The Magnificent Marble Caves of General Carrera Lake, Chile

Marble Caves of Patagonia, South America — Patagonia lake is the deepest lake in South America and famous for its trout and salmon fishing. The lake is shared by two countries Argentina and Chile. Lake Buenos Aires Argentina side and The General Carrera Lake Chile side. The total surface of lake is 1,850 km² with 586 meter maximum depth and the maximum size of the lake is 970 km² are in the Chilean Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region, the biggest lake in Chile and 880 km² in the Argentine Santa Cruz Province, and the fourth largest lake in Argentina. The lake is of glacial origin and is surrounded by the Andes mountain range.

Image credit Pedro_AlvaradoMontoya

The Marble Caves, Marble Chapel and Marble Cathedral are an unusual geological formation located at the center of the lake. They represent a group of caverns, columns and tunnels formed in monoliths of marble. The Marble Caves have been formed by wave action over the last 6,200 years. Outgoing marble extend along the side of the beach and about 300 meters long. The lake waters have impacted on the marble slowly and in his infinite patience, have created something huge, almost disconcerting beauty. Rock manifests different shades dependent impurities within the natural marble. Although the white shores of immense purity are predominant, the shores of blue and pink marble can also be seen due to the presence of other minerals within the rock. [source 1 2]

Desde Coyhiaque hasta Rio Tranquilo - Chile — Carretera Austral de Chile. Image credit Jorge

It has been estimated that these vast sections of marble weigh five billion tonnes and are composed of 94% calcium carbonate. The area is not in one of the most hospitable areas of the world, but is lucky. Although the region is cold and wet lake enjoys a sunny micro-climate. So although you may be cold getting there, once you are there you should be warm! [source 1 2]