For my next trip I would like to visit the caves by kayak. The Nomad Insurance is great value for money with just a small additional cost to add a partner. . We booked at the main bus station in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Currently, there seem to be two private minivan companies doing the daily route to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. 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. 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 kayak tour starts with a transfer (included) 5km south to Bahia Mansa. Unfortunately, its a little too small for boats to pass. To protect your phone and camera gear you might want to bring a waterproof bag. Apparently, several companies in town can arrange this. Youll set off to the Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake in a minivan and arrive at the launch site. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. A natural monument shaped by time, wind and water is as special as it sounds. 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. They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. In my opinion, the best time to go is December or March when the crowds have dispersed yet the weather is still good. Hernan Lara is an amateur photographer born in a region of Chile called Araucania. The Aysen Region of Northern Patagonia has a harsh, cold climate. Also keep in mind that the boarder usually only opens between 8am 8pm. It was sold out. This 6,000-year-old formation of marble caverns is washed with turquoise blue waters. Indeed, SafetyWing is cheaper than almost all other travel insurance policies and covers just as much and sometimes more. It was annoying as we were so excited to get to the Marble Caves and didnt want to be wasting any time. This cave has crystals as big as multiple skyscrapers, as well as a beautiful jewel that seamlessly blends immediately in front of tourists' eyes. We had a private guide just for the two of us. 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. They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. You can experience the lake's network of tunnels, marble caves and other sights by kayak. Prior booking for camping is usually unnecessary even in peak season. So accommodation was plentiful. Did you known these waterfalls are tucked deep in the Mexican jungle near the city of San Luis de Potosi? Yes, visiting the Marbles Caves is one of the best things you can do in the Chile part of Patagonia. Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Roam and Thrive is a member of several affiliate programs. If you decide to hire a car, we recommend booking in advance online using RentalCars.com. But, we had difficulty locating them. General Carrera Lake, also known as Lake Buenos Aires, is a large lake on the border of Argentina and Chile, mostly famous for its amazing vibrant blue and grey cave chambers in the lakes turquoise waters.Lake Buenos Aires / General Carrera Lake Stats. You have reached the Marble Caves in Chile a rare treat unlike anything else. To do this, take Route 40 to the town of Perito Moreno (not the glacier). We cant remember where we stayed, but we had the whole hotel to ourselves! Here are some reasons why tourists should visit the Marble Caves this summer. Tickets can also be purchased from Chaltn Travel at the main bus terminal. This means boats can navigate into the caves with greater ease and you wont get anywhere near as wet! This is certainly what we experienced. As far as were aware, there are no daytime options. The remarkable Marble caves, called Cuevas de Marmol in Spanish, have slowly been carved by nature for over 6,000 years. The best option at Terra Luna Lodge by far is opting for an apartment or bungalow with lake views for unique yet comfortable accommodation with simply outstanding facilities. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 27 min to complete. I have tried to visit the caves a few times and to be honest I didnt have much luck on my first visits. Its located in the Aysen region of Chile. The iridescent Marble Caves can be found near the border of Argentina and Chile, on General Carrera Lake in Patagonia. Boats depart from Puerto Rio Tranquillo and tours can go up to three times a day depending on demand. Chile's marble caves are an incredible sight, and the summer months provide the perfect climate for travelers to book their seafaring tours. The only company that has service in Puerto Rio Tranquillo is Entel. Leave them in the comments below Id be happy to help you out! However, heres a brief overview of what youll most likely be looking at in terms of your journey there: Seamlessly combine a trip to the Marble Caves on one of our completely customizable Chile Tours. They offered us a private transport service to Puerto Rio Tranquilo for around $130,000CLP ($155USD) split between a maximum of four people ($32,500CLP/$38.50USD per person). Care should be used when using these other names because they may refer to other specific features within the marble caves. But it seemed there were plenty of cabins available anyway. Discover the Marble Caves Chile, Patagonias beautiful wonder. If youre interested in camping, there are a number of campsites in Puerto Rio Tranquillo, the best being Camping Rio Chirifo. Its natural beauty has made it one of South America's most sought-after tourist destinations. Here are my favourite options in the area: Terra Luna Lodge This unique cabin/lodge located right on General Carrera lake offers a number of different and incredible accommodation options, Patagonia cabin-style. Your email address will not be published. Furious waves crashed upon the marble for years, gradually shaping the curving walls. But, its possible to book this bus (from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico) at the Chaltn Travel office at the El Chaltn bus station. In the lobby, youll find a warming fireplace and they also have a good onsite restaurant. The Marble Caves are located about 220 kilometers (137 miles) south of the small city of Coyhaique. General Carrera Lake is one of the most picturesque bodies of water in Patagonia. Use the form below to find the best car rental rates in Chile. If you have less time you can always take a day trip from the city of Coyhaique. Although, as mentioned before, let us know if transport options to the Marble Caves in Chile have changed and well update this guide! By telling you about our experience, we hope the journey to the Marble Caves in Chile is simple and straightforward for you. Keep in mind that accommodation options in Puerto Rio Tranquilo are fairly limited. 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. The Patagonia Caves themselves are located on the General Carrera Lake, Chiles largest lake which it shares with Argentina. You can quite easily kayak around it, getting closer to notice the unique rock patterns. Our goal was to reach Puerto Guadal. This route is considerably easier than the one above from El Chalten. The best way to get to Puerto Rio Tranquillo and the Chile Chico Marble Caves is by car. But, booking a Marble Caves boat tour is actually the easy part! The marble caves are located in Chilean Patagonia. So, you have finally figured out how to visit the Marble Caves in Chile! Jump right in and get inspired! They fell off and dispersed in water over time. Coastal erosion is also the cause as to why the cathedral's form shifts over time. Make sure not to miss the Ventisquero Colgante Glacier in Queulat National Park, another of Patagonias gems. On a clear day, the brilliant blue ocean may be seen throughout. In the worst-case scenario that you miss the morning bus in Chile Chico, Transportes Costa Carrera may offer another option. 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. Winters are snowy and frigid and summers are cool. Dont worry! It may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but fishing at General Carrera Lake is an incredibly popular pursuit. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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 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. Parque Patagonia has the nearest hiking opportunities to Lago General Carrera. Here youll get set up and briefed by your guide and youll set off together towards the caves. 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. 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. The host is very nice. It is the fifth largest lake in South America. Take a look at their official website for some example hiking itineraries to suit every level. 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. It took me until recently, on my third attempt, to have a successful experience at the caves! We did a kayaking tour with Tribu Patagonia and we loved it. Are you interested in collaborating with Roam & Thrive? She graduated from Seattle University, with a Bachelor's degree in International Business. This community is just miles away from the Chile frontier. Youll have to cross the border at Chile Chico and drive to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to access the marble caves. If so, youll likely be travelling to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten. After you land at Balmaceda Airport (BBA), you'll have to continue on to Puerto Rio . So be careful with your belongings as they will get wet! Highly recommended - Phone: We to talk! However, these strong walls of the marble cave in Patagonia did not instantly mold into the unique structure you see today. There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. The caverns are situated in crystal-clear, blue water. 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. Last updated on March 16th, 2021 at 06:02 pm, How to Get There, What to Expect & When to Visit. Of course, you may not need to get buses or fly if you decide to hire a car. Personally, we decided against this because the normal bus service is much cheaper. We really appreciate the time youve taken to explain the current logistics for visiting this awesome attraction. At its deepest, it has a depth of 1,923 feet (586 m). Commonly, travellers will make their way south to north in Patagonia. Admittedly, we got absolutely soaked. If booking this way, we would recommend doing so at least a few days ahead of time, just in case. Hitchhiking is also possible along the Carretera Austral in Chile, however, rides are few and far between outside of the summer months. The Marble Caves are located in Puerto Rio Tranquilo in the Chile part of Patagonia. The weather in this area of South America is generally cold and humid. Some places offer wifi but not all and most guesthouses offer run-of-the-mill rooms with shared bathrooms. *This chile marbles caves post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. The clear waters and designs of the marble caves. The standard boat tour costs $10,000 CLP ($13) per person. If youve opted for the longer boat tour there are a few other sights to see on the other side of the lake near Puerto Sanchez. It is often booked out so if you dont have a lot of time you better make a reservation in advance. So, if youre leaving Puerto Rio Tranquilo the next morning, this works perfectly. It's a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. Sample traditional dishes such as lamb, wild boar, fish, and seafood accompanied by the best Chilean wines. This means its not uncommon for accommodation to book out in advance. There really is no easy way to travel there. The climate in this part of Chile is damp and frigid. The suns reflection off the beautiful blue glacial water exacerbates the rocks blues, whites, pinks and yellows. Tourists visiting Argentina will enter the caverns through the village of Los Antiguos. Prepare to be utterly captivated by volcanoes, mountains, glaciers and lakes in Northern Patagonia, a montage of some of the most spectacular natural sites Chile has to offer. The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. It had admittedly fairly average Wifi. The bow of your boat moves straight through the mouth of the solid grotto and immediately, you notice a ceiling of bold, swirling lines so bright they must have been painted on. Unlike most other insurance companies, theres an option to pay on a monthly basis, similar to having a prepaid phone plan. If youre planning a backpacking trip in Torres del Paine, for example, youll want to spend between 5 and 10 days there; but those with plans for a few light walks and sightseeing drives in that national park might find that 2 to 3 days are enough. Postcard moments from Sedona As there are no engines running so you can really feel the peace and power of this magical location. This location is certainly off the beaten track. Its clean and vivid walls now mirror the lake's crystal clear waters, which vary colors according to water depth and season. These stunning caves were also situated at the heart of General Carrera Lake, and they . The lake underneath is an almost luminous turquoise, as well as the light bounces off the marble's subtle shades of bright colors, turquoise, and emerald. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Although youll likely be here for just a night or two so its no biggy! Also, many firms provide transportation services and ships to the caverns. The caves have many names, but the most famous of them is the "Capilla de Mrmol," or the Marble Chapel. The afternoon tours start running at around 2:30pm. Show more, No. 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. Thats unless youre willing to wait days at a time to get to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. For a less windy and wild ride try to book your tour for as early as you can in the morning. Try to do your tour in the morning. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit! This steamy and humid region of Mexico has so many incredible waterfalls and you could easily spend days here just visiting them all. The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Length 0.9 miElevation gain 180 ftRoute type Out & back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Unfortunately, youre not allowed to paddle inside the Marble Cathedral for preservation reasons. From the fabulous breakfast to the stunning spa make sure to check it out for your stay in Puglia. In 2023, the cost is around $45,000CLP/night ($56USD). The Marble Caves are one of the most stunning natural attractions in the world. These stunning caves were also situated at the heart of General Carrera Lake, and they can only be reached by kayak or boat. The bus from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo will arrive in time to do an afternoon tour, at around 1:452:15pm. Please do let me know if this would be possible considering weather and other conditions. Travel within Chile is: Unrestricted . Liked learning about all the best places South America has to offer? They turn the colors from warmer to midnight blue. Otherwise, booking upon arrival at a local car hire agency may be riskier in terms of availability and reliability. Check our rates and book here. Instead, this will be a completely aquatic adventure. Located right next to the Marble Cathedral, in the Marble Caves in Patagonia this location, as the name may suggest has a small tunnel which you can paddle through and really get close to the marble. These caves were formed over thousands of years by water erosion and are truly a natural wonder. 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. . Just below the surface are amazing rock formations that people often miss. The stunning turquoise waters of the marble caves in Chile's General Carrera Lake are a sight to behold. Theres really is no better company for all my insurance needs. The first trip I took was at the start of fall. Weve heard they charge around $35,000 per person ($43USD) for a kayaking tour. The rule of thumb being, when in Patagonia do not delay outdoor activities if the weather is good. Personally, we couldnt find this bus route on Busbud nor could we even book in advance on the Chaltn Travel website. The naturally sculpted caves are made completely of marble and formed by the water action. Wondering how these majestic blue caves formed? Life jackets will be provided, and the caves are accessible by small boats with a 10-passenger limit. On this itinerary, you'll get to experience the two most beautiful regions of Chile: the northern Atacama Desert and southern Patagonia. If this gem of a seaside town isnt in your Puglia itinerary just add it in there. and the rest of our team are ready to help you start planning your South America Holiday. The intensity of daylight reaching the cave and the volume of water of the lake are continually shifting. Bellavista Camping also offers kayaking tours, usually for a cheaper rate too. The perfect little euro city break. Unfortunately, getting to the Marble Caves in Chile is notoriously time-consuming and difficult to get to. The Marble Cathedral is situated in Patagonia, Chile, on the coast of General Carrera Lake. Our host at the campground in Elqui Valley where we . The Marble Caves of Lake General Carrera, Chilean Patagonia. The Marble Caves are located on the border between Argentina and Chile. The above information is critical in order to plan your route to the Marble Caves in Chile. The biggest advantage of going to the caves in a kayak is the fact that you can get much closer to the caves than the boat can. Exploring Chile's Marble Caves does require any special equipment. This would be in time for the buses that head to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. While it doesnt happen often you might get some spray or rain on the boat or kayak. Turismo Tramal: unfortunately, according to Turismo Tramal, their current departure time is 9am. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these . Chilean Patagonia is home to the most beautiful caves found in the world, without exaggeration! Tucked deep into the fjords of the Aysen Region of Chile is the San Rafael Glacier. Chile's marble caves are an incredible sight, and the summer months provide the perfect climate for travelers to book their seafaring tours. RELATED:Destination Slovenia: Are The Postojna Caves Worth Visiting? The site is accessible only by boat, but the spectacle is worth your efforts. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Marble Caves and Marble Cathedral are best reached via Puerto Tranquilo, Chile. Now you know how to get there, lets talk about the extraordinary boat tour. Press on the image below to find out more. For the last few years, Ive been usingSafetywing Nomad Insurancefor all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle. Some of the most famous landforms at the Marble Caves in Chile are known as the Chapel and the Marble Cathedral. Furthermore, the marble cathedral was formed through countless generations of weathering. They are found along the truly outstanding stretch of road known as the Carretera Austral. How to Get to the Marble Caves of Chile The Marble Caves in Chile are located about 5 km south of the village of Puerto Rio Tranquillo along the Austral Highway in Chile's Aysen Region. The temperature in the areas surrounding the lake, on the other hand, varies from warm to chilly. Hotel Loberas del Sur is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventure, luxurious amenities, and spectacular views of Chilean Patagonia. 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. As a result, each tour of the caverns is exceptional. In a place called Puerto Tranquilo there are many boats that offer excursions to the Marble Caves and we booked the most convenient one. The earliest bus from Coyhaique should also arrive in time for the afternoon tour. For information about other great things to do in Patagonia, please read our Perito Moreno (Los Glaciares National Park), Hanging Glacier and Laguna Cerro Castillo guides. 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. The Marble Caves of Chile are a destination I have visited many times. It happened to us. For those able to travel in Patagonia for longer, El Chalten is a great launch pad for the long journey north to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to visit the Marble Caves. We are the co-founders of Travel Made Me Do It a website dedicated to publishing comprehensive travel guides. And all transportation and accomodation costs doubled more or less. Youll have to call or email them directly. When you get off the bus, therell be local people offering a group tour for around $20,000CLP/person ($24USD). Print/PDF map. Its a bit of a paddle but totally worth it as you can get much closer to the caves than the boat does. Not to mention kayaking or being on a boat for a few hours in the rain and wind might be a bit miserable. 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. All Rights Reserved. SouthAmerica.travel 19992023. The bus usually departs around 9pm, arriving in Los Antiguos at about 7:308am. Or contact us today to begin planning your trip to the Marble Caves in Patagonia, Chile! For shorter trips, its also possible to use Nomad Insurance for trips lasting days or weeks. Made Out Of Pure Marble, These Incredible Caves Change Color Throughout The Year. 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. FYI if you do end up needing to cross the border by foot, the border crossing is usually open from 8am8pm. The accommodation was warm and cosy with a large kitchen area. It's an Instagram-worthy natural beauty that can only be seen through a kayak or boat. . 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. Lets look at the options below. What kind of fish are in general Carrera Lake? Each room oozes that ski-chalet cosiness where you can relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate looking at the turquoise lake beyond. In the post is the link to the tour company we used. The Marble Caves of Chile are one of the most fantastic tourist destinations globally. Expect to pay around $15,000CLP per person ($20USD). 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. Make sure to add Huasteca Potosina to your next Mexico itinerary. We'll spice it with hidden gems & personal tips to create your perfect trip. 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. So, we headed to our accommodation, checked in our bags and headed back to the old port.