Chile's Marble Caves, with the famous "Capilla de Mármol," are a little-known marvel
Feb 15, 2024
The Marble Caves of Chile are a hidden gem in the beautiful Aysén region. They're home to the famous "Capilla de Mármol" and are located in the charming town of Chile Chico. These caves are known for their impressive blue and green formations, shaped by Lake General Carrera's currents. The colors change as time passes and seasons shift, making it a captivating sight to behold.
Before heading to the Marble Caves, we made a stop in Lima to meet my friend from my Master's program in Boston. We spent some time exploring the city together. Her dad was kind enough to pick us up from the airport in Lima, saving us from the busy transit system, especially with the chaotic social climate due to the political unrest. While in Lima, we tried some local street food like anticuchos (grilled cow heart skewers) and Inca Kola, a golden-hued soda prized in Peru and throughout South America.
We flew from Lima to Santiago and then caught another flight to Balmaceda Airport in Aysén, Chile. To reach Puerto Guadal, the entry point to Patagonia, travelers need to navigate through rough terrain. The roads might demand a four-wheel-drive vehicle with chains, especially in certain seasons. In my case, the Fiat 4x4 fullback allowed us to travel with ease. The drive from the airport and trying to make it to our cabin before sunset was the best part as ice was forming quickly, so the five+hour drive seemed like an eternity but was filled with beautiful landscapes all the way through. Despite my history with driving in the mountains and ice ending in disaster, I managed to navigate through the snow, ice, and steep terrain. We stayed at El Arrayan, where the owner was welcoming and served locally sourced cuisine. Puerto Guadal is a great location for exploring Patagonia's sights and activities, but remember to pack warm clothing, especially during colder months.
Our trip to Chile Chico was all about the Marble Caves. On a boat tour of Lake General Carrera, we were amazed by the caves' colors and patterns. We even explored underwater caves. But beyond the caves, we visited Cerro Castillo National Park for stunning views of the Andes and Jeinimeni National Reserve for incredible formations and wildlife.
Yet, what we loved most was the warmth of Chile Chico's locals and their culture. We enjoyed Chilean dishes like empanadas and grilled lamb with local wine. These moments truly captured the essence of Chile Chico. Our trip was unplanned, sparked by an incident in Lima, but it became an extraordinary adventure. Chile Chico's beauty left a lasting impression on us, and we can't wait to return for more adventures.