Reasons to go

  • These caves are a unique natural wonder that you won't find anywhere else in Patagonia
  • Get right up close by kayaking through the caves and caverns
  • See marble in its purest form, polished only by the lapping of the lake over thousands of years
  • Nearby are the majestic San Rafael Glacier and the Exploradores Glacier, two other highlights of this region of Aysen

About the Marble Caves

Geology

Over 6,200 years, the huge marble deposits on the edge of the General Carrerra Lake have been worn away by the water, creating caves, tunnels, and huge columns of pure marble. Marble at the surface of the water dissolved the fastest as the water penetrated small cracks, widening them into fractures which were gradually worn away. The result is a marble maze just above the water level, and some islands including the famous 'marble cathedral' and the 'marble chapel'. 

Although the rock steals the show, if you look down from your boat or kayak you'll see the other beautiful feature of the lake, the bright blue tint that comes from the glacial meltwater. 

Marble Caves

How to get there

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, spending around an hour exploring.

This whole section of the General Carrera Lake shore is full of marble caves and islands, and if you want to get off-the-beaten-track and have a little time, you can visit different caves from nearby villages. These often require slightly longer boat trips and bumpy dirt roads, perfect for those seeking a little more adventure. Base yourself at Terra Luna for easy access to a boat trip.

Planning your visit

With good weather, the Marble Caves are an unmissable feature of this part of the Carretera Austral. If you're in the area, it's certainly worth stopping off for a few hours to explore them, or even spending a day taking a boat out to the more hidden caves and islands. However it's worth mentioning that the whole Aysen region is packed full of sweeping valleys, crashing glaciers, verdant forests, turquoise lakes and river torrents. There's so much to see here, we recommend fitting the Marble Caves into your itinerary, rather than building it around them.

Marble Caves

You can combine a visit to the Marble Caves with seeing the nearby San Rafael Glacier, a beautiful wall of ice hidden right in the middle of the rainforest. You can also travel from Puerto Tranquilo to the Exploradores Glacier to hike to a viewpoint, or ice hike on the glacier itself.

Where to stay

The expansive, bright blue Lake General Carrera is an ideal setting for spacious lakeside lodges, often with their own boats and beaches, or bright terraces kept toasty with wood burners.

Some of our favourite waterfront hideaways can be found here, from the natural decor of El Mirador de Guadal, to the quirky individual rooms at Terra Luna Lodge. No matter where you end up, you can be sure of beautiful views and a very warm Patagonian welcome. 

Marble Caves

La Lenga

Customer review background image

What our customers think of Marble Caves

The kayak to Las Capillas de Marmol was marvelous. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Liz Woyczynski - USA

Review:

Explore more of Aysen

Things to do in Aysen

Things to do in Aysen

Aysen's magic lies in its variety. This region is blessed with mountains, rivers, forests, rainforest, steppe, fjords, and even the North Patagonian Ice Cap. Trek through pristine …

Discover More
Hiking in Aysen

Hiking in Aysen

Dramatic snow-capped mountains, glistening glacial lakes and lush forested valleys make for superb trekking in this unsung region. Explore the fantastic hiking routes in Aysen's …

Discover More
Views of Glacier San Rafael, Chile, Patagonia

San Rafael Glacier

The last thing you'd expect to find in the middle of a rainforest, San Rafael Glacier is the most dynamic and actively calving glacier on the Northern Ice Cap. The lagoon at the …

Discover More
Carretera Austral

Carretera Austral

Spanning the length of southern Chile, Pinochet designed this incredible highway to penetrate an otherwise impregnable natural fortress, defended by the Andean mountains, the …

Discover More

Why Swoop

We’ve got our feet on the ground

Expert Impartial Advice SVG

Impartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.

Deep Roots in Patagonia

Deep Roots SVG

We are former guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts & adventurers.

For The Ends Of The Earth

Ends Of The Earth SVG

Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).

We’re With You At Every Step

With You SVG

We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.

Ready to plan your Tailor-made Adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Get in touch today to talk about your dreams for your trip. Whether it’s a 2-week or 2-month adventure, you’re travelling independently or in a big group, you want to see Patagonia in comfort or discover challenging hikes, we’d love to help.

1-855-369-7866