Pavel Skopich / EyeEm
The Marble Caves Of Patagonia Will Immediately Trigger Travel Envy
Sometimes, the art humans create pales in comparison to the works made by nature. The Marble Caves are one such marvel: erosion and light has turned geological formations into colorful works of sculpture.
Carved by Nature
The Marble Caves (also known as Cuevas de Mármol) are located in the Patagonian Andes, on a peninsula of solid marble. This unique geological formation sits in waters shared by Argentina and Chile, and is only accessible by boat.
Over more than 6,000 years, lake currents lapped at the marble, slowing carving out the smooth formations you see today. Though the marble itself isn't a brilliant blue, it dances with cerulean displays of color when the water reflects its light. As a result, it changes color throughout the year, depending on water levels and season.
Adria Photography
Just Within Reach
Want to visit? Good luck. Getting there is no small feat. First, you'll have to take a 2.5-hour flight from Santiago, Chile to the city of Balmaceda. Once you're there, you'll have to travel another several hours: the caves are a twisty, hilly, 120-mile (193-kilometer) drive away. Finally, you'll reach General Carrera Lake, where you can hop on a ferry and float out for a 30-minute tour. Happy travels!
