The Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) are marble formations carved by the water of Lake General Carrera, in Chile's Aysén Region, and they are visited by boat or kayak from Puerto Río Tranquilo, about 223 km south of Coyhaique. The boat trip, the most common option, costs between CLP 20,000 and 25,000 per person in 2026, according to operators and Chile Travel, the country's official tourism promotion site. They are one of the most photographed landscapes in Chilean Patagonia.
The site has three main formations: the Cathedral, the Chapel and the Caves. It was declared a Nature Sanctuary in 1994 for its geological and scenic value. The walls change colour, from white to blue and turquoise, depending on the time of day, the light and the amount of glacial sediment in the water.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | West shore of Lake General Carrera, Río Ibáñez municipality, Aysén |
| Access town | Puerto Río Tranquilo |
| Distance from Coyhaique | About 220-223 km on the Carretera Austral (4 to 5 hours) |
| Nearest airport | Balmaceda, with flights from Santiago and Puerto Montt |
| Protection | Nature Sanctuary since 1994 |
| Age of the marble | About 300 million years (Late Paleozoic) |
| Boat ride to the formations | 15 to 20 minutes from Puerto Río Tranquilo |
Sources: Chile Travel (July 2026) and the guide by Tur.com (October 2026).
How to get to the Marble Caves
- Plane + car: fly from Santiago to Balmaceda airport, near Coyhaique, then drive about 220 km south on Route 7, the Carretera Austral, with paved and gravel stretches.
- Tour from Coyhaique: full-day trips of about 14 hours, including transfer, lunch and the boat ride.
- Road trip: Puerto Río Tranquilo is a must-stop on the Carretera Austral between Villa Cerro Castillo and Cochrane; see our Carretera Austral guide and the new trip-planning platform for the Carretera Austral.
- From Argentina: via the Río Jeinimeni pass to Chile Chico, then around the lake.
Marble Caves tours: 2026 prices
| Type | Approximate price per person | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat from Puerto Río Tranquilo | CLP 20,000 to 25,000 | 1.5 to 2 hours | Everyone |
| Long boat trip (“Full Mármol”) | About CLP 32,000 | About 2.5 hours | Those who want more formations |
| Kayak from Puerto Río Tranquilo | CLP 55,000 to 60,000 | 2 to 3 hours | Moderate fitness |
| Full-day tour from Coyhaique | CLP 65,000 to 85,000 | About 14 hours | Travellers without a car |
Sources: Chile Travel, Tur.com, Nomades and Viajero Austral, checked on October 21, 2026. Prices vary by operator and season.
The boat is the most comfortable option: open boats for 6 to 12 passengers, with life jackets. Kayaking is quieter and lets you enter tunnels and cracks where the boat does not fit, but it requires some fitness. Chile Travel recommends hiring only services registered with Sernatur.
Best time to visit the Marble Caves
You can visit all year round. The most popular season is November to March, with long days and more stable weather. But if your goal is to get inside the caves, spring and autumn are usually better: the lake is lower, while in summer the meltwater raises the water level and it is not always possible to pass, Chile Travel explains.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (September to November) | Lower lake: better chances of entering the caves; fewer people | Changeable weather and wind |
| Summer (December to February) | Long days, more stable weather, more tour departures | Meltwater: the lake rises and sometimes you cannot go in; more demand |
| Autumn (March to May) | Lower lake and autumn colours on the Carretera Austral | Shorter days |
| Winter (June to August) | Snowy scenery and few visitors | Cold; tours from Coyhaique need at least 8 passengers to run |
Sources: Chile Travel and Tur.com. Whatever the season, bring waterproof and windproof clothing: water splashes on the boat and the lake wind chills quickly.
What else to do nearby
- Exploradores Glacier: along the Exploradores valley road, which runs from Puerto Río Tranquilo towards the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
- Laguna San Rafael: the neighbouring national park is home to the San Rafael glacier, one of Chile's largest glaciers, reached by boat.
- Cerro Castillo: to the north, the national reserve with one of the country's most spectacular treks; see Cerro Castillo National Reserve.
- Coyhaique: the regional capital, with services and flights; see what to do in Coyhaique.
Does your tour operator, cabins or car rental in Aysén want to reach Carretera Austral travellers?
See advertising optionsFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the Marble Caves?
The boat trip from Puerto Río Tranquilo costs between CLP 20,000 and 25,000 per person in 2026; kayaking, between CLP 55,000 and 60,000, according to operators.
Where are the Marble Caves?
On Lake General Carrera, opposite Puerto Río Tranquilo, in the Aysén Region, about 223 km south of Coyhaique.
Can you go inside the marble caves?
It depends on the lake level: in spring and autumn it is usually possible; in summer, with the meltwater, sometimes not.
