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. Furthermore, the lake is a habitat for the Marble Cave and fish. It's a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. . Its clean and vivid walls now mirror the lake's crystal clear waters, which vary colors according to water depth and season. Its a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. The afternoon tours start running at around 2:30pm. You can experience the lake's network of tunnels, marble caves and other sights by kayak. It took me until recently, on my third attempt, to have a successful experience at the caves! 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. As far as were aware, these companies do not display any bus departure times or confirmed days of travel online. Also, he still accepted our deposit from the night before. This makes it near impossible to plan a trip to the Marbles Caves at this time. You have reached the Marble Caves in Chile a rare treat unlike anything else. Sedona hiking In the worst-case scenario that you miss the morning bus in Chile Chico, Transportes Costa Carrera may offer another option. The Marble Caves and Marble Cathedral are best reached via Puerto Tranquilo, Chile. Its a magnificent playground for outdoor enthusiasts. I have tried to visit the caves a few times and to be honest I didnt have much luck on my first visits. Marble caves - Chile Forum - Tripadvisor Marble Caves of Chile Chico - Atlas Obscura The Marble Caves of Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Tales From The Lens 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! The sidewalls of the caverns also shift to various colors of blue regularly. Hotel Loberas del Sur is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventure, luxurious amenities, and spectacular views of Chilean Patagonia. Show more, No. Not to mention kayaking or being on a boat for a few hours in the rain and wind might be a bit miserable. Large deposits of marble have been carved by wind and waves for thousands of years, creating the caves we see today. From Balmacede Airport, you should then head to Coyhaique. . 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. If youre interested in camping, there are a number of campsites in Puerto Rio Tranquillo, the best being Camping Rio Chirifo. Atacama Desert & Marble Caves Adventure - 7 Days | kimkim Furthermore, the image is heightened by a mix of excellent light sources and projections from the freezing glacier water, and the colors are truly breathtaking. How to get to General Carrera Lake This process has been occurring for over six centuries! The Amazing rock Formation-Marble caves, Patagonia in Chile 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. On this itinerary, you'll get to experience the two most beautiful regions of Chile: the northern Atacama Desert and southern Patagonia. Furthermore, considering its distant position and difficulties in getting there, Marble Caves draw people from all across the globe with their vivid spiraling formations and clear aquamarine waters. From Coyhaique, youll get a bus going to Cochrane, which passes through Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Rio Tranquilo. 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. These naturally sculpted caves are made completely of marble and are believed to have been formed by the lake's waters. Never stop believing! There are two smaller formations which are known as La Capilla the Chapel which rise from the lake, and La Cueva the Cave. Personally, we couldnt find this bus route on Busbud nor could we even book in advance on the Chaltn Travel website. Winters are brutal and even though the area around General Carrera lake sees little snow, tours to the marble caves no longer operate. The Marble Caves are one of the most stunning natural attractions in the world. Visit our 66 Items You Must Travel With a guide to find out which warm and waterproof clothes we recommend. Not all phone companies cover the area. Did you known these waterfalls are tucked deep in the Mexican jungle near the city of San Luis de Potosi? The structure of the cracks gave rise to a phenomenon of this unique geological feature. Show more, Unlike other cave networks worldwide, Chile's Marble Caves are unique due to their stunning, current-carved marble formations. Visitors can take a boat tour through the caves to admire their beauty up close. There are also a few good value Airbnb options in the Marble Caves Patagonia area too. The first trip I took was at the start of fall. . 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. Copyright 2023, Roam & Thrive Site Powered by Pix & Hue. Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock. At its deepest, it has a depth of 1,923 feet (586 m). This unique geological formation cannot be directly accessed by land. The only company that has service in Puerto Rio Tranquillo is Entel. Previously, one could reach the Marble Caves across Argentina via Route 40. To witness the enchanting turquoise-blue water, the best time to visit Chile's Marble Caves is between September and February when the ice has melted. The standard boat tour costs $10,000 CLP ($13) per person. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting the marble caves in Chile. The rule of thumb being, when in Patagonia do not delay outdoor activities if the weather is good. Youll have to cross the border at Chile Chico and drive to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to access the marble caves. In 2023, the cost is around $45,000CLP/night ($56USD). As mentioned, if youre doing an afternoon tour of the Marble Caves in Chile, make sure to pack plenty of waterproof gear. Tours are offered throughout the day, however, on most days the wind picks up in the afternoon making the lake choppier. If youre heading south, your next destination is likely to be El Chalten in Argentina. FYI if you do end up needing to cross the border by foot, the border crossing is usually open from 8am8pm. The weather in Patagonia is everchanging so its best to bring many layers for the trip as it does get cold. Please note that we tried to book the Los Antiguos to Chile Chico bus ticket the night of boarding the overnight bus in El Chaltn. They have some great spots for pitching that are protected from the wind and surrounded by fruit trees in the summer- we gorged on cherries and redcurrants throughout our stay. 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. Boat trips to the caves seem to run in two blocks with departures from 8:30am throughout the morning and then more sessions from 2:30pm onwards throughout mid afternoon. Do you have any comments or questions about visiting the Marble Caves Patagonia Chile? Continue with Recommended Cookies. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. During this time the water levels are at its lowest and the light at sunrise is at its bounciest. Indeed, youll need to take a boat tour to explore the marvellous Marble Caves in Chile. All Rights Reserved. But it seemed there were plenty of cabins available anyway. The weather in this area of South America is generally cold and humid. Prior booking for camping is usually unnecessary even in peak season. Boats depart from Puerto Rio Tranquillo and tours can go up to three times a day depending on demand. This means its not uncommon for accommodation to book out in advance. 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. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. The only way to visit the Marble Caves is by boat, kayak, or ferry. But, at least it gave us a day to relax. Real marble as far as the eye can see? These beautiful caves are located in the middle of General Carrera Lake and can be only accessed by boat or kayak. As far as were aware, there are no daytime options. Our goal was to reach Puerto Guadal. There is no bus at all between Los antiguos and Chile Chico anymore. The Cathedral, the Chapel and the Cave are the three formations that make up this natural spectacle that will certainly leave you breathless. #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 Here youll get set up and briefed by your guide and youll set off together towards the caves. It may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but fishing at General Carrera Lake is an incredibly popular pursuit. Wondering how these majestic blue caves formed? It is the famous Patagonian wind and the waves which are the maestros of this incredible carving work on the solid marble bordering the lake.. Active travel . While General Carrera Lake is a large lake spanning both Chile and Argentina, you cant access the marble caves from Argentina. It happened to us. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Explore Chile's Beautiful Color-Changing Marble Caves For shorter trips, its also possible to use Nomad Insurance for trips lasting days or weeks. 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. Youll set off to the Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake in a minivan and arrive at the launch site. Tourists visiting Argentina will enter the caverns through the village of Los Antiguos. Let's explore Patagonia's hidden gem: the Marble Cathedral. How to Get from Santiago to the Marble Caves (Cuevas de Mrmol) The lake water is higher during this time of the year which causes a deeper shade of blue to evolve. Thats certainly one benefit of camping! This means boats can navigate into the caves with greater ease and you wont get anywhere near as wet! During the kayaking tour, you get to see a number of geological features which are located quite close together. These minivans are all found at the main bus station in Chile Chico. The colors of the caves vary with the seasons sometimes, the caves lighten and transform into softer colors; other . As a result, each tour of the caverns is exceptional. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 27 min to complete. Print/PDF map. Highly recommended - Phone: We to talk! Aggressive waves have washed up against the marble (calcium carbonate) for years, and slowly shaped the curved walls. Youll find all the tour agencies on the main road by the lake and you can enquire directly with them about tours and costs. General Carrera Lake is the biggest lake in Chile and second biggest fresh-water lake in South America. 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. So, if youre leaving Puerto Rio Tranquilo the next morning, this works perfectly. When you get off the bus, therell be local people offering a group tour for around $20,000CLP/person ($24USD). If time is on your side and you are armed with patience, then seeing the Marble Caves in Chile should be high on your bucket list. Guide To Visiting Marble Caves In Patagonia, Chile Make sure to add Huasteca Potosina to your next Mexico itinerary. That's because they're quite challenging to get to! That is what gives this place its unique charm! The accommodation was warm and cosy with a large kitchen area. Turismo Tramal: unfortunately, according to Turismo Tramal, their current departure time is 9am. The threadlike marble interiors give all such caverns their image and reputation. Unfortunately, youre not allowed to paddle inside the Marble Cathedral for preservation reasons. The only other piece of advice I can give is to try to enjoy the entire route. Try to do your tour in the morning. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We are hiking enthusiasts, so you'll find plenty of awesome hiking content. The Marble Caves of Chile are one of the most fantastic tourist destinations globally. A natural monument shaped by time, wind and water is as special as it sounds. Mallin Colorado Ecolodge For the log cabin of your dreams, the Mallin Colorado Ecolodge is located right on General Carrera lake with dreamy views you cant escape from. In this guide, well detail our journey (and the common journey) for people travelling north to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten. The 6,000-year-old stunning cave network known as the Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mrmol is located on the peninsula consisting entirely of marble and washed with the deep blue waters of the glacial Lake General Carrera on the border between Chile and Argentina. Child (age 3 to 10): CLP$ 59.000 per person. The bus usually departs around 9pm, arriving in Los Antiguos at about 7:308am. Actually, we booked the bus the day before for $10,000CLP/person ($12USD) after doing our afternoon Marble Caves boat tour. 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). 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. It's an Instagram-worthy natural beauty that can only be seen through a kayak or boat. 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. Rentalcars.comandAuto Europefor quick and easy car rentals worldwide, Get Your GuideandViatorfor tours and adventures around the world. This is where the boat tours depart. Yes, visiting the Marbles Caves is one of the best things you can do in the Chile part of Patagonia. Onyx + Rose Pure Bloom Mint Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning and Stainless Steel Water Bottle With UV Water Purifier. These Are The Most Breathtaking Japanese Gardens In The U.S. 10 Best Hiking Trails In North Cascades National Park. Please note that in bad weather or if there are poor road conditions, the bus may be cancelled. . The above information is critical in order to plan your route to the Marble Caves in Chile. The ceiling is similar to those of a cathedral. The stone was progressively disintegrated as the lake's water level rose. To protect your phone and camera gear you might want to bring a waterproof bag. This creates a magnificent feast of colours. Be aware the season in Patagonia in April will be winding down and coming to a close so it might be worth checking in advance. Together with my partner we decided to visit this place along with the Marble Caves. While the caves are at their brightest during the spring, consider visiting during the summer (December to February). RELATED:These Malaysian Caves Hold Hindu Temples Deep Within. You'll visit geysers, lunar valleys, and even do some high . You cant fly directly there from overseas. Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. Each room oozes that ski-chalet cosiness where you can relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate looking at the turquoise lake beyond. Now weve covered what the Marble Caves are, where they are and when to visit, lets talk about how to get there! Daily buses leave Coyhaique and Cochrane and travel south and north along the Carretera Austral stopping in Puerto Rio Tranquillo. This might include a waterproof jacket, waterproof bag cover or waterproof over trousers. It was an amazing adventure! If you enjoyed reading our Marble Caves guide, have a read of one of our other Patagonia guides. Commonly, travellers will make their way south to north in Patagonia. 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. . The kayak tour starts with a transfer (included) 5km south to Bahia Mansa. Along with, I recommend traveling to Puerto Tranquilo if you want to visit the Marble Caves. How to Get to the Marble Caves, Patagonia - Destinationless Travel Adult: CLP$ 72.000 per person. On a clear day, the brilliant blue ocean may be seen throughout. Read more: Driving the Epic Carretera Austral Chile: Everything You Need to Know. On my second trip to the Marble Caves we traveled in spring. 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. The hotel is located in Puerto Chacabuco (Aysn Region), approximately two hours from the Balmaceda Airport. That way, you wont need to worry about how to get to the Marble Caves. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit!
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