We are the co-founders of Travel Made Me Do It a website dedicated to publishing comprehensive travel guides. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. However as it is winter , low season, there are less operators, bette phone to them (no mails) Unfortunately, its a little too small for boats to pass. If youre feeling up for a bit of adventure all while seeing the Marble Caves, Chile Id highly recommend going for the kayak option. Try to time your visit for when the weather is good. But, when we visited in February 2020, there was definitely a bus departing at 11:30am with this company. The only way to visit the Marble Caves is by boat, kayak, or ferry. While the caves are at their brightest during the spring, consider visiting during the summer (December to February). The Marble Caves are known for having extraordinary rock and cliff formations. Liked learning about all the best places South America has to offer? From Balmacede Airport, you should then head to Coyhaique. Be as specific or general as you like - or click Help Me Decide! Your email address will not be published. From Coyhaique, youll get a bus going to Cochrane, which passes through Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The Aysen Region of Northern Patagonia has a harsh, cold climate. Once you're there, you'll have to travel another several hours: the caves are a twisty, hilly, 120-mile (193-kilometer) drive away. These caves were formed over thousands of years by water erosion and are truly a natural wonder. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting the marble caves in Chile. We love to work with like-minded brands and individuals so if you have an idea we might like don't hesitate to get in touch. Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. The hotel has a direct relationship with some of the most popular attractions in Chilean Patagonia. Of course, you may not need to get buses or fly if you decide to hire a car. The only company that has service in Puerto Rio Tranquillo is Entel. Below, well talk about some fun facts about the Marble Caves in Chile. This one: +56 9 82453764 is much cheaper (we payed only 15.000 CLP for the way back to Chile Chico) and leaves Chile Chico at 9 am and returns from Puerto Rio Tranquilo at 3 pm. Instead, this will be a completely aquatic adventure. Transportes Costa Carrera: fortunately, Transportes Costa Carrera has a 10am departure and can be reserved in advance. Or contact us today to begin planning your trip to the Marble Caves in Patagonia, Chile! If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you should stick around in one of the surrounding Patagonia lodges. Its a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. Furthermore, boat cruises are only available during the daytime. 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. Ill be visiting Chile in mid April, 2023 and would also like to see the Marble Caves at times. The San Rafael Glacier receives far fewer visitors leaving you plenty of room to explore its icy terrain. Although never ideal, the overnight bus is a time-efficient way to cover the distance. They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. Everywhere you look here, theres a photo opportunity. #salzburg #salzburgo #salzburg #austriavacations #austriagram #visitaustria, Fairytale places to exist and dreams do some true Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. But it seemed there were plenty of cabins available anyway. This may compromise your chances of being allowed to get closer to and inside the caves. . This unique geological formation cannot be directly accessed by land. 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. Despite the beauty of these caves, they're not seen by a huge number of tourists. This insurance isnt just for digital nomads, its for everyone and anyone needing travel insurance for their trips. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for all of our latest hiking adventures! Tours are offered throughout the day, however, on most days the wind picks up in the afternoon making the lake choppier. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Coastal erosion is also the cause as to why the cathedral's form shifts over time. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. There are plenty of wilderness activities available to you in the area. Otherwise, booking upon arrival at a local car hire agency may be riskier in terms of availability and reliability. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit! Outdoors . Also, kayaks and small boats were only utilized because passages are tight and tiny. 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. They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The sidewalls of the caverns also shift to various colors of blue regularly. The Marble Caves are located about 220 kilometers (137 miles) south of the small city of Coyhaique. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Certainly, getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, to see the Marble Caves isnt straightforward. 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. The afternoon tours start running at around 2:30pm. This procedure has been going on for over 600 years. From here you can explore the town and visit other cool places in the area such as, Cool Countryside and Windmill Driving Tours from Amsterdam, How to See the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands, Chiricahua National Monument: The Land of Standing-Up Rocks, The Columbia River Gorge: A Natural Wonder in Washington & Oregon, Insights into Hiking the Birthing Cave of Sedona, Arizona. As mentioned, if youre doing an afternoon tour of the Marble Caves in Chile, make sure to pack plenty of waterproof gear. RELATED:Explore The Underwater World Of Jamaica's Green Grotto Caves. Specifically, Nomad Insurance includes medical cover as well as standard cover for travel-related mishaps. By Hernan Lara March 4, 2022. 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 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. It's a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. If youre travelling through Patagonia from top to bottom, then you may be needing to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from Coyhaique. No, as far as were aware, you cant swim at the Marble Caves in Chile, Patagonia. Sport fishing enthusiasts from all over the world come to the pristine lake for its rich and plentiful source of trout and salmon. General Carrera Lake is one of the most picturesque bodies of water in Patagonia. Travel down the Carretera Austral and experience not only the Marble Caves but many other beautiful destinations. How to get to General Carrera Lake Usually all Kayak tours are 45.000 CLP and boat tours between 20.000-25.000 CLP. The colors of the caves vary with the seasons sometimes, the caves lighten and transform into softer colors; other . The perfect little euro city break. We recommend booking this bus in advance. The sealed road stops a little past Villa Cerro Castillo and turns into a gravel road that takes you all the way to Puerto Rio Tranquillo. 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. It is often booked out so if you dont have a lot of time you better make a reservation in advance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Roam & Thrive is designed to help you wander slowly and consciously. Throughout this site, you might find affiliate links from which I may make a small commission if you choose to click or purchase something, at no extra cost to you. Its a bit of a paddle out to get to the marble caves but nothing any fit and healthy individual cant handle. However, for a particularly stunning experience, you ought to visit Chile from December to March. The good news is, Transportes Costa Carrera actually works with Chaltn Travel and waits until the Los Antiguos bus arrives before departing to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. You cant fly directly there from overseas. Last updated on March 16th, 2021 at 06:02 pm, How to Get There, What to Expect & When to Visit. 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. This makes it near impossible to plan a trip to the Marbles Caves at this time. Indeed, SafetyWing is cheaper than almost all other travel insurance policies and covers just as much and sometimes more. Despite the beauty of these caves, theyre not seen by a huge number of tourists. But, booking a Marble Caves boat tour is actually the easy part! The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. If booking this way, we would recommend doing so at least a few days ahead of time, just in case. Also, he still accepted our deposit from the night before. The Marble Caves in southern Chile are a striking sight. So accommodation was plentiful. Our stay at @masseriatorrecoccaro couldnt have been better. Its smooth and vibrant walls are now a reflection of the lakes azure waters, which often change in color depending on the water levels and time of year. RELATED:Destination Slovenia: Are The Postojna Caves Worth Visiting? Also keep in mind that the boarder usually only opens between 8am 8pm. It has been estimated that these vast sections of marble weigh 5000 million tonnes and consist of 94% calcium carbonate. 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. At its deepest, it has a depth of 1,923 feet (586 m). 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. We still made it and it was wonderful. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 27 min to complete. Thats your best chance for the latest information about timetables, departure time and availability. Large deposits of marble have been carved by wind and waves for thousands of years, creating the caves we see today. But if you are doing this trip you need to know that you have to walk or hitch hike between the border. Onyx + Rose Pure Bloom Mint Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning and Stainless Steel Water Bottle With UV Water Purifier. This means boats can navigate into the caves with greater ease and you wont get anywhere near as wet! The colorful Marble Caves transport you to another level of contemplation, especially when you ponder the fact that the rocks were polished over thousands of years of geological time. 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. Commonly, travellers will make their way south to north in Patagonia. We were able to organise a bus to Villa Cerro Castillo from Puerto Rio Tranquilo heading to Coyhaquie departing 8am. The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. You can embark on a thrilling kayaking excursion or hop aboard one of the many vessels touring the glacier. As the bus from Los Antiguos doesnt arrive until approx. Prior booking for camping is usually unnecessary even in peak season. Show more, Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga. These Are The Most Breathtaking Japanese Gardens In The U.S. 10 Best Hiking Trails In North Cascades National Park. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Santiago, where you'll glean insight into the culture on a city tour. View Map. Or, if youre looking to escape the great outdoors, set sail for Argentina! That means the situation regarding the best way to get there is always changing. If youre road tripping the Carretera Austral or the famous Ruta 7, then youll pass through Puerto Rio Tranquilo otherwise its a 5 hours drive south of Coyhaique. Of course, theres always a chance that something like this can happen when travelling in a rural area with irregular transport. To book a cabin in advance, we contacted Bellavista Camping via Whatsapp (+56981528505). Make sure not to miss the Ventisquero Colgante Glacier in Queulat National Park, another of Patagonias gems. Even during summer, the deep blue hues are still worth seeing. Unfortunately, youre not allowed to paddle inside the Marble Cathedral for preservation reasons. In this guide, well detail our journey (and the common journey) for people travelling north to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten. 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. You should book this along with the overnight bus if you hadnt done so already on Busbud. Weve heard they charge around $35,000 per person ($43USD) for a kayaking tour. The Marble Caves of Chile are sometimes called "the Marble Caverns," "the Marble Cathedral," or "the Marble Chapel.". Like all buses in Patagonia, we felt completely safe throughout the journey. A brief chat with your personal Travel Consultant helps us create your perfect trip! Youll require time, patience and some know-how. Read more: Driving the Epic Carretera Austral Chile: Everything You Need to Know. . 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). Youll notice several caverns and caves here, the entrances to which are perfectly smooth with linear markings throughout. During this time the water levels are at its lowest and the light at sunrise is at its bounciest. You have reached the Marble Caves in Chile a rare treat unlike anything else. 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. Additionally, much of the Carretera Austral is unpaved, so youll need to be brave enough to drive on rough road conditions. Instead, an expert local guide will direct you there avoiding any possibility of getting lost! FYI if you do end up needing to cross the border by foot, the border crossing is usually open from 8am8pm. After a quick briefing youll get kitted out and set off on Lake Carrera. Personally, we decided against this because the normal bus service is much cheaper. But, its possible to book this bus (from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico) at the Chaltn Travel office at the El Chaltn bus station. For a shared room they take 20.000 CLP per person and for a private room for two people its 45.000 CLP. Good luck its quite the journey! Personally, we couldnt find this bus route on Busbud nor could we even book in advance on the Chaltn Travel website. They have camp sites that are really cheap. Highly recommended - Phone: We to talk! Personally, we found car hire too expensive. In addition, the little information available online about getting there is usually outdated. Which is the best place to hike in Lago General Carrera? The Marble Caves of Chile are a destination I have visited many times. Its located in the Aysen region of Chile. Admittedly, we got absolutely soaked. The caves have many names, but the most famous of them is the "Capilla de Mrmol," or the Marble Chapel. Hiking Always a popular pursuit in Patagonia, you can hike at General Carrera Lake. Id highly recommend them so be sure to check them out here if youre travelling in high season and prefer to book your trip in advance. These naturally sculpted caves are made completely of marble and are believed to have been formed by the lake's waters. But, it meant arriving in Chile Chico at around 11:45am. 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. With good weather, the Marble Caves are an unmissable feature of this part of the Carretera Austral. It was annoying as we were so excited to get to the Marble Caves and didnt want to be wasting any time. Exploring Chile's Marble Caves does require any special equipment. If you prefer, it is also possible to rent a kayak and paddle to the Marble Caves for about 35,000 CLP ($50 USD). We even got to pick the room we wanted. Made Out Of Pure Marble, These Incredible Caves Change Color Throughout The Year. The essence of a Marble Caves excursion. If you are planning a trip down the scenic Carretera Austral Highway in southern Chile, the Marble Caves is a must! 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. The accommodation was warm and cosy with a large kitchen area. Private companies are constantly changing transportation options to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Finally, you'll reach General Carrera Lake, where you can hop on a ferry and float out for a 30-minute tour. Boats depart from Puerto Rio Tranquillo and tours can go up to three times a day depending on demand. Of course, please leave us a comment if there are any updates about how to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. That way, you wont need to worry about how to get to the Marble Caves. Show more, No. The first town on the Chilean side is Chile Chico. A natural monument shaped by time, wind and water is as special as it sounds. The first trip I took was at the start of fall. Tourists visiting Argentina will enter the caverns through the village of Los Antiguos. It was sold out. Jos Miguel Carrera Verdugo (American Spanish: [xose miel karea]; October 15, 1785 September 4, 1821) was a Chilean general, formerly Spanish military, member of the prominent Carrera family, and considered one of the founders of independent Chile. Never stop believing! Show more, Unlike other cave networks worldwide, Chile's Marble Caves are unique due to their stunning, current-carved marble formations. Arizona travel. While it doesnt happen often you might get some spray or rain on the boat or kayak. Its sources are natural. These Malaysian Caves Hold Hindu Temples Deep Within, The World's 10 Best Underwater Caves To Explore, 10 Athens Hotels That Are Right Nearby The Acropolis, 10 Cheap Hotels In Lisbon For A Wallet-Savvy Stay, These Are The 10 Perfect US Destinations For Summer Travel In 2023, 10 Things To Do In Dubrovnik: Complete Guide To Croatia's Medieval Seaside City, 10 Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen: Complete Guide To This Riviera Maya Paradise, 8 Things To Do In Havana: Complete Guide To Cuba's Capital City, Tiny But Mighty: 10 Best Small Towns On Long Island. Did I mention they also have a beach club for you to spend afternoons in sipping spritzes? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Carretera Austral connects them so it is a scenic, but slow drive of about 4 hours. One of the most isolated natural treasures of the world, the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mrmol) are a series of sculpted caves in the General Carrera Lake in the heart of Patagonia. Keep in mind that accommodation options in Puerto Rio Tranquilo are fairly limited. Most people will use buses to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to see the Marble Caves. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about visiting the hard-to-reach Marble Caves in Chile. But, at least it gave us a day to relax. In a place called Puerto Tranquilo there are many boats that offer excursions to the Marble Caves and we booked the most convenient one. They only run in the early and mid-morning. The Marble Caves are located on the border between Argentina and Chile. Not knowing this meant we had to cross the border between Los Antiguos and Chile Chico on foot! The above information is critical in order to plan your route to the Marble Caves in Chile. Unlike most other insurance companies, theres an option to pay on a monthly basis, similar to having a prepaid phone plan. As a result, each tour of the caverns is exceptional. From here you can explore the town and visit other cool places in the area such as Exploradores Glacier and Nutria Waterfall. Thanks for your support. For the last few years, Ive been usingSafetywing Nomad Insurancefor all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle. 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. . They both charge $15,000CLP per person ($18USD) for the bus from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. I wasnt going to give up after two failed attempts and Im so glad I didnt because the caves were just spectacular! The bus usually departs around 9pm, arriving in Los Antiguos at about 7:308am. There are a few different options for visiting the Marble Caves in Chile. The threadlike marble interiors give all such caverns their image and reputation. The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit! Visit our 66 Items You Must Travel With a guide to find out which warm and waterproof clothes we recommend. This is where the boat tours depart. Dont worry! First, you'll have to take a 2.5-hour flight from Santiago, Chile to the city of Balmaceda. The Marble Caves are only accessible by tiny boats, observing and accessing the caves. Margo was born and raised in Bellevue, Washington. We will pick you up very early at your accommodation in Coyhaique to take the route through the Southern Carretera Austral, so you can go over the 144.7 miles between Coyhaique and Puerto Tranquilo. Tourists staying here can embark on boat excursions to Cuevas de Mrmol (Marble Caves), Laguna San Rafael, and Parque Aikn del Sur (a nature reserve of 250 hectares). It was an amazing adventure! The perfect excuse to switch seas and take a dip in the Ionian Some places offer wifi but not all and most guesthouses offer run-of-the-mill rooms with shared bathrooms. Always make sure to have plenty of food with you and ideally a tent when hitchhiking. . This is certainly what we experienced. SouthAmerica.travel 19992023. They are found along the truly outstanding stretch of road known as the Carretera Austral. Discover the Marble Caves Chile, Patagonias beautiful wonder. who will be in touch shortly. Personally, thats what Beck and I did. 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. Picture yourself sailing the calm ripples of Chiles largest glacial lake en route to a remote marble structure, nestled within a humble group of rock islands. Its even possible to head straight to the port from the bus (arriving from Chile Chico or Coyhaique) to do a Marble Caves tour. You'll visit geysers, lunar valleys, and even do some high . Sample traditional dishes such as lamb, wild boar, fish, and seafood accompanied by the best Chilean wines. Even though we had our own, Tribu Patagonia did actually offer us a phone and camera dry bag. This would be in time for the buses that head to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The Marble Caves ( also called the Capillas de Mrmol) is one of the best-hidden gems in Chile's Patagonia region. Chile's marble caves are an incredible sight, and the summer months provide the perfect climate for travelers to book their seafaring tours. The other reason we chose the caves in the afternoon was that heavy rain was forecast for the next few days. 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.. Well also cover information about buses travelling southwards to Peurto Rio Tranquilo, usually from Coyhaique or Villa Cerro Castillo. The Cathedral, the Chapel and the Cave are the three formations that make up this natural spectacle that will certainly leave you breathless.
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