Emplacement et comment s'y rendre

Puerto Río Tranquilo is a small lakeside village in the Aysén Region of Southern Chile, approximately 220 kilometers south of Coyhaique. The Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) and nearby Ice Caves are accessed by boat from the town's dock.

• From Coyhaique: Take Route 7 (Carretera Austral) southbound. The drive takes roughly 4 hours, passing through scenic Patagonian landscapes. Buses also operate this route, though schedules may be limited.
• Boat Tours: Local operators in Puerto Río Tranquilo offer guided boat excursions to the caves. Departures depend on weather conditions, particularly wind and water levels.

Heures d'ouverture et billets

• Boat Tours: Typically run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in peak season (November to March), weather permitting. Off-season availability is reduced.
• Entrance Fees: No fixed admission cost for the caves themselves, but boat tours range from 15,000 to 25,000 CLP per person, depending on the operator and tour length. Tickets are purchased directly from tour providers in town.

Meilleur moment pour visiter

Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the marble's colors. December to February offers the calmest waters, though this is also the busiest period. For fewer crowds, consider shoulder seasons (October or April).

Durée de la visite et activités

• Boat Tour: 1–2 hours, including time to photograph the caves.
• Activities: Photography, kayaking (some operators offer this), and short walks along accessible sections of the caves.

Installations

• Puerto Río Tranquilo: Basic amenities include small cafes, guesthouses, and public restrooms. No facilities at the caves themselves.
• Accessibility: Boat access may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility due to uneven docks.
• Parking: Available near the dock in town.

Ce qu'il faut apporter/vêtir

• Layered clothing for Patagonia's unpredictable winds.
• Waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes for boat boarding.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen—light reflects intensely off the water.
• Camera with polarizing filter to capture the marble's hues.

Règles et règlements

• Follow guide instructions strictly—waves can be sudden.
• Do not touch the fragile marble formations.
• No swimming or unsupervised kayaking near the caves.

Informations sur le contact

No centralized website; inquire locally for tour operators. The Coyhaique tourism office (+56 67 225 5669) may provide seasonal updates.