If you are visiting the Marble Caves near Puerto Tranquilo, do not miss the chance for the day trip of a lifetime at the mighty San Rafael Glacier! They are found along the truly outstanding stretch of road known as the Carretera Austral. That's because they're quite challenging to get to! How to Visit the Marble Caves in Chile - Travel Outlandish We were told that its better to do a tour in the morning as mornings tend to be calmer with less wind which can make conditions choppier and colder on the water. Chile's marble caves are an incredible sight, and the summer months provide the perfect climate for travelers to book their seafaring tours. That way, you wont need to worry about how to get to the Marble Caves. Unfortunately, getting to the Marble Caves in Chile is notoriously time-consuming and difficult to get to. Furthermore, boat cruises are only available during the daytime. Well also cover information about buses travelling southwards to Peurto Rio Tranquilo, usually from Coyhaique or Villa Cerro Castillo. All buses going from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo are privately owned. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In addition, the little information available online about getting there is usually outdated. The best way to get to Puerto Rio Tranquillo and the Chile Chico Marble Caves is by car. Our goal was to reach Puerto Guadal. #puglia #pugliagram #masseria #masseriapuglia #masseriatorrecoccaro #puglialovers #pugliaitaly #pugliaview #cntraveler #travelandleisure #luxuryhotelsworld #luxuryhotels #carewhereyoustay #wellnesstravel #howitalyfeels #whatitalyis #travelanddestinations #europeansummer #italytravels, A slow, relaxing weekend in Salzburg If this gem of a seaside town isnt in your Puglia itinerary just add it in there. Anyway, before we dive into the nitty-gritty details about how to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to see the Marbles Caves, well answer some commonly asked questions about this natural wonder in Chile. 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. SouthAmerica.travel 19992023. The standard boat tour costs $10,000 CLP ($13) per person. Or contact us today to begin planning your trip to the Marble Caves in Patagonia, Chile! You can quite easily kayak around it, getting closer to notice the unique rock patterns. First, you'll have to take a 2.5-hour flight from Santiago, Chile to the city of Balmaceda. This is where the boat tours depart. From here you can explore the town and visit other cool places in the area such as Exploradores Glacier and Nutria Waterfall. Although youll likely be here for just a night or two so its no biggy! Just below the surface are amazing rock formations that people often miss. Marble Canyon. It may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but fishing at General Carrera Lake is an incredibly popular pursuit. If you stay present, and think about this fact, it leaves you speechless. Furious waves crashed upon the marble for years, gradually shaping the curving walls. Not knowing this meant we had to cross the border between Los Antiguos and Chile Chico on foot! Although, as mentioned before, let us know if transport options to the Marble Caves in Chile have changed and well update this guide! The hotel is located in Puerto Chacabuco (Aysn Region), approximately two hours from the Balmaceda Airport. It requires a short ride by speedboat or, with good weather, a . Indeed, youll need to take a boat tour to explore the marvellous Marble Caves in Chile. The Marble Caves can be visited from Argentina by car. Furthermore, the marble cathedral was formed through countless generations of weathering. 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. In that case, youll need to get yourself from Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Chile Chico. Check our rates and book here. If you stay present, and think about this fact, it leaves you speechless. Certainly make sure you have at the very least a waterproof bag cover. Admittedly, Chile Chico doesnt get much tourism except for those passing by on their way north. The are two different boat tours to choose from, the simple 1.5-hour tour which takes you to the main caves or the more comprehensive 3-hour tour which also includes going across the lake to Puerto Sanchez. 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. The kayak tour with Bellavista camping was really great. Margo was born and raised in Bellevue, Washington. Theres also an element of peace and serenity to it. Boats depart from Puerto Rio Tranquillo and tours can go up to three times a day depending on demand. If so, youll likely be travelling to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten. These stunning caves were also situated at the heart of General Carrera Lake, and they can only be reached by kayak or boat. RELATED:Destination Slovenia: Are The Postojna Caves Worth Visiting? 11 Exciting Facts About Marble Caves, Chile From Balmacede Airport, you should then head to Coyhaique. We recommend booking this bus in advance. This structure can only be reached by boat. Marble Caves in Patagonia, Chile: How to Get There & When to Visit, Choose Colombia & Panama destinations (optional), Choose Ecuador & Galapagos destinations (optional), Choose Paraguay & Uruguay destinations (optional), Choose Patagonia & Antarctica destinations (optional). Certainly, getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, to see the Marble Caves isnt straightforward. RELATED:Explore The Underwater World Of Jamaica's Green Grotto Caves. . What we didnt know was that Chaltn Travel usually runs a morning bus service from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico. It is often booked out so if you dont have a lot of time you better make a reservation in advance. So be careful with your belongings as they will get wet! However, for a particularly stunning experience, you ought to visit Chile from December to March. 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 27 min to complete. Algae or other marine life are also present. But if you are doing this trip you need to know that you have to walk or hitch hike between the border. On this itinerary, you'll get to experience the two most beautiful regions of Chile: the northern Atacama Desert and southern Patagonia. The Marble Caves are on a peninsula of marble on the border of the lake, and are like a natural void filled with just marble. 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. Travel within Chile is: Unrestricted . If you have an additional 30 seconds wed love to learn more about you. Not to mention kayaking or being on a boat for a few hours in the rain and wind might be a bit miserable. Marble Caves, Chile | Bizarre Beauty Personally, we wanted to drop our bags off first. Commonly, travellers will make their way south to north in Patagonia. It was sold out. From the fabulous breakfast to the stunning spa make sure to check it out for your stay in Puglia. The area also receives a lot of rainfall all year round so make sure to come prepared with warm clothes and waterproofs. So accommodation was plentiful. While General Carrera Lake is a large lake spanning both Chile and Argentina, you cant access the marble caves from Argentina. Tourists can only enter the caverns via boat and view all of the tiny and large water passageways and the many patterns of color and texture for them to see its beauty. In the native tongue, the caves are known as "Cuevas de Mrmol.". The information below can become outdated quickly. Child (age 3 to 10): CLP$ 59.000 per person. The Marble Caves of Chilean Patagonia (Travel Guide) The first town on the Chilean side is Chile Chico. The best time of the year to visit the Marble Caves is roughly between September and February when the ice melts feeding the lake and the color of the water is particularly enchanting. We are the co-founders of Travel Made Me Do It a website dedicated to publishing comprehensive travel guides. FYI if you do end up needing to cross the border by foot, the border crossing is usually open from 8am8pm. We had to wait until the next day for the bus to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Groups can negotiate a reduced rate. Related post you might like for other cool things to do in Patagonia: Ventisquero Colgante Glacier: How to Visit Queulat National Park, Chile, Driving the Epic Carretera Austral Chile: Everything You Need to Know, The Ultimate El Chalten Travel Guide | Argentinas Fitz Roy Range, A Short Guide To Visiting The Perito Moreno Glacier. You can also paddle into the Marble Tunnel which boats cant fit into. The Marble Caves are one of the most stunning natural attractions in the world. Over the years the marble on the sides of these islets has been smoothed down by the mineral-rich water exposing unique patterns of yellow, brown, grey and green striations. These Are The Most Breathtaking Japanese Gardens In The U.S. 10 Best Hiking Trails In North Cascades National Park. This may compromise your chances of being allowed to get closer to and inside the caves. RELATED:These Malaysian Caves Hold Hindu Temples Deep Within. Visitors can take a boat tour through the caves to admire their beauty up close. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Your attention drifts to the surrounding rock walls covered in various shades of blue, including sapphire, seafoam greens, and turquoise. The only way to visit the Marble Caves is by boat, kayak, or ferry. Never stop believing! Now weve covered what the Marble Caves are, where they are and when to visit, lets talk about how to get there! The design seems more extensive and robust than the pillars that embrace it when viewed outside. Best Time to See Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mrmol in Chile 2023 Furthermore, the Marble Caves are a natural geological feature, though fanciful. Find the travel option that best suits you. Patagonia's hidden gem: The Marble Cathedral - itinari Did I mention they also have a beach club for you to spend afternoons in sipping spritzes? To visit the caves visitors must be in Chile because that is the side the marble caves are located. 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. You can contact them also in advance. Always make sure to have plenty of food with you and ideally a tent when hitchhiking. They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. To book a cabin in advance, we contacted Bellavista Camping via Whatsapp (+56981528505). Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. . Please leave us a comment to help us and your fellow travellers keep up to date with the latest information about visiting the Marble Caves. Highly recommended - Phone: We to talk! Also, getting there is a headache if tourists aren't already on an extensive Patagonia road adventure. Some places offer wifi but not all and most guesthouses offer run-of-the-mill rooms with shared bathrooms. There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. Show more, Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga. If you decide to hire a car, we recommend booking in advance online using RentalCars.com. The stone was progressively disintegrated as the lake's water level rose. We even got to pick the room we wanted. Its located in the Aysen region of Chile. 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. With good weather, the Marble Caves are an unmissable feature of this part of the Carretera Austral. Show more, No. If youre travelling through Patagonia from top to bottom, then you may be needing to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from Coyhaique. The temperature in the areas surrounding the lake, on the other hand, varies from warm to chilly. Hiking Always a popular pursuit in Patagonia, you can hike at General Carrera Lake. This small income allows me to continue providing you with quality, insightful and most importantly, free content. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Even though we had our own, Tribu Patagonia did actually offer us a phone and camera dry bag. With a slight shift of your gaze over the edge of the boat, you spot distinct rock formations clearly through the translucent water, leaving you in awe about the world that lives miles and miles below the surface. Try to time your visit for when the weather is good. Personally, Beck and I have used SafetyWings Nomad Insurance many times. You should book this along with the overnight bus if you hadnt done so already on Busbud. Ill be visiting Chile in mid April, 2023 and would also like to see the Marble Caves at times. There are two main tour options; boat and kayak and all tours can be booked on arrival. Indeed, SafetyWing is cheaper than almost all other travel insurance policies and covers just as much and sometimes more. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you should stick around in one of the surrounding Patagonia lodges. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Roam & Thrive is designed to help you wander slowly and consciously. In a place called Puerto Tranquilo there are many boats that offer excursions to the Marble Caves and we booked the most convenient one. . There are plenty of wilderness activities available to you in the area. Personally, we decided against this because the normal bus service is much cheaper. As far as were aware, these companies do not display any bus departure times or confirmed days of travel online. 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. For my next trip I would like to visit the caves by kayak. Enjoy the rest of your time in Patagonia. As the bus from Los Antiguos doesnt arrive until approx. The marble caves in southern Chile can be found in various listings, describing the greatest wonders or most magical sights of the world. They take advanced bookings with a 20% deposit made by international bank transfer. Kayaking tour: there are also options to rent a kayak to explore with a guide for anywhere between $35,000$45,000CLP per person ($4356USD). Print/PDF map. They have camp sites that are really cheap. At times, the lake's water will radiate pink or white hues. On a clear day, the brilliant blue ocean may be seen throughout. . Its even possible to head straight to the port from the bus (arriving from Chile Chico or Coyhaique) to do a Marble Caves tour. UPDATE: Please read through the comments at the end for the latest details on the border crossing, current transport options and costs. Chilean summer (December- February) is the best time to visit but its also the most crowded, especially February. The Marble Caves are a spectacular attraction, however, they couldnt be much more secluded if they tried. Use the form below to find the best car rental rates in Chile. This is because private transportation companies continue to offer different services. Youll have to cross the border at Chile Chico and drive to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to access the marble caves. 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. 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. The climate in this part of Chile is damp and frigid. Despite the beauty of these caves, theyre not seen by a huge number of tourists. 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. Hi. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Our stay at @masseriatorrecoccaro couldnt have been better. an hour later, you would be unable to take this bus if you wanted to leave for Puerto Rio Tranquilo the same day. There are two smaller formations which are known as La Capilla the Chapel which rise from the lake, and La Cueva the Cave. Expect to pay around $15,000CLP per person ($20USD). The other reason we chose the caves in the afternoon was that heavy rain was forecast for the next few days. Although never ideal, the overnight bus is a time-efficient way to cover the distance. Of course, theres always a chance that something like this can happen when travelling in a rural area with irregular transport. So, we headed to our accommodation, checked in our bags and headed back to the old port. As mentioned, if youre doing an afternoon tour of the Marble Caves in Chile, make sure to pack plenty of waterproof gear. Getting to the Marble Caves from Coyhaique. The afternoon tours start running at around 2:30pm. 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. As there are no engines running so you can really feel the peace and power of this magical location. Everywhere you look here, theres a photo opportunity. Discover the Marble Caves Chile, Patagonias beautiful wonder. All Rights Reserved. Thats unless youre willing to wait days at a time to get to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Bellavista Camping also offers kayaking tours, usually for a cheaper rate too. A natural monument shaped by time, wind and water is as special as it sounds. The bus from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo will arrive in time to do an afternoon tour, at around 1:452:15pm. It is the fifth largest lake in South America. 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. Unfortunately, youre not allowed to paddle inside the Marble Cathedral for preservation reasons. Marble Caves of Chile Chico - Atlas Obscura The first trip I took was at the start of fall. The only way to visit the Marble Caves is by boat, kayak, or ferry. A masseria is a traditional form of accommodation you wont find anywhere else but Puglia and southern Italy. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. General Carrera Lake - Chile Travel Youll find all the tour agencies on the main road by the lake and you can enquire directly with them about tours and costs. They fell off and dispersed in water over time. Below, well talk about some fun facts about the Marble Caves in Chile. Your email address will not be published. There are several combinations of transport to the Marble Caves, including tours that guide you the whole way. Sedona . This insurance isnt just for digital nomads, its for everyone and anyone needing travel insurance for their trips. The kayak tour starts with a transfer (included) 5km south to Bahia Mansa. Rentalcars.comandAuto Europefor quick and easy car rentals worldwide, Get Your GuideandViatorfor tours and adventures around the world. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these . The intensity of daylight reaching the cave and the volume of water of the lake are continually shifting. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Most people will use buses to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to see the Marble Caves. Not all phone companies cover the area. Usually, buses depart at around 6:30am and 9:30am and take about five hours. 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. But, when we visited in February 2020, there was definitely a bus departing at 11:30am with this company. The Marble Caves in Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, are one of the most stunning natural landscapes you'll find in Patagonia and in all of South America. Lets look at the options below. The site is accessible only by boat, but the spectacle is worth your efforts. Services are limited so try to buy your ticket at least the day before, especially when travelling during the high season. Its natural beauty has made it one of South America's most sought-after tourist destinations. Also, colors transition to vivid colors as the ice caps melt. Despite the beauty of these caves, they're not seen by a huge number of tourists. There really is no easy way to travel there. The Marble Caves are a series of beautiful caves dotted along the shore of the General Carrera Lake in Chile. At its deepest, it has a depth of 1,923 feet (586 m). Find them here. Travel down the Carretera Austral and experience not only the Marble Caves but many other beautiful destinations. Our host at the campground in Elqui Valley where we . The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The Marble Caves of Chile - 43BlueDoors How much time you plan on spending in Patagonia is entirely up to you. Make sure not to miss the Ventisquero Colgante Glacier in Queulat National Park, another of Patagonias gems. It is formed when sedimentary rocks get compacted with heat and pressure. It's a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. But, its possible to book this bus (from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico) at the Chaltn Travel office at the El Chaltn bus station. 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. We are matching your tour idea with the right Travel Consultant If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit! But, it meant arriving in Chile Chico at around 11:45am. These beautiful caves are located in the middle of General Carrera Lake and can be only accessed by boat or kayak. Lake Buenos Aires If you cant make it to the Marble Caves during Chiles spring season, dont fret! . Your email address will not be published. Then it's off to the north and the otherworldly desert landscapes of Atacama. We did a kayaking tour with Tribu Patagonia and we loved it. Infant (age 0 to 2, with child chair): CLP$ 23.000 per person. Also, many firms provide transportation services and ships to the caverns. The Marble Caves ( also called the Capillas de Mrmol) is one of the best-hidden gems in Chile's Patagonia region. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Marble Caves of Chile are made of marble. The caves' water colors shift from enchantingly turquoise-blue during spring to deep blue in summer, with the walls reflecting in the water to create a captivating visual effect. Marble Caves, Chile - Don't Complain Travel So when its your turn to get to the Marble Caves in Chile, make sure to contact the company to find out the latest. We cant remember where we stayed, but we had the whole hotel to ourselves! Find out how to visit here. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Make sure to add Huasteca Potosina to your next Mexico itinerary. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Thank you for your request! The weather in Patagonia is everchanging so its best to bring many layers for the trip as it does get cold. Destination Slovenia: Are The Postojna Caves Worth Visiting? Required fields are marked *. Certainly, from our mistakes, we can advise on the best way to get to the Marble Caves in Chile. Nearby, the monkey puzzle tree forests of Alerce Andino National Park are laced with hiking trails. Perhaps, booking ahead for Bellavista Camping isnt essential. From Coyhaique, youll get a bus going to Cochrane, which passes through Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The kayak tour costs $40,000 ($52) per person but its completely worth the extra spend. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. Although, if the weather permits, the water during a morning tour is usually calmer. Published Feb 20, 2022. Each room oozes that ski-chalet cosiness where you can relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate looking at the turquoise lake beyond. However, these strong walls of the marble cave in Patagonia did not instantly mold into the unique structure you see today. Actually, we booked the bus the day before for $10,000CLP/person ($12USD) after doing our afternoon Marble Caves boat tour. If youre interested in camping, there are a number of campsites in Puerto Rio Tranquillo, the best being Camping Rio Chirifo. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. . Explore Chile's Beautiful Color-Changing Marble Caves Please note, that for the rest of the journey beyond Los Antiguos, its well-known, that booking and planning in advance is difficult. The lake's water level will be at its low throughout the spring. It returns leaving Puerto Ro tranquilo at 5 pm for 20.000 CLP. They only run in the early and mid-morning.

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