The Stunning Marble Caves of Chile: A Must-See Cave Tour

Nature's marvelous sculpture, the Marble Caves were turned into the stunning geological formations by light, and by the process of erosion. This clear blue lake filled with caves made of marble is located in Chile portion of South America.

The crashing waves of the lake have formed these ornate marble caves, over the last 6,000 years. Marble caves change their color depending on the weather and time of the year. Their color mostly varies from deep blue to turquoise.

The Marble Caves, also widely known as ‘Marble Caverns’ have different shapes like ‘The Marble Cathedral’, ‘The Marble Chapel’, which together form a complex network of water-filled caves.

One thing that astonishes the visitors is the unique knack of the marble caves to change their appearance with the changing seasons. In spring, the water levels of the lake plummet and turn turquoise only to create a crystalline shimmer reflection against the caves’ walls.

However during summer, the water levels rise and produce a deep blue hue on the swirling walls of the caves. The water levels are mostly affected by the freezing and melting of the surrounding glaciers which reflects on the marble surface giving it numerous blue hues.

The marble caves are mineral formations made of calcium carbonate, and their estimated total combined weight would be 5 billion tonnes. The length of these caves is nearly 300 meters.

Their beautiful color is due to the turquoise water of the lake. Light bounces into the labyrinth of the caverns, which strikes the carved marble walls and creates a charming light show.

To reach this intricate cave network, one must first take a flight to the Chilean capital of Santiago, followed by an 800-mile travel to Coyhaique. Visitors are then supposed to drive 200 miles on the dirt roads towards the lake. Best way to see the caves is to use small boats when the lake waters are calm.