Waves Over Centuries Has Carved this Marble Cave into Stunning Shapes and Swirling Patterns

If the much-visited tourist destinations fail to excite you, there’s one destination that’s certain to give you the thrills. This destination is the marble caves of Patagonia located in southern Chile, South America. Known as the Cuevas de Mármol, these caves are situated on a peninsula of solid marble that’s carved into the Patagonian Andes. The caves border a remote glacial lake – Lake General Carrera – that lies on the Chile-Argentina border.

A visit to Patagonia is enough to make you realize that this 6000-year-old marble cave network is the most beautiful in the world. The constant action of the waves over centuries has carved the marble into stunning shapes and swirling patterns. The beauty of the caves is further enhanced by the azure waters of the lake that change in intensity and color, depending on the time of the year and the water level.

The months between September and February are the best to visit these marble caves. This is the time when the ice thaws, turning the lake water a bright turquoise. The marble caves never fail to surprise. They constantly change their appearance and color depending upon the season.

During spring, the shallow waters are infused with delightful shades of blue that shimmer against the caves’ white crystalline walls. In summer months the water level rises due to the melting ice of the surrounding glaciers, imbuing a deep blue color to the waters. The reflection of this deep blue hue on the marble walls makes the caves look totally captivating.

You can visit this cave network only by means of a boat since it’s located far from the road head. The boat ride only adds to the fun and regular 30-minute boat tours are available, being operated by a local company. The best time to take the boat tour is early morning since the sun provides the best lighting to click perfect pictures. Of course, the boat tour depends upon the weather. Ferries too ply from Chile Chico for the marble caves.

If you’re keen on visiting the marble caves Chile location, you’ll need to take a flight to Santiago, the Chilean capital. From here, you’ll need to embark on an 800-mile (1,287-kilometer) journey on the country’s major highways and reach Coyhaique, the gateway to the remote parts of Patagonia. Another 200 miles (322 kilometers) on dirt roads will get you to Lake General Carrera and the marble caves.

Despite this long and arduous journey, the enchanting marble caves of Patagonia are worth all the trouble.

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Deepak Mehla

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