Marvel at Patagonia’s marble caves
Glide by boat through the depths of Chile’s silvery limestone marble caves, a natural phenomenon of haunting beauty.
The Carretera Austral, the lonely road carving its way through the wild mountain landscapes of northern and central Chilean Patagonia, is spectacular in its own right but en route you can detour to view some astonishing natural phenomena, such as the Exploradores Glacier, and, equally stunning, the surreal limestone rock formations in the ocean gulf at Puerto Rio Tranquilo.
Travel by motor launch to view, and even enter, pearl white limestone caverns, the dazzling contorted sculptures of which are reflected in the calm turquoise waters. This curiousity of nature has been named the Capilla de Marmol (marble chapel) after the lofty church-like vaults and pinnacles. Chiselled by wind and water, these extraordinary formations are streaked with a ghostly silver and blue, making them appear even more otherworldly.
This is a popular day trip. If you have your own vehicle you can follow a cliff-carved gravelled road to visit another set of similar, equally impressive caves close to the tiny, sleepy port Puerto Sanchez, where you can hire a boat and will probably be the only visitors.
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Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
