Marble Caves

Why is it famous?

Their smooth, swirling walls of gray, white, and blue marble look almost painted, but every pattern was carved naturally by water.

The bright turquoise color of Lake General Carrera's water reflects off the pale stone, making the caves glow from within.

How were they formed?

For about 6,000 years, waves from the lake slowly wore away at a peninsula of pure marble, hollowing out caves, tunnels, and archways.

The marble itself formed hundreds of millions of years ago and contains streaks of different colors swirled together like marble cake.

Amazing facts

The caves sit on Lake General Carrera, the second-largest lake in South America, shared between Chile and Argentina.

The lake's stunning turquoise-blue color comes from fine rock powder, called glacial flour, carried down from nearby glaciers.

Quick facts

• The caves sit on Lake General Carrera, the second-largest lake in South America, shared between Chile and Argentina.
• The lake's stunning turquoise-blue color comes from fine rock powder, called glacial flour, carried down from nearby glaciers.
• The caves' appearance changes with the seasons — when the lake level is low, more caves and tunnels are visible to explore by boat.
• The site was officially protected as a Chilean Nature Sanctuary in 1994.