure. With only tiny boats to carry tourists from the shore into the caves, it is worth the experience. The boats are the only means of travel due to road inaccessibility. Several local operators offer half-hour tours of the caves.

Some people have gotten so mesmerized by this astonishing place that they have built holiday homes near it to experience living in heaven while still on earth.

There are no direct flights to take you to the Marble Caves. However, many good local tour companies can facilitate your visit to the Marble Caves. These tour operators arrange packages with cars to help you reach these caves from the nearest possible airport, train station, or bus stand. As such, your tour will follow this route:

• From Santiago, Chile, book a flight to Balmaceda Airport, located 870 miles south of the city.
• Travel by road for around four hours to Puerto Tranquilo via Carretera Austral Road
• Take a boat trip or a kayaking tour to the marble caves

So next time you plan a holiday, don’t forget to tick the marvelous Marble Caves off your wish list; it is worth every penny and maybe more.

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Best Time to Visit

Undoubtedly, over 6,000 years of water action on limestone have resulted in the most beautiful cave network in Southern Chile. Even better, the caves change appearance with each passing season. And as such, these intricate caverns present a different wonder for visitors every season.

But which is the favorite season for most travelers? Well, December to March takes the day. Why? It’s summertime, and the weather and access conditions are most favorable.

If you visit the area outside this season, you might not be able to enjoy all that the Marble Caves have to offer. For instance, the gravel road leading to Puerto Rio Tranquilo might be closed due to heavy rains. Also, past April, Patagonia is generally quiet, with only a few services active, including the tour operators.

Subsequently, reaching the Marble Caves might take a long time and even cost you more when traveling during the off-season. So, unless your schedule completely disagrees with December to March, a tour of the Marble Caves in Southern Chile is best.

How to Tour the Famous Marble Cathedral

Also known as the Marble Cathedral, Chile’s Marble Caves are indisputably stunning. A tour of the place is always more than fulfilling for visitors. But how do you visit the caves? How do you make the most out of your tour, especially due to the accessibility issues mentioned above?

Well, there are several tours that will take you to the famous Marble Cathedral. For example, you can choose to go with a local company or book a tour through websites like Viator to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime. Here are your best options:

1. Local Boat Tour

As mentioned earlier, several local tour operators help visitors reach the marble caves in Chile. So, when you land at the airport, you should first book a bus ride to Puerto Tranquilo and a boat tour of the caves.

Generally, these tours are available in two blocks. The first batch leaves for Puerto Rio Tranquilo at 8:30 a.m. and extends through the morning hours. A second batch leaves from 2:30 pm, extending through the mid-afternoon hours.

Once you reach Puerto Rio Tranquilo, friendly locals will greet you. Here, you can book a boat tour from several local operators. Usually, they offer group tours at $12 per person, and the prices are uniform for all the companies. Once you book your tour, the guide will take you through the beautiful cave network for an amazing experience.

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2. Kayak Tour

Are you seeking more adventure? Then, kayaking is certainly the way to go. The feeling can’t improve as you paddle down the caves on the turquoise water. The unique features and beautiful colors that adorn the caves offer breathtaking sights.

Your tour usually starts three miles south of Bahia Mansa. The guide will brief you on the route and safety and then lead you toward the caves. Unlike a boat tour, the best part is getting close to the caves.

Your tour ends at the Tunel de Marmol marble tunnel next to the Marble Cathedral. This tunnel allows you to paddle even closer to the marble walls, allowing you to enjoy the sights more.

You’ll even see the browns, grays, and patterns they form on the marble formations. And while it might cost you a bit more ($52), the experience is worth it.

3. Full Day Navigation to Marble Chapels from Coyhaique

If you want to fully enjoy this amazing world wonder, book this full-day tour. The full-day navigation tour allows you to visit the marble caves and is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the turquoise Lake General Carrera.

The turquoise colors of this lake, plus the incredible marble rock formations, will certainly take your breath away. The action of water over time has resulted in some of the most stunning caves and chapel-like figures that you’ll undoubtedly love to see.

This tour also allows you to experience the life of the Aysen people. Plus, before you even get to the marble caves, the extensive nature comprising rivers, lakes, snowdrifts, lagoons, waterfalls, forests, and national parks will satisfy your quest for adventure.

4. Try it Solo

If you are one of those people who enjoy solo traveling, you can decide to do just that – doing it solo. To do this, travel to Bahia Mansa, around three miles from Puerto Río Tranquilo. From here, you can book a boat or a kayak, with a guide, to take you to the caves. The boats here are much cheaper.

The only downside of this option is that the road to the bay from Route 7 is quite steep. As such, you must be careful as it’s also in bad condition most of the time.

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What to Pack for Your Trip

When packing for your trip, remember that you will spend most of your time outdoors. So, pack accordingly. You don’t want to spoil your entire tour just because you forgot something as small as sunglasses. As such, ensure to include items such as:

1. Sunscreen

As we said earlier, the best time to visit the marble caves is between December and March. This is usually summer in the region, meaning the temperatures are high.

The sun can be quite harsh here, especially when on the water. Therefore, a good sunscreen will protect your skin from irritating sunburns. Ensure that you apply your sunscreen before heading out on that boat or kayak tour to the caves.

EltaMD’s UV Clear Face Sunscreen will be an ideal option here. It’s light and easy to pack and will protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can easily harm your skin.

2. Hat

Even with sunscreen, protecting your face from direct sunlight is prudent, and a nice hat will help you do that. This Columbia Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Hat is an excellent choice.

This breathable hat has a sweat-wicking headband, which absorbs sweat to keep you cool throughout the tour. It also keeps your entire face shaded from the sun, as it’s made from UPF 50 materials that block harmful UV rays from reaching your face.

3. Sunglasses

Still, on the sun issue, pack your favorite pair of sunglasses. As you’ll be spending time in the clear waters of Lake General Carrera, you’ll want to keep your eyes well-protected. A good pair of polarized sunglasses will be perfect as they protect your eyes from the sun and reduce the glare from the water’s surface.

Bolle Anaconda Polarized Sunglasses have been designed specifically for outdoor activities. They are lightweight and have 100 percent UV protection. The lenses are also scratch and impact-resistant to protect your eyes and investment in these shades.

4. Light Sweater or Jacket

Even in summer, the temperatures can drop in the evening, especially in the water. So, it’s essential to carry a light sweater or jacket that you can quickly wear when the need arises. This way, you’ll be prepared for any eventuality and won’t have to shiver constantly.

This Adult Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt by Gildan is an excellent option. It is lightweight, easy to pack, and provides enough warmth when temperatures drop.

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5. Hiking Shoes

When visiting the marble caves, you’ll likely want to do more than see them from a boat. For instance, if you have the time, you might want to go hiking to explore more areas in Patagonia.

For this reason, it would help to have a good pair of hiking shoes to protect your feet. We recommend you go for waterproof shoes as they will keep your feet dry and comfortable even when you have to walk through puddles of water.

The Columbia Women’s Waterproof Trail Shoe is an excellent choice for women. They are comfortable and offer good support to your feet and ankles, which is handy when walking on uneven surfaces. The shoes are waterproof and easy to clean – perfect for any outdoor activity.

We recommend the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot for men. These boots are also comfortable and offer good support and traction. They are waterproof and can withstand any terrain you might encounter while hiking.

6. Bug Repellant

Patagonia is home to many species of insects, some of which can be quite harmful. As such, carrying bug repellant with you is essential to keep them at bay.

The Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is a natural option that works well. This repellent is safe for adults and children and protects you from mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. So, as you make your final arrangement for the tour, ensure you have one in your backpack.

Travel Tips for Visiting

1. Get an Entel SIM Card

Usually, not many phone companies offer coverage around the Marble Caves region. Therefore, we recommend buying an Entel SIM card when you arrive in Chile.

This way, you’ll be able to stay connected with your tour guide and the rest of your group. Also, ensure that you have a working phone. It can be quite crucial in case of an emergency.

2. Plan your Visit During the Summer Season

The weather in Patagonia can be ruthless, especially during winter. Also, due to inaccessibility, the cold weather halts many activities in the region, especially the marble caves. As a result, planning your trip to the area during winter wouldn’t be the best idea- although some people still love it that way.

The best time would be during summer when there are more visitors to the area, the roads are in good condition, and the weather is favorable. Also, the lake’s colors change during summer, offering the most stunning views.

You can’t imagine being on a boat or kayak tour during the rains or winter cold. Even a few minutes there might be unbearable.

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3. Carry Warm Layers

Patagonian weather can be quite unpredictable. It might be pretty warm during the day, but experience heavy rain or colder moments in the evening. This calls for a well-planned trip, where you have included some warm clothes and layers to protect you from the cold.

Some waterproof bags for your gadgets might also be necessary if it rains during your boat or kayak tour. It doesn’t always happen, but it’s always wise to prepare.

4. Plan to Tour the Caves in the Morning

While tours to the marble caves are available throughout the day, morning hours are the best. Why? The lake is calm in the morning, as the region has no strong winds.

However, as the day progresses, the wind might become stronger, causing the lake to become violent. So, try the morning hours for a quiet, relaxing tour that allows you to enjoy even the beauty of the underwater features.

Other Attractions in Patagonia to Consider

In addition to the famous marble caves, there are many other attractions that you can visit while in Patagonia. If you have more time, you can always make your visit to the Marble Caves region more exciting. Some of the most outstanding attractions in this region include:

1. Los Glaciares National Park

This nature haven is part of Patagonia’s attractions on the Argentine side. With a total area reaching 600,000 hectares, this expansive region consists of a National Reserve and a National Park.

As the name suggests, this attraction’s main feature is the glaciers. This park has 47 large and small glaciers, 13 of which flow into the Pacific.

Most of these glaciers are part of the South Patagonian Ice Field, a massive relic formed through glaciological processes. Due to numerous glaciers, the park also boasts a huge freshwater reservoir. The most stunning glacier is the Perito Moreno Glacier. Other glaciers, like Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Onelli, also calve into Lake Argentino.

Besides the glaciers, the park has other stunning features, including lagoons, rivers, mountains, and forests, which make up an incredible landscape. If you’re lucky, you can see animals like guanacos, condors, rheas, and pumas.

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2. Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy

These two mountain peaks are some of the most difficult to climb globally. An Italian expedition conquered Mount Fitz Roy only in 1952.

Cerro Torre is unique because its highest peak, around 10,262 feet high, is covered in ice all year round. The first successful attempt to climb this mountain was made in 1977 by an Italian mountaineer who used special equipment to overcome the challenges of harsh weather conditions.

The view from the top of either mountain is simply breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see as far as 60 miles away. If you love adventures in the most remote areas, these two mountains are arguably some of the most remote mountains in the world, considering their distance from civilization.

So, if you are an avid mountain climber, these two mountains are the best places to explore Patagonia. Also, booking a four-day Hiking tour would allow you to enjoy the beauty and adventure the place offers.

3. Torres del Paine National Park

This national park is yet another amazing attraction located in Southern Chile. It’s one of Chile’s most popular tourist destinations, with over 250,000 visitors yearly.

The main attractions in this park are its three granite towers (Cordillera Paine), which glaciers have worn down over the years. The tallest tower, the Cerro Paine Grande, is over 10,000 feet high.

In addition to the granite towers, the park is home to many glaciers, lagoons, rivers, and mountains that make up its incredible landscape. If you’re lucky, you can see some wildlife like guanacos, pumas, and eagles. Book this Full-Day Tour to Torres del Paine, and you won’t regret it.

4. Tierra del Fuego National Park

This national park is on an island in southern South America, making it one of the most remote places on earth. The park’s main attractions are its forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains.

There is also abundant wildlife in these parts of the world. For instance, guanacos, rabbits, foxes, and muskrats can be seen. If you are a bird lover, you’ll have the best chance to see some of the over 90 bird species, including Andean condors, kelp goose, oystercatchers, torrent ducks, and Austral parakeets.

In addition to its incredible landscape and wildlife, the park also has a rich history. A half-day train tour of the area park will allow you to enjoy most of the park’s beauty.

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5. Laguna San Rafael National Park

When traveling to Chile, Laguna San Rafael is one of the famous tourist destinations most travelers will have on their to-do lists. This national park is not only among the largest parks in Chile but one that also offers immeasurable adventure for travelers.

The park, which sits on the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, offers a magnificent view of glaciers, mountains, and icebergs. Some of the higher Patagonian Andes mountains, including Cerro Arenales, Cerro, Pared Norte, and Monte San Valentin, are located here. Major rivers like the Exploradores River and Baker River flow through the park.

To top it off, there is abundant marine and terrestrial wildlife, including the south Andean deer, gray foxes, dolphins, marine otters, and elephant seals.

6. Visit the Magellanic Penguins

If you love penguins, a visit to Patagonia, Chile, gives you an excellent opportunity to see some. The Magellanic penguins are much smaller than the king penguins found in Tierra del Fuego Island, but their colonies are huge.

The best place to view these magnificent creatures is on Isla Magdalena near the Punta Arenas coast. However, many can also be found at Punta Tombo.

Isla Magdalena has the largest colonies, with over 120,000 penguins. With such a huge number, you are sure to encounter some. A boat ride from Punta Arenas lets you watch these cute, flightless birds.

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7. Whitewater Rafting in Futaleufu

While southern Chile offers stunning tourist attractions, the country’s northern parts present even more unique features. For instance, if you are more drawn to dense forests and rivers, then Futaleufu is the ideal destination.

Futaleufu River is located in the heart of Patagonia, and getting there can be quite a challenge. But once you are there, the experience is worth it all. It offers some of the best whitewater rafting experiences, almost impossible to find anywhere else.

The combination of its remote location, challenging rapids, and beautiful scenery makes it a favorite among the rafters. For example, its rapids are class five rapids, and the area is ranked the third best place for rafters to visit in the world.

If you are looking for more adventure, Futaleufu is also home to some of the best trekking trails in Chile. Book this Rafting Puente a Macal tour, and get all the fun!

Where to Stay Near the Marble Caves Chile

The best place to stay while visiting the marble caves in Chile is Puerto Rio Tranquilo. This small town sits on the edge of General Carrera Lake, where the Marble Caves are. You can also book a hotel at Bahia Murta, just four miles from the caves.

There are several accommodation options here, ranging from camping and hostels to bigger hotels. Plus, a number of tour operators in the town offer boat tours to the Marble Caves. Some of the best accommodations near the caves include:

1. Mallin Colorado Ecolodge

Mallin Colorado Ecolodge is a 3.5-star hotel near the Marble Caves that provides shuttle services to and from the airport. It offers elegantly furnished rooms with a patio and an amazing view of the lake and mountains.

As for the rooms, your comfort is taken care of. From the large bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries and a hair dryer to the functional heating system and a mini bar, your stay here is all sorted. Other major benefits that guests here enjoy include:

• Large parking spaces
• Free continental breakfast
• Free pet stay
• Concierge services
• A 24-hour customer service desk

In other words, after giving your eyes and soul a treat of a lifetime from the beautiful marble caves, you can extend the feeling by sleeping in this top-notch hotel.

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2. Chelenko Hotspring and Lodge

With an 8.8/10 customer rating, Chelenko Hotspring and Lodge is a 3-star hotel that is another excellent place to rest after a long day. The Chelenko Lodge offers excellent amenities, including a gym, spa, and pool. Plus, you get easy access to six nearby hot springs.

Their rooms are spacious and clean and have private bathrooms. The only downside about this hotel is that it doesn’t have onsite parking, and pets are not allowed. Otherwise, the property is well maintained to guarantee the most comfortable stay for all its residents.

The Marble Chapels are just 1o miles from this hotel, making it one of the most convenient hotels. Bahia Murta is also around four miles from the hotel. The nearest airport to the property is Balmaceda Airport, which is approximately 110 miles away.

3. Cabañas Marianela

This is a great option for those looking for an affordable place to stay. The Cabañas Marianela Hotel has comfortable rooms and a terrace with a stunning view of the lake and the city. Balmaceda Airport is around 106 miles from the property.

The hotel is located in Bahia Murta, only 20 miles from Marble Chapels, making it a convenient spot to spend your nights. Puerto Sanchez is only 14 miles from the property, while Puerto Tranquilo is 19 miles away.

Therefore, connecting to these towns and the surrounding tourist attractions is easy. Some of the best features of this accommodation include free parking, a garden, and spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV, clean bed linens, towels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area.

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