The Marble Caves, known in Spanish as Capillas de Mármol, stand on the shore of General Carrera Lake in Chile’s Aysén Region, in Patagonia. They are a protected nature sanctuary, and boats leave from Puerto Río Tranquilo, a small village on the Carretera Austral.
How to get to the Marble Caves
You can only explore the caves from the water, so head to Puerto Río Tranquilo first.
| From | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Coyhaique | 215–240 km | 4–5 hours |
| Balmaceda Airport | About 190 km | About 4 hours |
| Chile Chico | About 160 km | Several hours on a slow road |
Parts of the road are gravel, and travel times vary with the season and road conditions. From Argentina, the usual crossing is Los Antiguos to Chile Chico through the Río Jeinemeni border pass.
Which boat tour to choose
| Tour | Duration | What you see | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble Caves classic tour | 1h 30min | Caves, Tunnel and Cathedral | CLP 25,000 |
| Full tour | 2h 30min | Also Puerto Sánchez caves and sunken boats | CLP 35,000 |
| Laguna San Rafael | Full day | San Rafael Glacier and fjords | Arranged by WhatsApp |
Our guides speak Spanish and English. Booking pages are in Spanish; use the flag at the top of the site to translate them, or message us on WhatsApp.
When to go
Our season runs from September to April. Departures depend on the wind: if the lake is not safe, your trip is rescheduled or fully refunded. Allow a spare day in your itinerary if you can.
What to bring
Warm layers and a windbreaker, even in summer. We provide life jackets and a waterproof poncho. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Marble Caves in Chile?
On the shore of General Carrera Lake, in the Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia. Boats leave from Puerto Río Tranquilo.
Can you reach the Marble Caves by land?
No. You can drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, then continue across the lake by boat or kayak.
How much is a Marble Caves tour?
Our classic tour starts at CLP 25,000 per person and our Full tour at CLP 35,000.