Efforts to preserve patagonia for future generations are beginning to extend to the marble caves and contreras says local tour operators are.
Marble caves south america.
South america s stunning marble cathedral.
The chapel la capilla the cathedral el catedral and the cave la cueva.
The caves are on the chilean side of the lake.
Deep in rural chilean patagonia melting glaciers feed south america s 2nd largest lake general carrera lake.
Covering an area of almost 1000 square kilometres it spans the border between chile and argentina.
The only way to reach the marble caves is by boat kayak or ferry.
There is no easy way to travel to the marble caves in patagonia.
It is a unique geological formation featuring a group of caverns tunnels and pillars created in monoliths of marble and formed by waves over the last 6 000 years or so.
Instead this will be a completely aquatic adventure.
The marble caves is a group of caves made of marble situated in the chile portion of the general carrera lake in south america.
The magnificent marble caves have formed over the last 6000 years as the water melted from the nearby glaciers filling up general carrera lake and washing up against these solid rocks slowly carving out intricate caverns columns and tunnel systems.
General carrera lake is the biggest lake in chile and second biggest fresh water lake in south america.
What are the marble caves.
Nestled deep in the patagonian andes you will find the cuevas de mármol marble caves.
There are several operators offering boat tours of the marble caves for 10 000 clp 15 usd per person.
Marble caves is also known as marble caverns as well as marble cathedral and marble chapel although these terms may refer to particular formations in the area.
Argentina named it lake buenos aires while chile named it general carrera lake.
The caves are on the chile argentinean border on the outskirts of lake general carrera on a peninsula of solid marble.
The caves are a result of waves washing up against calcium carbonate for over 6 000 years.
The clear waters and designs of the marble caves.
If you prefer it is also possible to rent a kayak and paddle to the marble caves for about 35 000 clp 50 usd.
Where to find a marble caves tour.
Chile s marble caves is one of the most extraordinary places to visit in south america.
Both names are internationally accepted but the marble caves are on the chilean side.
There is no road you can drive on to reach the caves and there is no paved pathway or area for you to stroll inside the caves.