facts about marble caves

This road is known as the “Carretera Austral“, a narrow road, mainly made of dirt and gravel, built under General Pinochet in order to link the isolated towns of the South to the main cities further North. Thanks for all the wonderful info. As far as I am aware there aren’t any company offering the online pre-booking unfortunately. So knowledgeable & passionate about what he does! These happen to be on the second largest freshwater lakes in South America. The town has now opened a bit to tourism, so you can find a few hostels, hospedajes and cabanas. From Puerto Rio Tranquilo, you can take a couple of other day excursions to the Glacier National Park and visit the Valle Exploradores by mountain bike or on foot. They were formed in top of the lake. Learn how your comment data is processed. the Chapel (La Capilla), the Cathedral (El Catedral), and the Cave (La Cueva). Thank you for sharing this. Being inside these caves is like being inside the Aurora Borealis. I have a calendar from about 3 years ago that has a beautiful photo of the marble caves. Marble Caves of Patagonia, Chile 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. I hope you get done someday to see for yourself. 1.5 1982–1985: show cave development. The amazing vibrant blue and grey cave chambers, (submerged to some extent) all lay in memorizing turquoise waters of Carrera/B.A Lake. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Marble Caves and Marble Cathedral are best reached via Puerto Tranquilo, Chile. This is the case for the Marble Caves located near the tiny village of Puerto Rio Tranquilo, in southern Chile. It is an impressive canvas of colours that many people skip. While 2 of our friends got lucky and hitched a ride, 7 of us hopped in a paid mini-van. Marble Caves, a geological formation of unusual beauty, are located in the centre of the lake General Carrera on the border of Chile and Argentina. The lake itself GEN-Carrera is one of ten deepest lakes in the world – it reaches a depth of 590 meters and an area of approximately 1,850 square kilometers. Those spikes are made with the same materials as limestone. You cannot be on a tight schedule to see the Marble Caves as it will take a lot of time just to get there. Great thing to do particularly when the weather isn’t good. With migration formality complete, we hoped to catch another ride but there were absolutely no cars crossing to Chile. Hi Guys!! The clear waters and designs of the marble caves. Exploring the marble caves in Chile is going to be the cave exploration you didn’t know you needed. There is no denying that Patagonia is filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, but some are less accessible than others and remain unknown to most of the world. This happened to me too. Cave Spikes are Limestone. That is why many … Marble Caves One of the most isolated natural treasures of the world, the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) are a series of sculpted caves in the General Carrera Lake in the heart of Patagonia. In this part of Patagonia, most of the tourists found here are either cycling or hitch-hiking the Carretera Austral as part of a long-term trip. What was the weather like the time you went and what kind of warm clothes did you pack? In general, it is advised to travel along the Carretera Austral before the end of March, mainly if you travel by bus as the local transportation and most of the accommodations shut down from April 1st… At this period of the year, the road may be closed because of the weather. It is so beautiful & interesting — our world. There is no bus terminal in Puerto Tranquilo. Carved into the Patagonian Andes, the Cuevas de Mármol are located on a peninsula of solid marble bordering Lake General Carrera, a remote glacial lake that spans the Chile-Argentina border. The highlights are the beautiful rock formations named “the Chapel” and the “Cathedral”. As we drove through the very bumpy gravel road along the General Carrera Lake, we were amazed by the landscapes and the brilliant blues of the lake, the biggest and deepest in Chile (1,850 km² and as deep as 580 m). - Marble Chapel) are located on Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires (Depends which side of the lake you are on) Patagonia. In addition to the marble structure of these caves, the stunning location is cherry on the top. The Marble Caves (Most famous of them is the “Capilla de Mármol” - Marble Chapel) are located on Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires (Depends which side of the lake you are on) Patagonia, Chile, the boat tours usually leave from Puerto Tranquillo (a little town), Río Ibáñez. So let’s not say never, you might have the chance to go there one day If it is a dream, I am sure you’ll make it happen. We won’t keep the secret from you. These caves have formed in a pure marble and are bathed in the deep blue water of General Carrera Lake The Marble Chapel (Capilla de Mármol) is located in the commune of Chile Chico, in Port Calm (Puerto Tranquilo). This is one of the most remote parts of Chile with only one road from North to South. She has visited more than 55 countries and set foot on every continent in the world!She is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife and outdoor activities. Patagonia is on our bucket list! Visiting these marble caves could just be the out of the world experience you are chasing. Jenny – Owner, writer & photographerJenny, 34, French, has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. To the North, follow the Carretera Austral to Coyhaique and Cerro Castillo, the new Torres del Paine. He, therefore, started to build the 1,200 km long road going from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, right at the border with the Argentinian town of El Chalten. Nestled deep in the Patagonian Andes, you can find the Cuevas de Mármol (Marble Caves) on a peninsula of solid marble. Yassss !! This is great information. It seems they are the only ones heading this route that early in the morning. We reached Los Antigos at sunrise and tried to reach the border which was opening at 8 am. Super helpful. You can then choose to head towards Chiloe Island or to continue the Carretera via Puyuhuapi and Queulat National Park, Futaleufu and Chaiten. We came here to visit any of the caves and we could enter in two of them: Cantera di Colonata, a real cave at free-air, where you can see, where the marble stones are extracted since Roman Period. It is really blue. We recently went to the Marble Caves. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: These caves are one of the most spectacular caves in the world. General Carrera Lake is the biggest lake in Chile and second biggest fresh-water lake in South America. The Cathedral, the Chapel and the Cave are the three formations that make up this natural spectacle that will certainly leave you breathless. These marble caves are one of a kind and a true spectacle. Cheers, Dan & Beck – Travel Made Me Do It, Home - About - Private Policy Hi Des, this is an excellent question. Marvel Cave was originally called Marble Cave, after explorers in 1882 saw what they thought was marble on the cave's ceiling. Oh my god, I am so happy. Finished in the 2000s, the road can now be travelled through entirely, but it is still an adventure! It requires a short ride by speedboat or, with good … Hi guys! Myself and my travel partner are planning on adding the Marble Caves into our roadtrip itinerary from Santiago to Punta Arenas. Marble Caves of Carrara diferents caves located in this well-known city, not so far from Pisa, in Italy. The Marble Caves are located in Chile, in the region XI called Aysén. With the sun, the waving shapes of blue, yellow and white light, reflect into the crystal clear water below. To the south, you will find Caleta Tortel, a town built on pilotis and boardwalks and also Villa O’Higgins further south where you can cross into Argentina and pursue your trip to El Chalten and El Calafate. Not only did he tell us all about the caves he gave great recommendations on other things to do in the area. Chile’s Cavernas de Mármol, or “Marble Caves,” is one of those places, but that didn't stop us from curating some photos that showcase this system of caves in Patagonia. The famous Patagonian wind is also often a real pain, so think… Read more ». Some of the best landscapes we have ever seen have been there. These caves were formed by flowing water and marble. The lake its on is the Carrera Lake. Spend time along the Carretera Austral and every lake, mountain or village will have something to make you stop in your tracks. Situated in Chile Chico, Aysen Region Chile on General Carrera Lake which is the fifth largest lake in … The main marble caves are accessible from Puerto Tranquilo, a small town right on the Carretera Austral, making it an easy stop-off for those doing a self-drive adventure down the famous road.From Puerto Tranquilo, you can take a kayak or boat trip right into the maze of marble caves… The Marble Caves in Patagonia, are situated along the Carretera Austral, 220km south of Coyhaique, the biggest city in the region. Crossing the Los Antigos / Chile Chico border, What To Do In Bariloche For Free or On A Budget, Chile’s Lake District, Puerto Varas & Frutillar, An off-the-beaten-path guide to Chiloe Island, Ferry From Puerto Chacabuco To Chiloe Island, The Marble Caves of Puerto Rio Tranquilo: Marvel of Patagonia, El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier: all you need to know, 7-Day “O” Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile, Seeing the King Penguins in South America, Looking for Orcas at the Peninsula Valdes, Punta Tombo, How To See 1 Million Magellanic Penguins, Camping Pudu (1 tent) – 8,000 CLP – no online booking, Cabaña Silvana – Cabana for 4/6 people: 50,000 CLP (€70) or dorm 10,000 pp (€14) – no online booking. Thanks! The use of a 4WD is, in fact, necessary. Travelling all this way just for the Marble Caves would be a very complicated and long journey. More specifically, the Marble Caves are sitting on a peninsula of marble that borders Lake General Carrera (as it is called in Chile). Seeing a whale breaching or a turtle hatching…>> Favourite countries: New-Zealand, Bolivia, Ireland and Canada.>> Wishlist: Svalbard, Newfoundland, Alaska and African Savanna.>> Philosophy: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. The lake is shared by Chile and Argentina and is known as Lake Buenos Aires on the Argentinian side. It is a unique geological formation featuring a group of caverns, tunnels and pillars created in monoliths of marble and formed by waves over the last 6,000 years or so. You can take a local bus to or from Coyhaique (Cochrane route). talesfromthelens.com. We haven’t had much rain but when it happened it was pouring for days… Tbh, you can have any type of weather, so it might be best to be prepared and pack good gears. Great craic too & so friendly. Marble Caves The Marble Caves is geological formation of unusual beauty. Thank you!! Hi Michelle!!! The caves are accessible by boat. The Marble Caves of Puerto Rio Tranquilo | Chile. Keep reading. The sma... Walter Towers in Prague, Czech Republic, is the latest from modern architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group. The buses usually stop, on a daily basis around 11 am, on the side on the main road,  Dagoberto Godoy. Source by Traveling Myself . I don’t think you should be worried about having a boat in December. Marble has the lively effect for it has the low index of refraction. In Puerto Rio Tranquilo, the town by the lake, you will find a dozen shacks with travel agencies. Thank you for your support. We are also on the platform and we love pinning great travel tips. The only way to get there is by taking a cab or walking the few kilometres from the bus station to the Argentinian border control. NEXT READ: What to do along the Carretera Austral. Like several others, we hitch-hiked and were picked up by a border control agent. Catedral de Marmol or Capilla de Mármol AKA Marble Caves is stunning but rather remote natural attraction that’s located on the shores of General Garrera Lake near by the small settlement called Puerto Rio Tranquillo in central Chilean Patagonia. Even in the middle of the summer… Patagonia is fearless and the weather absolutely unpredictable. She truly has a knack for creating the best itineraries!During her travels, Jenny loves volunteering with animals on conservation projects. It takes about 4.5 hours and cost 10,000 CLP (€15). Very interesting place for history-lovers and scientist-lovers. 1.3 1935–1938: Skreen Hill and connections. thanks for the comment. Here is a list of 3 places we know about through friends or we visited during our trip. The “Lago General Carrera” is so big that massive waves are common. Here is a map of the 2 ways to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo from El Chalten/El Calafate. Since I travelled for 18 months in Latin America, I packed for all 4 seasons and I used everything in Patagonia. The Marble Caves Chile Chico – is the largest deposit of marble on the earth. Bus – El Chalten – Los Antigos: 1,140 ARS (€70 pp)Los Antigos – Border Arg/Chile: free (hitchhiking)Collectivo – Chilean border to Rio Tranquilo: 10,000 CLP (€14)pp – mini-van shared by 7 people. We will arrive in Puerto Rio Tranquilo on Dec 22 and want to make sure we can get a boat to the caves. For the people willing to camp, we would recommend the Camping Pudu, and for those with a higher budget, you should consider the Cabaña Valle Exploradores which is very cosy and offers more comfort. Click on the photo to save this blog post for later. It’s all I wish for you. We had a wood fire stoves and a kitchen all to our selves. Marble Arch Caves- … The remarkable Marble caves, called Cuevas de Marmol in Spanish, have slowly been carved by nature for over 6,000 years. Her organisation and curiosity make her a great travel companion always looking for DIY and off-the-grid adventures. From El Chalten, Argentina, there are 2 ways to start the Carretera Austral: 1) a boat and a 2-day trek crossing the border to Villa O’Higgins, where you will need to make your way up from the start of the Carretera Austral (this will take a few days) or 2) a night bus to the town Los Antigos, and then cross the border to the Chilean town of Chile Chico. This site uses cookies to track and optimise performance: Where are these remarkable Marble Caves in Chile? But the small town has limited space can lead to full-vacancies and the lack of internet makes reserving complicated. I was wondering what time of the year you were visiting the caves though? As for example, the bus from El Chalten to Bariloche is most year out of service by the end of April, and the boat from Villa O’Higgins in the south of the Carretera austral doesn’t run past the month of March. Oct 10, 2020 - The Marble Arch Caves are situated in the picturesque foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain and just a short journey from Enniskillen town in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Actually with all the downtime currently, we decided to make our own travel blog – Travel Made Me Do It (travelmademedoit.com). Many of whom we would spend the next few days with or sporadically meet along our route north through South America. It can be warm during the day but really cold at night. Danang-marble mountains are open daily on schedule from the 7 to the 17: 00 in an uninterrupted way. Go around and talk with the local guides to learn about their tours. This started the Marble Cave Mining Company, although later it was realized that there was never any marble in the cave. The Marble Caves (Most famous of them is the “Capilla de Mármol” – Marble Chapel) are located on Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires (Depends which side of the lake you are on) Patagonia, Chile, the boat tours usually leave from Puerto Tranquillo (a little town), Río Ibáñez. From there you can get a collectivo or hitchhike to Puerto Tranquilo. Most accommodation close and the local transportation stop running. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - PHOTOS AND TEXTS CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION Thanks for all the great information provided. It is the high season and there are a lot of locals offering tours throughout the day. Both names are internationally accepted, but the marble caves are on the Chilean side. 1.4 1966–1967: Skreen Hill 2, 3 and Legnabrocky Way. With no access to such cars, many decide to hitch-hike, take the local bus that only runs during the summer months, or even cycle. 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