The main problem in our visit was the weather, windy and cold. Besides that, very beautiful place. Very far away from everything else, but very, very beautiful
Like the title says, the capillas de marmol weren't nearly as cool as I was expecting. I would have been pretty disappointed had I paid more than $10 to see these! The lake itself is really pretty, but the pictures of the marble caves are way better than the real thing, and usually it's the other way around... If you do go, make sure to get quotes from various tour operators. Some area really expensive, and in the end you're paying for the exact same thing.
While you are sailing from the dock of puerto tranquilo until capillas de marmol, you will have a incredible view of the lake, mountains and the whole place. Quite impressive outlooks you can find from the boat. Be sure day is clear.
Like my review for the Catedral! This place is gorgeous but average! I've heard that you can even organize a wedding here during the lowtide! I love the clear blue water though!!!
We had high expectations for this attraction as the pictures and reviews about them seemed great. In reality although they are a must stop if you are travelling the carretera austral they are also not nearly as good as they are portrait to be. interesting enough this attraction looks better in pictures than real life.
When comparing the marble caves to any other site throughout the Patagonia Region, it comes out to be pretty average. There is so much more to see from the hikes throughout El Bolson, to Perito Moreno Glacier, to the worth while hikes like Fitz Roy in El Chalten on your way to Torres del Paine. If you're on your way south in Chile, stop by... if you're on the Argentina side, I recommend to save your time and money. Whatever you do, if you find yourself in Chile Chico, stay away from a travel guide for the marble caves by the first name Alonzo (check out his photo that I've uploaded). Poor communication, made our group wait for two and a half hours after our 1 hour tour was over to take a different bus when we hired him to take us back privately which then broke down and demanded we pay upfront or he wouldn't drive us even though we guaranteed we would be back to Chile Chico by 7pm which we never did. He's not necessarily a scam artist but more of a untrustworthy guide. Stay away!
It is pure beauty and change over the light of the day so nead to be seen more than onceNeed good clothes
These caves are absolutely incredible! Best option is a small boat from one of the many small owners/agencies in Puerto Rio Tranquilo or Puerto Sanchez. We opted for a trip from Bahia Mansa which is about 5 K to the south of Puerto Rio Tranquilo just off the main road. (However, the 1 kilometer track down to the harbour needs to be driven very carefully!). This is the closest possible to the caves (especially the cathedral etc), and actually only minutes away by boat! The boats, managed by very competent guides, actually enter a number of the caves, depending on the lake levels.We then went back - this time by kayak - which allowed us to enter even smaller sections of caves. If you kayak, make sure you have waterproof protection for your camera. Kayaking is the best way to see the caves, although the boat trip first is highly recommended, as it indicates location and distances.The boat trip costs less than $15 per head and the kayaks cost about $20 per hour each.We have seen some reviews indicating that the caves were not as spectacular as some of the photos. We disagree with this but would suggest early morning and late afternoon with sunshine as the best times to visit! We intend traveling again to see these caves from Western Europe because we rate them as a world-class attraction!
Best appreciated on a day with blue skies and no wind. But awesome anytime time of the year. By canoe or kayak you should be aware of the rapidly changing weather in Patagonia. The wind and waves can pick up very quickly. Treat this lake like the ocean.
Short kayak or motorboat ride to natural marble formations just offshore in South America's second largest lake. The water is a bit cold in summer, but is a striking clear blue. The marble caves are beautiful, you can boat into them, and I've never seen anything like them.