Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) from Argentina: how to visit them from Los Antiguos
Destination guide · Updated November 2026 · By Centinela Explora
In a nutshell
The Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) are in Chile, on Lake General Carrera, which on the Argentine side is called Lake Buenos Aires. From Argentina you visit them on a full-day trip from Los Antiguos (Santa Cruz), crossing the border at Chile Chico and sailing to the marble formations. The boat trip depends on the wind, so leave a few days of margin. You can combine it with Cueva de las Manos, Patagonia Park, Route 41 and Lago Posadas.
Quick facts
| Location | Lake General Carrera / Buenos Aires, Chilean side, Aysén region |
|---|---|
| From Argentina | Full-day trip from Los Antiguos, crossing at Chile Chico |
| Duration | All day, with transfers, about 2 hours of sailing and lunch |
| Season | Spring to autumn; in summer it is less likely to be cancelled by wind |
| What to bring | Windbreaker and ID to cross into Chile |
| Watch out for | Wind: it can cancel the boat trip |
Where are the Marble Caves?
They are on the Chilean shore of the binational lake called General Carrera in Chile and Buenos Aires in Argentina. They are marble formations shaped over thousands of years by the lake's waves, with hollows, columns and tunnels that reflect the turquoise water. Since 1994 they have been protected by Chile as a Nature Sanctuary.
Chapels, Cathedral or Caverns: is it the same place?
Yes, it is the same place, which is why the names are used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, the sanctuary has three main formations: the Marble Cathedral, the largest; the Marble Chapel; and the Marble Caverns, the set of caves and tunnels. Boat trips visit all three.
How do you visit them from Argentina?
Boat trips leave from different points. The best known is Puerto Río Tranquilo, in Chile, more than 150 km from the border at Los Antiguos. For travelers coming from Argentina, the most practical option is a day trip from Los Antiguos with an operator that has a port closer to the border, on the south shore of the lake.
We do it with Zoyen, which sails from its own port on the south shore of the lake, about 90 km from Los Antiguos (the same one used by Chelenco, another local operator). According to the operators, the boat trip lasts about 2 hours. The excursion takes the whole day: transfer from Los Antiguos, border crossing at Chile Chico, sailing, lunch and return to Los Antiguos.
What happens if it is windy?
The boat trip may well be cancelled because of wind: the lake is large and waves build up quickly. That is why it is wise to leave some margin. We always schedule it for the first day of the trip, so if it is cancelled there is time to reschedule.
When is the best time to go?
The sailing season runs from spring to autumn. Operators do not recommend winter, because of the cold and lake conditions. In our experience, in summer it is less likely to be cancelled by wind.
What documents do you need to cross into Chile?
Argentine citizens enter Chile with a valid DNI, without a visa; it is required for everyone in the vehicle, not just the driver. Travelers of other nationalities should check Chile's entry requirements. If you drive your own car, you also need a driver's license, the vehicle registration card (cédula verde or azul) and insurance valid in Chile. If the car is not in your name, you need a notarized authorization. Check the border crossing hours before you go.
What should you wear?
A windbreaker. On the boat you feel the wind even on a nice day.
Can you kayak there?
Yes, some operators offer kayak tours through the caves, mostly from Puerto Río Tranquilo. We do not offer that excursion, but it is an option if you want to see the formations from the water at your own pace.
What else can you see in the area?
Northwestern Santa Cruz has several places that combine well with the Marble Caves:
- Cueva de las Manos: rock paintings thousands of years old in the Río Pinturas canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Patagonia Park: trails such as Tierra de Colores and Los Balcones, with guanacos and condors.
- Route 41: a scenic road running along the Andes.
- Sarmiento Petrified Forest: fossilized trunks millions of years old.
- Lago Posadas: a picturesque Patagonian village, a good place to finish Route 41 and stop for a meal.
If you want to travel with everything organized
If you want to travel with everything organized, check out our group departures.
