About
The Marble Caves, known locally as the Capillas de Mármol and also called the Blue Caves, sit on the shores of General Carrera Lake near Puerto Río Tranquilo in Chile's Aysén Region. They are a natural landmark of marble formations shaped by the water, and they are best seen up close rather than from the shore.
What to expect
The caves are reached by boat or kayak across the lake. Once you are inside, the walls of pale marble curve overhead and the light on the water takes on a blue tint, which gives the place its name. Many visitors describe the effect as a kind of underwater cathedral, with the reflections on the water seeming to lift the rock upward.
Planning a visit
- Getting there: Access is by water, so your visit depends on a boat or kayak trip on General Carrera Lake.
- Setting: The lake and its surroundings form the wider landscape of the Aysén Region, which is known for its open country and mountains.
- Pace: Allow time both for the journey across the lake and for moving slowly through the caves, where the light and reflections change as you move.
Puerto Río Tranquilo is the nearest settlement and the usual starting point for trips to the caves. It gives you a base from which to arrange your crossing and to explore the lakeside village before or after your visit.