Tourists in Chile have a chance to experience extreme opposites in terms of landscape and climatic conditions, from the mysterious statue-filled Easter Island to the Atacama Desert and Chilean Lake District. However, a select few travelers to Chile also explore the fascinating Marble Caves in the Patagonia region. Also known as the Capillas de Mármol, these beautiful caves are located in the vast Carrera Lake. The only option to access these cave formations is by boat or kayak.
The Marble Caves of Chile were formed slowly over 6,000 years as the water from adjacent glaciers melted. As the water filled up the General Carrera Lake, rocks were naturally carved, creating intricate caverns, tunnels, and columns.
The glacial water is imbued with minerals, and so the Marble Cave formations were hued in shades of greens, blacks, and blues. The remote location does not deter tourists from exploring the Marble Caves. The rock formations have been given names like the chapel and the cathedral.
The Marble Caves are located on General Carrera Lake
The Marble Caves are situated on General Carrera Lake, which straddles Chile and Argentina. The nearby town in Chile from where you can access the Marble Caves is called Puerto Rio Tranquilo. It is a small town, and it thrives on tourists who come to see the caves.
To ensure your travel experience is a memorable one, seek the services of a local travel agency. Most of these agencies are in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Hiring a guide with a boat is the best option, as there are no improved roads to the caves off of Highway 7. Travel agencies usually do not accept cards, so bring cash.
It can take a couple of hours or more to explore the caves. It is prudent to wear adequate warm and water-resistant outer garments as the wind can be chilly, and the caves can be damp. Guides take visitors inside the Marble Caves, where they will have a great time exploring this region replete with unique geological formations.
It is better to visit the caves in the morning hours, as the weather is best in Patagonia in the early hours. Also, watching the sun rising above the lake can be a great experience, as the water around the caves keeps changing hues with the season, and that hue is reflected in the Marble Caves.
As for accommodation near General Carrera Lake, your options are limited. Puerto Rio Tranquillo is a small town with a handful of cabin-style hotels, and these won’t suit people who require comfort. Also, keep in mind that your tour can be canceled if the weather turns foul. Flying from Santiago to Balmaceda will also be necessary, and the roads to Puerto Rio Tranquilo are anything but pleasant.
While you can choose to visit the caves throughout the year, the ideal time is between December and March. During these months, the water level is at its lowest, so you will get a better view of the rock formations because the caves receive the most sunlight, resulting in a broader color spectrum inside. In the other months, the marbles will appear cerulean blue, which is still enticing.
While the multi-colored marble cave formations look out of the world, geologists say they will not last forever. Marble is soluble in water, and the caves are slowly disappearing. The rocks also have cracks, allowing water to seep into the small gaps. The cracks continue to grow with constant erosion, causing the caves to disintegrate slowly. However, that will not happen anytime soon, because it will likely take thousands of years for these magnificent caves to disappear.
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