The Marble Cathedrals: A Natural Wonder in Chilean Patagonia

Image: Trayectorias en Viaje

  

Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.

 

Nestled in Chilean Patagonia's Aysén Region, along the shores of General Carrera Lake, lie the Marble Cathedrals—a remarkable natural wonder that captivates every visitor.

These stunning natural formations, including the Marble Cathedral, Marble Chapel, and Marble Cave, began forming around 300 million years ago. Over the past 15,000 years, the movement of water and waves from General Carrera Lake gradually shaped the marble into the breathtaking structures we see today. Declared a Nature Sanctuary in 1994, these geological wonders offer an unparalleled visual spectacle, with vibrant turquoise hues and intricate textures decorating their walls.

In this post, we’ll delve into the history, formation, and unique beauty of the Catedrales de Mármol—a true natural treasure and a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Patagonia’s most extraordinary landscapes.

How to Get to the Marble Cathedrals

The "Catedrales de Mármol" are located on General Carrera Lake, near Puerto Río Tranquilo. Here’s how you can reach them:

1. From Coyhaique, Chile

• By private vehicle: Take the Carretera Austral (Route 7) south for approximately 215 to 240 km until you reach Puerto Río Tranquilo. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to gravel sections.

• By bus: Regular bus services operate from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo. There are companies offering daily routes.

2. From Argentina

• You can travel from Los Antiguos, Santa Cruz Province, crossing into Chile at Chile Chico, then take Route 265 to connect with the Carretera Austral (Route 7) and continue to Puerto Río Tranquilo.

3. Visiting the Marble Cathedral

• Once in Puerto Río Tranquilo, head to the port to join a boat or kayak tour to the formations. Boat tours are more common and affordable, while kayak tours provide a more personalized experience.

4. Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit the Marble Cathedrals, also known as the Marble Caves or Marble Chapels, is between December and March, when the weather conditions are ideal for navigation, and the lake showcases its most vibrant blue color.

Google Map

Description of the Marble Formations

The Marble Cathedrals consist of three main formations: The Marble Cathedral, The Marble Chapel, and The Marble Cave.

• The Marble Cathedral: This is the most imposing formation in the group. It features natural columns and arches that, when bathed in sunlight, reveal a range of hues that are reflected in the turquoise waters of the lake. Its structure is a true masterpiece of nature, with a narrow base and curved shapes that resemble Gothic architecture.

• The Marble Chapel: Smaller than the cathedral but equally impressive, this formation offers a unique exploration experience. Its cavities and details invite visitors to immerse themselves in a fascinating environment, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and unparalleled natural landscapes.

• The Marble Cave: Completing the trio of main structures, the Marble Cave has intricate walls and rock formations that spark the curiosity of adventurers. These caves are accessible by boat, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of their curved walls and varied colors up close.

Geological Features

The Marble Cathedrals are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, quartz, and limonite, giving them a color palette that includes shades of blue, gray, pink, and white. These geological formations are over 300 million years old and originated in the equatorial region before being moved to their current location in Patagonia due to tectonic shifts.

Access and Tourism

To visit the Marble Cathedrals, you must reach the town of Puerto Río Tranquilo, where boats can be rented to explore the lake and view the formations from the inside. The boat trip is an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to admire the majesty of these structures from different angles.

The Marble Cathedrals were declared a Sanctuary of Nature in 1994, underscoring their importance as a natural heritage site of Chile. This destination is perfect for photography and nature enthusiasts, offering a unique landscape that combines the beauty of the marble formations with the natural surroundings of Patagonia.

Lago General Carrera, shared with Argentina (where it is called Lago Buenos Aires), has the largest surface area of any lake in Chile and the second-largest in Argentina. Its shared nature adds to the allure of this remarkable natural wonder.

Some Tour Operators

Marmol Expediciones
Gran Patagonia
PatagoniaXtreme
Viajero Austral

Did You Know? Fascinating Facts About the Marble Cathedrals:

The story behind the name of the Marble Chapels dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century when geographical surveys were conducted to delineate the territory between Chile and Argentina. One of the earliest records of the term 'Marble Chapel' can be found in the book Climbing the Andes, written by the Italo-Argentine explorer Clemente Onelli in 1904. However, it was the Swiss geologist Arnold Heim who popularized the name in 1939 when he described these formations as a 'marble chapel' due to their unique appearance, resembling a religious structure.

They are only accessible by boat or kayak. There are no roads leading directly to them. To admire them up close, visitors must sail from Puerto Río Tranquilo.

Depending on the time of year and sunlight, the waters of Lake General Carrera reflect shades ranging from vibrant turquoise to deep blue, casting ever-changing hues on the marble walls.

Erosion continues to shape the formations, causing their appearance to evolve over time. The columns, tunnels, and vaults are never exactly the same from one year to the next.

Although not a national park, the Marble Cathedrals area has been designated a Nature Sanctuary in Chile to preserve its beauty and prevent damage from mass tourism.

Near the Marble Chapels in the Aysén region of Chile, there are several tourist attractions worth visiting:
Exploradores Glacier: Located near Puerto Río Tranquilo, it offers the opportunity to walk on the glacier with guides or reach the viewpoint via a 4 km trek.
Laguna San Rafael National Park: Famous for its glacier and lagoon, this park can be visited on a full-day tour from Bahía Exploradores.
Exploradores Valley Scenic Route: This route takes you through forests, rivers, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.
Caleta Tortel: A small village known for its wooden walkways instead of streets, located near the mouth of the Baker River.
Villa O'Higgins: For now, the final point of the Carretera Austral, ideal for those seeking adventures by bike or on foot.
Mount San Valentín: The highest peak in Patagonia, offering breathtaking views from Route X-728.