Can you visit the Marble Caves Chile?
The only way to visit the Marble Caves is by boat, kayak, or ferry. 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.
Can you swim in the Marble Caves Chile?
The glacier water in General Carrera lake always stays super cold throughout the year so you won’t need to wear a bathing suit on the Marble Cave tour as swimming or falling into the water can be pretty dangerous.
Where are the blue Marble Caves?
Carved by Nature The Marble Caves (also known as Cuevas de Mármol) are located in the Patagonian Andes, on a peninsula of solid marble. This unique geological formation sits in waters shared by Argentina and Chile, and is only accessible by boat.
What color are the rocks in the caves of Chile Chico?
The caves were formed as a result of the ocean waves constantly lapping against calcium carbonate. Over time, the wave’s actions smoothed the stone into what it is today, a magnificent blue wonder. Currently, calcium carbonate makes up 95% of the rocks which are estimated to weigh around 5.5 billion tons.
Are the Marble Caves worth it?
With good weather, the Marble Caves are an unmissable feature of this part of the Carretera Austral. If you’re in the area, it’s 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.
How old are the Marble Caves?
Dubbed as the most beautiful cave network in the world, Cuevas de Marmol (Marble Caves) is a 6,000-year-old sculpture hewn by the crashing waves of Lake General Carrera of Patagonia in Southern Chile.
How much does it cost to go to the Marble Caves?
The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. If you prefer, it is also possible to rent a kayak and paddle to the Marble Caves for about 35,000 CLP ($50 USD).
Where are Marble Caves in Chile?
Patagonia
The marble caves are located near the village of Puerto Rio Tranquilo on the western shores of General Carrera Lake in Patagonia, southern Chile. Visiting them is no city-slicker day trip and the attraction is best tackled as part of a broader Patagonian itinerary.
Why are the Marble Caves blue?
Over time, harsh waves washed up against the marble repeatedly, slowly carving the walls into the waves’ likeness. Likewise, the walls reflect the color of the lake. In the summer, as glaciers melt and water levels rise, the caves deepen in color to shades of cobalt and royal blue.
How did Marble Caves form?
The Marble Caves are a natural —albeit fantastical— geological formation. This cave system, located in the center of General Carrera Lake, was formed around 6,000 years ago by the relentless action of the lake’s waves. The Marble Cathedral and Marble Chapel are two of the largest caves you can explore in the system.
How old are the marble caves?
Where are the Marble Caves in Patagonia Chile?
The Marble Caves are accessible from a small village, Puerto Rio Tranquilo ( Google Maps ), in Chile’s Aysén region, right on the infamous Ruta 7. On the western shore of Lago General Carrera, Puerto Rio Tranquilo village is tiny, covering about three by five blocks.
Where are the best hidden gems in Chile?
The Marble Caves ( also called the Capillas de Mármol) is one of the best-hidden gems in Chile’s Patagonia region. If you are planning a trip down the scenic Carretera Austral Highway in southern Chile, the Marble Caves is a must!
Which is the closest town to Marble Caves?
The closest town to the Marble Caves is Puerto Rio Tranquilo in southern Chile. Puerto Rio Tranquilo town itself is very small and the majority of the businesses here cater to Marble Cave visitors. You’ve got a few restaurants, hostels, a gas station but that’s about it.
When is the best time to visit caves in Chile?
While the caves are at their brightest during the spring, consider visiting during the summer (December to February). The lake water is higher during this time of the year which causes a deeper shade of blue to evolve. Make sure you’ve checked Chile’s visa rules and guidelines.