Continue with Recommended Cookies. Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. There is no bus at all between Los antiguos and Chile Chico anymore. They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. 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. We are matching your tour idea with the right Travel Consultant We had a private guide just for the two of us. Not knowing this meant we had to cross the border between Los Antiguos and Chile Chico on foot! Jump right in and get inspired!
How to Get to the Marble Caves, Patagonia - Destinationless Travel Finally, you'll reach General Carrera Lake, where you can hop on a ferry and float out for a 30-minute tour.
Marble Caves to Torres del Paine National Park - Rome2rio 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. The structure of the cracks gave rise to a phenomenon of this unique geological feature. They are located on Lake General Carrera of Buenos Aires (but it depends which side of the lake you are on) in Patagonia, Chile. Actually, we booked the bus the day before for $10,000CLP/person ($12USD) after doing our afternoon Marble Caves boat tour. While the caves are at their brightest during the spring, consider visiting during the summer (December to February). Dubbed as the most beautiful cave network in the world, Cuevas de Marmol (Marble Caves) is a 6,000-year-old sculpture hewn by the crashing waves of Lake General Carrera of Patagonia in Southern Chile. Last updated on March 16th, 2021 at 06:02 pm, How to Get There, What to Expect & When to Visit. Although youll likely be here for just a night or two so its no biggy! The only way to visit the Marble Caves is by boat, kayak, or ferry. So, if youre leaving Puerto Rio Tranquilo the next morning, this works perfectly. This allows the cavern walls to instantly reflect the piercing blue lake and sparkling warm sun, gifting visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
Patagonia's hidden gem: The Marble Cathedral - itinari If you have an additional 30 seconds wed love to learn more about you. However, this time we got informed that the port would be closed due to lots of waves on the lake. The essence of a Marble Caves excursion. The lake spans both Chile and Argentina, and General Carrera Lake is its Chilean name. The host is very nice. Personally, we wanted to drop our bags off first.
The Amazing rock Formation-Marble caves, Patagonia in Chile The best way to get to Puerto Rio Tranquillo and the Chile Chico Marble Caves is by car. Adult: CLP$ 72.000 per person. The threadlike marble interiors give all such caverns their image and reputation. Also, colors transition to vivid colors as the ice caps melt. Perito Moreno (Los Glaciares National Park), How to Visit the Marble Caves in Chile, Patagonia, What to Expect With Getting to the Marbles Caves in Chile, Getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo From El Chalten, Bus From Coyhaique to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Accommodation: Where to Stay in Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Travel Essentials For Visiting the Marble Caves in Chile, travelling north to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten, bus from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, The Pink Caves Close Due to Deaths: Heres What Happened, The Complete Guide to Hikes Along the NC500. Always make sure to have plenty of food with you and ideally a tent when hitchhiking. Both names are internationally accepted, but the marble caves are on the Chilean side. The standard boat tour costs $10,000 CLP ($13) per person. Dont forget to look down! Many thanks in advance. 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.. If you choose to stay at Hotel Loberas del Sur, make sure to indulge in their fine Patagonian cuisine. How to get to General Carrera Lake There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. The naturally sculpted caves are made completely of marble and formed by the water action. However, these strong walls of the marble cave in Patagonia did not instantly mold into the unique structure you see today. Manage Settings A brief chat with your personal Travel Consultant helps us create your perfect trip! This steamy and humid region of Mexico has so many incredible waterfalls and you could easily spend days here just visiting them all. This creates a magnificent feast of colours.
The Marble Caves Chile: Everything You Need to Know to Visit When you get off the bus, therell be local people offering a group tour for around $20,000CLP/person ($24USD).
Best Time to See Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mrmol in Chile 2023 It is formed when sedimentary rocks get compacted with heat and pressure. Hiking . 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. But, we had difficulty locating them. Drift through pristine marble pillars and flawless arches sculpted together over countless generations. 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. Everywhere you look here, theres a photo opportunity. 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. Length 0.9 miElevation gain 180 ftRoute type Out & back. If youre coming from the south its also about a 5 hour trip from Cochrane. Hiking Always a popular pursuit in Patagonia, you can hike at General Carrera Lake. But, reaching the Marble Caves in Patagonia isnt easy. The earliest bus from Coyhaique should also arrive in time for the afternoon tour. The Marble Caves are known for having extraordinary rock and cliff formations. The climate in this part of Chile is damp and frigid. 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. During this time the water levels are at its lowest and the light at sunrise is at its bounciest. We'll spice it with hidden gems & personal tips to create your perfect trip. Its a bit of a paddle out to get to the marble caves but nothing any fit and healthy individual cant handle. Exploring Chile's Marble Caves does require any special equipment. They only run in the early and mid-morning. At times, the lake's water will radiate pink or white hues. The Cathedral, the Chapel and the Cave are the three formations that make up this natural spectacle that will certainly leave you breathless. Its a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera. For the last few years, Ive been usingSafetywing Nomad Insurancefor all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle. The lake's water level will be at its low throughout the spring. Its a bit of a paddle but totally worth it as you can get much closer to the caves than the boat does. Kayaking tour: there are also options to rent a kayak to explore with a guide for anywhere between $35,000$45,000CLP per person ($4356USD). All the companies offer the same tour for around that price (as of 2023). Infant (age 0 to 2, with child chair): CLP$ 23.000 per person. We did a kayaking tour with Tribu Patagonia and we loved it. 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. Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 27 min to complete. Specifically, the bus from Los Antiguos should arrive in Chile Chico around 9:3010am. This procedure has been going on for over 600 years. Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. To protect your phone and camera gear you might want to bring a waterproof bag. November and March are also great months to visit with fewer crowds but cooler weather. We booked at the main bus station in Puerto Rio Tranquilo.
Marble Canyon: 952 Reviews, 1,242 Photos, Map - Alberta, Canada | AllTrails Show more, Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga. A natural monument shaped by time, wind and water is as special as it sounds. Although never ideal, the overnight bus is a time-efficient way to cover the distance. Specifically, Nomad Insurance includes medical cover as well as standard cover for travel-related mishaps. The accommodation was warm and cosy with a large kitchen area. Apparently, several companies in town can arrange this. It rained so heavily on the way to Puerto Tranquilo that the rivers began to overflow and we couldnt advance any further to arrive at the Marble Caves. The caverns are situated in crystal-clear, blue water. The stone was progressively disintegrated as the lake's water level rose. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The best option at Terra Luna Lodge by far is opting for an apartment or bungalow with lake views for unique yet comfortable accommodation with simply outstanding facilities. This 6,000-year-old formation of marble caverns is washed with turquoise blue waters. Its absolutely worth the time and effort in getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo in Chile to explore the Marble Caves. The Marble Caves of Chile are one of the most fantastic tourist destinations globally. . Did I mention theres also a hot tub right on the lake too? You have reached the Marble Caves in Chile a rare treat unlike anything else. Here you can notice the greys and the browns and their patterns within the rock. If you are travelling here and to other areas of Patagonia I highly recommend getting an Entel SIM over other companies. It requires a short ride by speedboat or, with good weather, a . The clear waters and designs of the marble caves. They are just as magical during other parts of the year. Indeed, youll need to take a boat tour to explore the marvellous Marble Caves in Chile. #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? Published Feb 20, 2022. If you cant make it to the Marble Caves during Chiles spring season, dont fret! In 2023, the cost is around $45,000CLP/night ($56USD).
Lake Buenos Aires This location is certainly off the beaten track. Are you interested in collaborating with Roam & Thrive? It returns leaving Puerto Ro tranquilo at 5 pm for 20.000 CLP. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. Required fields are marked *. This was too late for the bus services to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Groups can negotiate a reduced rate. The kayak tour starts with a transfer (included) 5km south to Bahia Mansa. Unfortunately, its a little too small for boats to pass.
Marble Caves, Chile | Bizarre Beauty We are the co-founders of Travel Made Me Do It a website dedicated to publishing comprehensive travel guides. 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. Tucked deep into the fjords of the Aysen Region of Chile is the San Rafael Glacier. To book a cabin in advance, we contacted Bellavista Camping via Whatsapp (+56981528505).
General Carrera Lake - Chile Travel Lets look at the options below. Bellavista Camping also offers kayaking tours, usually for a cheaper rate too. While the water in the [] Or, if youre looking to escape the great outdoors, set sail for Argentina! They are located 217km south of Coyhaique and the trip takes about 5 hours. Furthermore, the Marble Caves are a natural geological feature, though fanciful. These naturally sculpted caves are made completely of marble and are believed to have been formed by the lake's waters. The marble caves at General Carrera Lake are split up into three features: Theres also the tunnel which you can kayak through if you decide to do the kayaking tour. Youll require time, patience and some know-how. This helps towards the costs of running our website. The rule of thumb being, when in Patagonia do not delay outdoor activities if the weather is good. The ceiling is similar to those of a cathedral. 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). Life jackets will be provided, and the caves are accessible by small boats with a 10-passenger limit. 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. Also, many firms provide transportation services and ships to the caverns. Its clean and vivid walls now mirror the lake's crystal clear waters, which vary colors according to water depth and season. Did I mention they also have a beach club for you to spend afternoons in sipping spritzes? 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. All Rights Reserved. This is because private transportation companies continue to offer different services. This might include a waterproof jacket, waterproof bag cover or waterproof over trousers. The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. Photos (1,242) Directions. On a clear day, the brilliant blue ocean may be seen throughout. We even got to pick the room we wanted. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Roam & Thrive is designed to help you wander slowly and consciously. Personally, thats what Beck and I did. What we didnt know was that Chaltn Travel usually runs a morning bus service from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico. Most people will use buses to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo to see the Marble Caves. You can also paddle into the Marble Tunnel which boats cant fit into. 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. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. There are several operators offering boat tours of the Marble Caves for 10,000 CLP ($15 USD) per person. 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. Of course, theres always a chance that something like this can happen when travelling in a rural area with irregular transport. This could work if you find others interested or are travelling with a group. The colors of the caves vary with the seasons sometimes, the caves lighten and transform into softer colors; other . SafetyWing is a modern travel insurance company that is certainly leading the way in terms of how travel insurance should work in the future. In a place called Puerto Tranquilo there are many boats that offer excursions to the Marble Caves and we booked the most convenient one.
Marble Caves excursion | Glaciers and Lakes in Northern Patagonia This process has been occurring for over six centuries! For information about other great things to do in Patagonia, please read our Perito Moreno (Los Glaciares National Park), Hanging Glacier and Laguna Cerro Castillo guides. Nature created these caves out of pure marble of beautiful colors, and it is a privilege to be able to see them. Private companies are constantly changing transportation options to and from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Get your quote below now. U might want to plan a few days in Puerto Rio Tranquilo just in case. Just next door youll come to the Catedral del Marmol (Marble Cathedral), this is a much larger rock formation and easily the one with the most vivid patterns and colours. Additionally, much of the Carretera Austral is unpaved, so youll need to be brave enough to drive on rough road conditions. Wondering how these majestic blue caves formed? 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. If you prefer, it is also possible to rent a kayak and paddle to the Marble Caves for about 35,000 CLP ($50 USD). Read more: Driving the Epic Carretera Austral Chile: Everything You Need to Know. The suns reflection off the beautiful blue glacial water exacerbates the rocks blues, whites, pinks and yellows. . Admittedly, we got absolutely soaked. So flexibility with your itinerary is certainly ideal. Another option is to stay at Bellavista Camping. These minivans are all found at the main bus station in Chile Chico. It took me until recently, on my third attempt, to have a successful experience at the caves! Also, he still accepted our deposit from the night before. 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. Usually, buses depart at around 6:30am and 9:30am and take about five hours. Youll have to call or email them directly. There are daily buses from Coyhaique to Cochrane, which stop at Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Rio Tranquilo. 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. But, booking a Marble Caves boat tour is actually the easy part! Stay up to date with all the latest South American travel news by visiting our blog! Care should be used when using these other names because they may refer to other specific features within the marble caves. This cave has crystals as big as multiple skyscrapers, as well as a beautiful jewel that seamlessly blends immediately in front of tourists' eyes. As far as were aware, there are no daytime options. Our host at the campground in Elqui Valley where we . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The weather in this area of South America is generally cold and humid. In this guide, well detail our journey (and the common journey) for people travelling north to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten. Sport fishing enthusiasts from all over the world come to the pristine lake for its rich and plentiful source of trout and salmon. I recommend traveling to Puerto Tranquilo if you want to visit the Marble Caves. As mentioned, there can be very rough conditions in the afternoon. Winters are snowy and frigid and summers are cool. Basically, youll need to follow our Getting to Puerto Rio Tranquilo From El Chalten in reverse. It was annoying as we were so excited to get to the Marble Caves and didnt want to be wasting any time. Specifically, they are on General Carrera Lake, just outside the Chilean town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Commonly, travellers will make their way south to north in Patagonia. 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. For a less windy and wild ride try to book your tour for as early as you can in the morning.
Atacama Desert & Marble Caves Adventure - 7 Days | kimkim It had admittedly fairly average Wifi. There are some fantastic places to stay in Puerto Tranquilo such as hotels, cabins, hostels and guest houses. #salzburg #salzburgo #salzburg #austriavacations #austriagram #visitaustria, Fairytale places to exist and dreams do some true In the lobby, youll find a warming fireplace and they also have a good onsite restaurant. 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). who will be in touch shortly. . Along with, I recommend traveling to Puerto Tranquilo if you want to visit the Marble Caves. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Good luck its quite the journey!
The marble caves of Chile Chico: a visually spectacular interplay of In the worst-case scenario that you miss the morning bus in Chile Chico, Transportes Costa Carrera may offer another option. 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. Try to do your tour in the morning. Chilean summer (December- February) is the best time to visit but its also the most crowded, especially February. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Because we had to unexpectedly stay the night in Chile Chico, he kindly moved our booking to the next night. All buses going from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo are privately owned. Because of this, we had an unexpected night in Chile Chico. 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. To visit the caves visitors must be in Chile because that is the side the marble caves are located. Where is the General Carrera Lake in Chile? Please note that in bad weather or if there are poor road conditions, the bus may be cancelled. The hotel has a direct relationship with some of the most popular attractions in Chilean Patagonia. Instead, this will be a completely aquatic adventure. 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. RELATED:These Malaysian Caves Hold Hindu Temples Deep Within. FYI if you do end up needing to cross the border by foot, the border crossing is usually open from 8am8pm. Its a captivating place both due to the cave formations and the color of Lake General Carrera.
The Marble Caves of Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Tales From The Lens After a quick briefing youll get kitted out and set off on Lake Carrera. From Balmacede Airport, you should then head to Coyhaique. How much does it cost to go to the Marble Caves? 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. The design seems more extensive and robust than the pillars that embrace it when viewed outside. The new cave, that lay at the altitude of 920 metres (3,020 ft) above sea level, was called Marble (initially, also the name Afghan was used), due to the fact it that was formed by marble limestone. But if you are doing this trip you need to know that you have to walk or hitch hike between the border. Your attention drifts to the surrounding rock walls covered in various shades of blue, including sapphire, seafoam greens, and turquoise. Weve heard they charge around $35,000 per person ($43USD) for a kayaking tour. You can experience the lake's network of tunnels, marble caves and other sights by kayak. The Marble Caves and Marble Cathedral are best reached via Puerto Tranquilo, Chile.
If you decide to hire a car, we recommend booking in advance online using RentalCars.com. These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars! As a result, each tour of the caverns is exceptional. The first trip I took was at the start of fall. They take advanced bookings with a 20% deposit made by international bank transfer. The glacier water in General Carrera lake always stays super cold throughout the year so you wont need to wear a bathing suit on the Marble Cave tour as swimming or falling into the water can be pretty dangerous. But, its a decent last-resort option. Thanks to thousands of years of glacial meltwater erosion we are now able to admire the beautiful striations and patterns on this marble in one of the purest glacial lakes in the world. On my most recent trip to the caves, I stayed there for one day. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about visiting the hard-to-reach Marble Caves in Chile. #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). However as it is winter , low season, there are less operators, bette phone to them (no mails) We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. But, its possible to book this bus (from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico) at the Chaltn Travel office at the El Chaltn bus station. Located in Chilean Patagonia, this off-the-beaten-track destination is a firm favourite along the iconic Austral Highway road trip. 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. There are two main tour options; boat and kayak and all tours can be booked on arrival. During the kayaking tour, you get to see a number of geological features which are located quite close together. Despite the beauty of these caves, they're not seen by a huge number of tourists. We HIGHLY recommend booking the Los Antiguos to Chile Chico bus ticket upon arrival in El Chaltn. You can contact them also in advance. 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. Well be the first to admit that our journey in February 2020 didnt go exactly to plan.