Marble Caves in Chile, Patagonia

How to Get There, What to Expect & When to Visit

Updated September 9, 2020

Picture yourself sailing the calm ripples of Chile’s largest glacial lake en route to a remote marble structure, nestled within a humble group of rock islands. The bow of your boat moves straight through the mouth of the solid grotto and immediately, you notice a ceiling of bold, swirling lines so bright they must have been painted on. Your attention drifts to the surrounding rock walls covered in various shades of blue, including sapphire, seafoam greens, and turquoise. It isn’t until your neck gently reminds you that you’ve been staring up for too long, that you begin to notice the natural beauty that resides beneath you.

With a slight shift of your gaze over the edge of the boat, you spot distinct rock formations clearly through the translucent water, leaving you in awe about the world that lives miles and miles below the surface. You have reached the Marble Caves in Chile – a rare treat unlike anything else. The Marble Caves are becoming an ever-popular tour stop for those setting off on their dream Patagonia tour. It is for that reason today, we explore the one-of-a-kind Marble Caves in Chile!

How did the Marble Caves in Chile Form?

Wondering how these majestic blue caves formed? It’s actually quite simple. Aggressive waves have washed up against the marble (calcium carbonate) for years, and slowly shaped the curved walls. However, these strong walls of the marble cave in Patagonia did not instantly mold into the unique structure you see today. This process has been occurring for over six centuries! Its smooth and vibrant walls are now a reflection of the lake’s azure waters, which often change in color depending on the water levels and time of year.