Capillas de Mármol in Chilean Patagonia are also known as the Marble Caves. These stunning caves have formed over a millennia by the lapping waves of the glacial lake ‘Lago General Carrera/Lago Buenos Aires’.

Our Tour

Fortune was in our favour when we visited the Marble Caves. Not only was the weather holding out with sunshine and mild temperatures but we were also lucky enough to board the the last boat of the day. What does that mean? Well, that meant our boat of 5 was the only boat out on the water. We were able to enjoy the majesty of the caves without boat loads of tourists in every view. Our Tour guide made sure we didn’t miss out on anything as she translated everything in English for me with the same enthusiasm throughout the tour. Having the caves to ourselves gave an intimate and personalised feel to the trip.

The Marble Caves

There are countless caves striped with the recognisable colours of white, grey and blue toned marble. They are of varying sizes and the tour will take you inside them, close enough to stroke the walls and dip your hand in the water.

The Wishing Cave

The tunnel takes you through a white marble cave with crystal clear bright blue waters that our tour guide likened to the colour of Gatorade. Towards the end of the cave we all made a silent wish – I can’t tell you what ours was because it won’t come true if I do. However our tour guide did assure us that the wishes do come true. The first time she visited the cave she made a wish of her own that came true and that’s a strong testimonial in our eyes.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral is the most iconic view in the vicinity of the caves. This is most likely the first image you’ll see when googling the Marble Caves. Its name is given on account of its multiple high arches and its grand magnitude.

Even to this to this day it is unknown whether the marble Cathedral has always been there and formed over time or if millions of years ago the large marble rock tumbled down for the mountains above. Those working the tours and living in the village believe it was always there. 

The Chapel

Much like the Cathedral, the chapel also gets its name from its many high arches and its proximity to the cathedral. Though it’s much smaller, it’s just as beautiful.

Marble Statues

It might take a keen eye to spot these naturally occurring statues around the caves.

Dog

Tortoise

Dog

Forest

Cost

There are many places to buy tickets within the small village and they are all roughly the same.

Boat Tour: $20pp

Kayak Tour: $30 – $40pp

As travellers on a tight budget we really felt that $20pp was a great deal and were very happy with the value for money. In these sorts of touristy places it’s easy for them to overcharge but we felt this was an affordable tourist attraction. Though we might have felt different if we had gotten there earlier in the day or even season and had a totally different experience with the boat load of tourists. Pun intended.

Hints and tips

• Try to be on the last boat of the day around 5pm, you’ll have the caves to yourself and you won’t regret it.
• Though you are given a water proof over coat, do wear something warm, it can get pretty cold on the water, especially when the boat is moving to and from the dock.
• Suncream! Always wear suncream, especially when out on the water
• The lake from the dock to the caves and back can get pretty rough. Something to bare in mind if you get sea sick or planning to kayak.
• You are not permitted to take your own boat or kayak to the caves.

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