This usually leaves at around 8:30am for around $15USD/person. The weather in Patagonia is everchanging so its best to bring many layers for the trip as it does get cold. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The Marble Caves and Marble Cathedral are best reached via Puerto Tranquilo, Chile. For stunning views of alpine lakes, dramatic peaks and a myriad of Patagonian wildlife. 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 ( also called the Capillas de Mrmol) is one of the best-hidden gems in Chile's Patagonia region. Arizona . From Balmacede Airport, you should then head to Coyhaique. 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. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these . #gallipoli #gallipolibeach #gallipolipuglia #pugliaview #vitaminsea #pugliastyle #pugliasummer #puglia #puglialove #mediterraneo #mediterraneanlife #travelmoments #momentsofmine #slowtravel #slowtravelstories #seetheworldwithme #europeansummer #howitalyfeels #whatitalyis #oh_italia #italia_in_grande, Visiting Puglia this summer and dont know where to stay? You'll visit geysers, lunar valleys, and even do some high . This insurance isnt just for digital nomads, its for everyone and anyone needing travel insurance for their trips. As far as were aware, there are no daytime options. 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. 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. Photos (1,242) Directions. These caves were formed over thousands of years by water erosion and are truly a natural wonder. Everywhere you look here, theres a photo opportunity. The threadlike marble interiors give all such caverns their image and reputation. Together with my partner we decided to visit this place along with the Marble Caves. Find the travel option that best suits you. Indeed, SafetyWing is cheaper than almost all other travel insurance policies and covers just as much and sometimes more. Youll set off to the Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake in a minivan and arrive at the launch site. Sport fishing enthusiasts from all over the world come to the pristine lake for its rich and plentiful source of trout and salmon. Instead, an expert local guide will direct you there avoiding any possibility of getting lost! How much does it cost to go to the Marble Caves? From the fabulous breakfast to the stunning spa make sure to check it out for your stay in Puglia. The majority of the cave is submerged and can't be seen. Active travel . Personally, Beck and I booked a cabin with one bed for two people. Tourists visiting Argentina will enter the caverns through the village of Los Antiguos. . There are daily buses from Coyhaique to Cochrane, which stop at Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The Blue Cave of Bisevo, an ethereal blue ocean cave in Croatia Grotta Azzura, the glowing swimming hole of Emperor Tiberius View Marble Caves of Chile Chico in a larger map So, if youre leaving Puerto Rio Tranquilo the next morning, this works perfectly. So flexibility with your itinerary is certainly ideal. Turismo Tramal: unfortunately, according to Turismo Tramal, their current departure time is 9am. As a result, each tour of the caverns is exceptional. A natural monument shaped by time, wind and water is as special as it sounds. The lake spans both Chile and Argentina, and General Carrera Lake is its Chilean name. All Rights Reserved. These naturally sculpted caves are made completely of marble and are believed to have been formed by the lake's waters. 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. Although an afternoon tour of the Marble Caves in Chile is possible on the day of arrival, the waters are notoriously rougher and choppier later in the day. If you have an additional 30 seconds wed love to learn more about you. Chile's marble caves are an incredible sight, and the summer months provide the perfect climate for travelers to book their seafaring tours. Its actually quite simple. . The Marble Caves are located on the border between Argentina and Chile. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Prepare to be utterly captivated by volcanoes, mountains, glaciers and lakes in Northern Patagonia, a montage of some of the most spectacular natural sites Chile has to offer. Below, well talk about some fun facts about the Marble Caves in Chile. These stunning caves were also situated at the heart of General Carrera Lake, and they can only be reached by kayak or boat. If you are heading down the famous Carretera Austral route of Patagonia then these caves are an absolute must-visit! 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. Transportes Costa Carrera: fortunately, Transportes Costa Carrera has a 10am departure and can be reserved in advance. Lets look at the options below. For my next trip I would like to visit the caves by kayak. Instead, this will be a completely aquatic adventure. The climate in this part of Chile is damp and frigid. 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. You can quite easily kayak around it, getting closer to notice the unique rock patterns. The easiest way to explore the Marble Caves of Chile is by boat from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Marble, like many of the rock formations, is somewhat soluble and quick to sculpt. Because we had to unexpectedly stay the night in Chile Chico, he kindly moved our booking to the next night. Both names are internationally accepted, but the marble caves are on the Chilean side. The Marble Caves are known for having extraordinary rock and cliff formations. . 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. You should book this along with the overnight bus if you hadnt done so already on Busbud. Furthermore, the lake is a habitat for the Marble Cave and fish. This is because private transportation companies continue to offer different services. Hi, we're Dan and Beck, collectively known as the Speed Hiking Couple. Jump right in and get inspired! By Hernan Lara March 4, 2022. Commonly, travellers will make their way south to north in Patagonia. The Chilean Patagonia holds some of the most impressive and unique landscapes in the world, one of those is the Marble Cathedral. But, its possible to book this bus (from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico) at the Chaltn Travel office at the El Chaltn bus station. Its sources are natural. We had a private guide just for the two of us. 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. Each room oozes that ski-chalet cosiness where you can relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate looking at the turquoise lake beyond. . The ceiling is similar to those of a cathedral. It's an Instagram-worthy natural beauty that can only be seen through a kayak or boat. Now weve covered what the Marble Caves are, where they are and when to visit, lets talk about how to get there! 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). 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. RELATED:These Malaysian Caves Hold Hindu Temples Deep Within. Furthermore, boat cruises are only available during the daytime. The Marble Caves are a series of beautiful caves dotted along the shore of the General Carrera Lake in Chile. In my opinion, the best time to go is December or March when the crowds have dispersed yet the weather is still good. Specifically, Nomad Insurance includes medical cover as well as standard cover for travel-related mishaps. Its a bit of a paddle but totally worth it as you can get much closer to the caves than the boat does. Leave them in the comments below Id be happy to help you out! This small income allows me to continue providing you with quality, insightful and most importantly, free content. 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. Show more, Chile's Marble Caves are situated in Patagonia, near its border with Argentina, accessible only by boat. There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. #huastecapotosina #huastecasecreta #huastecapotosina #lahuasteca #mexicoselecto, The Best Time to Visit the Marble Caves Chile, What To Expect During the Marble Caves Tour, Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro: A Curated Guide, A Quick Guide to Aachen Christmas Market: All You Need to Know, 1 Day in Venice: The Perfect Short Itinerary Guide, The Ultimate Slow Travel Guide to Valldemossa, Mallorca, The Complete Travel Guide to Deia Mallorca, Where to Stay in Mallorca, Spain: Top Areas & Hotels, 15 Most Picturesque Beaches in Mallorca Spain, What to Do in Mallorca, Spain: The Insiders Guide, La Capilla de Marmol ( The Marble Chapel), La Catedral de Marmol ( The Marble Cathedral). Shutterstock. Theres really is no better company for all my insurance needs. However as it is winter , low season, there are less operators, bette phone to them (no mails) Thank you for your request! You cant fly directly there from overseas. The hotel has a direct relationship with some of the most popular attractions in Chilean Patagonia. The bus from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo will arrive in time to do an afternoon tour, at around 1:452:15pm. Although youll likely be here for just a night or two so its no biggy! 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. It happened to us. But if you are doing this trip you need to know that you have to walk or hitch hike between the border. Be as specific or general as you like - or click Help Me Decide! Large deposits of marble have been carved by wind and waves for thousands of years, creating the caves we see today. The marble caves are located in Chilean Patagonia. So be careful with your belongings as they will get wet! What kind of fish are in general Carrera Lake? If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you should stick around in one of the surrounding Patagonia lodges. When you get off the bus, therell be local people offering a group tour for around $20,000CLP/person ($24USD). I wasnt going to give up after two failed attempts and Im so glad I didnt because the caves were just spectacular! The standard boat tour costs $10,000 CLP ($13) per person. Its absolutely worth the time and effort in getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo in Chile to explore the Marble Caves. These amazing natural wonders, are a unique geological formation, featuring a number of caverns, tunnels and pillars, in monoliths of marble. SouthAmerica.travel 19992023. We paid $49USD/person for a one-way ticket with Chaltn Travel in advance using Busbud. Then it's off to the north and the otherworldly desert landscapes of Atacama. On my second trip to the Marble Caves we traveled in spring. There are plenty of wilderness activities available to you in the area. Marble Caves of Chile are made of marble. However, these strong walls of the marble cave in Patagonia did not instantly mold into the unique structure you see today. A brief chat with your personal Travel Consultant helps us create your perfect trip! Admittedly, Chile Chico doesnt get much tourism except for those passing by on their way north. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Sedona . To book a cabin in advance, we contacted Bellavista Camping via Whatsapp (+56981528505). Personally, we couldnt find this bus route on Busbud nor could we even book in advance on the Chaltn Travel website. How much time you plan on spending in Patagonia is entirely up to you. Just below the surface are amazing rock formations that people often miss. Like all buses in Patagonia, we felt completely safe throughout the journey. For a shared room they take 20.000 CLP per person and for a private room for two people its 45.000 CLP. Check our rates and book here. The perfect excuse to switch seas and take a dip in the Ionian By telling you about our experience, we hope the journey to the Marble Caves in Chile is simple and straightforward for you. 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. Then Route 43 that borders General Carrera Lake to Los Antiguos, the border crossing to Chile. If you prefer, it is also possible to rent a kayak and paddle to the Marble Caves for about 35,000 CLP ($50 USD). In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about visiting the hard-to-reach Marble Caves in Chile. Travel within Chile is: Unrestricted . The Marble Caves are becoming an ever-popular tour stop for those setting off on their dream Patagonia tour. It took me until recently, on my third attempt, to have a successful experience at the caves! It has been estimated that these vast sections of marble weigh 5000 million tonnes and consist of 94% calcium carbonate. In addition, the little information available online about getting there is usually outdated. If youre feeling up for a bit of adventure all while seeing the Marble Caves, Chile Id highly recommend going for the kayak option. It was annoying as we were so excited to get to the Marble Caves and didnt want to be wasting any time. Because of this, we had an unexpected night in Chile Chico. Thats certainly one benefit of camping! Those travelling in Patagonia on a shorter itinerary will usually visit El Chalten. Well be sure to update the guide and direct readers to your comment (and any other comments that might follow) so that our readers have the most up-to-date information about visiting the Marble Caves. Visit Arizona . Sedona hiking If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This 6,000-year-old formation of marble caverns is washed with turquoise blue waters. The Marble Caves in Patagonia or Capillas de Marmol have been formed over more than 6000 years and are the result of erosion from waves generated by strong winds on General Carrera Lake. You can experience the lake's network of tunnels, marble caves and other sights by kayak. All Rights Reserved. Drift through pristine marble pillars and flawless arches sculpted together over countless generations. The largest is El Catedral the Cathedral. We recommend booking this bus in advance. The marble caves in southern Chile can be found in various listings, describing the greatest wonders or most magical sights of the world. Some places offer wifi but not all and most guesthouses offer run-of-the-mill rooms with shared bathrooms. There are some fantastic places to stay in Puerto Tranquilo such as hotels, cabins, hostels and guest houses. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. In the native tongue, the caves are known as "Cuevas de Mrmol.". How to get to General Carrera Lake The landscape and colours of the lake change dramatically when its sunny versus when its cloudy and raining. It isnt until your neck gently reminds you that youve been staring up for too long, that you begin to notice the natural beauty that resides beneath you. Its clean and vivid walls now mirror the lake's crystal clear waters, which vary colors according to water depth and season. . The Marble Caves in southern Chile are a striking sight. Also, from April to November, there are far fewer services running in Patagonia in general. They dont offer breakfast but if you book a kayak tour with them and you stay with them the kayak tour only costs 35.000 CLP per person. The afternoon tours start running at around 2:30pm. The biggest advantage of going to the caves in a kayak is the fact that you can get much closer to the caves than the boat can. Instead, this will be a completely aquatic adventure. A masseria is a traditional form of accommodation you wont find anywhere else but Puglia and southern Italy. Most people will use buses to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to see the Marble Caves. Read more: Driving the Epic Carretera Austral Chile: Everything You Need to Know. The bus usually departs around 9pm, arriving in Los Antiguos at about 7:308am. . Here are some reasons why tourists should visit the Marble Caves this summer. Where is the General Carrera Lake in Chile? FYI there are quite a few campsites in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. This might include a waterproof jacket, waterproof bag cover or waterproof over trousers. The San Rafael Glacier receives far fewer visitors leaving you plenty of room to explore its icy terrain. The rule of thumb being, when in Patagonia do not delay outdoor activities if the weather is good. 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. Even though we had our own, Tribu Patagonia did actually offer us a phone and camera dry bag. FYI the Marbles Caves are also known as the Marble Caves of Patagonia, Chile Chico Marble Caves, Marble Caves of Chile Chico and the Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake. You can rent a car at Balmaceda airport or in Coyhaique at the start of your trip or even in Puerto Montt if youre doing the whole Austral Highway road trip. It's a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. Not many places on earth quite live up to the marvel that is the Marble Caves in Patagonia, Chile. *This chile marbles caves post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. That way, you wont need to worry about how to get to the Marble Caves. This structure can only be reached by boat. These stunning caves were also situated at the heart of General Carrera Lake, and they . November and March are also great months to visit with fewer crowds but cooler weather. The Nomad Insurance is great value for money with just a small additional cost to add a partner. So accommodation was plentiful. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. However, the rigid walls of a marble cavern throughout Patagonia were not quickly formed into the remarkable structure that tourists witness today. 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.. The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. Planning a trip right now? This may compromise your chances of being allowed to get closer to and inside the caves. Of course, theres always a chance that something like this can happen when travelling in a rural area with irregular transport. We had to wait until the next day for the bus to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Or, if youre looking to escape the great outdoors, set sail for Argentina! In the worst-case scenario that you miss the morning bus in Chile Chico, Transportes Costa Carrera may offer another option. 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. Lake Buenos Aires Outdoors . Private companies are constantly changing transportation options to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. In this short guide find out everything you need to know about visiting the Marble Caves Patagonia Chile and prepare for an experience of a lifetime. Certainly, getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, to see the Marble Caves isnt straightforward. SafetyWing is a modern travel insurance company that is certainly leading the way in terms of how travel insurance should work in the future. Personally, thats what Beck and I did. After a quick briefing youll get kitted out and set off on Lake Carrera. This location is certainly off the beaten track. This creates a magnificent feast of colours. In that case, youll need to get yourself from Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Chile Chico. They turn the colors from warmer to midnight blue. We're all about slow and mindful travel, conscious luxury, nature and holistic wellness. Thats unless youre willing to wait days at a time to get to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Additionally, much of the Carretera Austral is unpaved, so youll need to be brave enough to drive on rough road conditions. But, it meant arriving in Chile Chico at around 11:45am. If you stay present, and think about this fact, it leaves you speechless. This was too late for the bus services to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. This allows the cavern walls to instantly reflect the piercing blue lake and sparkling warm sun, gifting visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Prior booking for camping is usually unnecessary even in peak season. 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. Print/PDF map. Your email address will not be published. Certainly, from our mistakes, we can advise on the best way to get to the Marble Caves in Chile. Personally, we wanted to drop our bags off first. Also, many firms provide transportation services and ships to the caverns. The Marble Caves in Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, are one of the most stunning natural landscapes youll find in Patagonia and in all of South America. Thats because theyre quite challenging to get to! That is what gives this place its unique charm! 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. Marble Canyon. Child (age 3 to 10): CLP$ 59.000 per person. This would be in time for the buses that head to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. 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. Its even possible to head straight to the port from the bus (arriving from Chile Chico or Coyhaique) to do a Marble Caves tour. Daily buses leave Coyhaique and Cochrane and travel south and north along the Carretera Austral stopping in Puerto Rio Tranquillo. Nearby, the monkey puzzle tree forests of Alerce Andino National Park are laced with hiking trails. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Made Out Of Pure Marble, These Incredible Caves Change Color Throughout The Year. an hour later, you would be unable to take this bus if you wanted to leave for Puerto Rio Tranquilo the same day. Our stay at @masseriatorrecoccaro couldnt have been better. While it doesnt happen often you might get some spray or rain on the boat or kayak. Specifically, the bus from Los Antiguos should arrive in Chile Chico around 9:3010am.