Marble Caves (Cuevas de Mármol)

Some places seem painted—too beautiful to exist in reality. The Marble Caves in Chilean Patagonia are exactly that: white marble walls polished by water over millennia reflect the turquoise lake, creating a surreal play of light and color. When a boat glides inside the cave, it feels like entering another dimension.

Geology of Wonder

The Marble Caves (Cuevas de Mármol) formed in marble deposits on the shore of Lake General Carrera—South America's second-largest lake, shared between Chile and Argentina. For 6,000 years, lake waves eroded the marble peninsula, creating a labyrinth of caves, ar...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum2 hours

Recommended3 hours

Maximum4 hours

Entrance Fee

Adult

15,000 CLP~15,000 $

Child

8,000 CLP~8,000 $

Boat tour 15-25k CLP (~$15-25) from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Kayak more expensive. Weather dependent! Chile Aysén. Blue caves!

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Patagonian summer) for best weather and lowest water levels. October-November and March-April shoulder seasons possible. Winter (June-August) often impossible - high water floods caves.

Crowd Level

Low — few visitors

Official Website

How to Get There

Fly to Balmaceda (BBA), bus to Coyhaique (1 hour), then 4-5 hour drive/bus to Puerto Río Tranquilo on Carretera Austral. No ATMs in town - bring cash. Caves accessible only by kayak or boat tour from Puerto Río Tranquilo.

Best Photo Spot

Inside Marble Cathedral with sunlight reflection. Kayak perspective closer to water. Early morning for smooth water reflections. Sunny day for turquoise colors.

When to Visit

Best Time

DecJanFeb

Good Time

OctNovMarApr

Avoid

JunJulAug

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Not available

Charging

No outlets

Mobile signal

Poor

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

24 hours

Note

Boat tours from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Season September-April (summer months). Winter often inaccessible due to waves. Tours ~$25, 1 hour. Lake General Carrera. Patagonia, Chile.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Not accessible

Audio Guide

Not available

Staff Assistance

Not available

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faq.subtitle Marble Caves (Cuevas de Mármol)

Kayak is more immersive - you can paddle through the caves and get closer. Boat is quicker and easier. Both offer great views. Kayak tours ~4 hours, boat ~1 hour.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Marble Caves (Cuevas de Mármol)

Boat tours ~$15 USD (10,000 CLP). Kayak tours ~$15-25, 4 hours, more immersive - can paddle through caves. Book in town, no advance booking needed. Best conditions: calm water, sunny day. Avoid winter (June-August) - high water blocks cave access. No ATMs - bring cash. Remote location requires Carretera Austral road trip planning.

Inside Marble Cathedral with sunlight reflection. Kayak perspective closer to water. Early morning for smooth water reflections. Sunny day for turquoise colors.