Magical Marble Caves in Chile
Travel Destinations: Chile, Patagonia
8 Day Itinerary | Puerto Tranquilo, Cochrane, Chile Chico, Coyhaique
Marble Caves are one of the new attractions in Chilean Patagonia. So is Carretera Austral, a route connecting interesting highlights and towns in the area. Trip for 8 days in the Carretera Austral, go navigating and enjoying adventure tours in northern Patagonia, Chile.
• Explore the Northern Carretera Austral, from Balmaceda to Coyhaique.
• Visit the jaw-dropping Marble Caves
• Go ice-skying over the glacier
• Discover Caleta Tortel and its amazing walkway-street architecture.
Independent Travel
Independent trips are either entire trips you take privately or solo extensions to a group tour.
Adventure
Explore thrilling and challenging destinations, engaging in activities such as hiking, trekking, and adrenaline-pumping experiences.
Premium
Elevate your journey with style and sophistication, offering top-notch experiences without breaking the bank.
Flexible
With no pre-set departure dates, choose when you want to go and for how long.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Puerto Tranquilo
• Private airport transfer
• Marble Caves navigation
Day 2 – Puerto Tranquilo
• Ice Trekking Exploradores Glacier
Day 3 – Puerto Tranquilo
• San Rafael Lagoon Navigation
Day 4 – Cochrane
• Baker River Rafting
• Patagonia Park Tamango river cruise
Day 5 – Cochrane
• Full Day Caleta Tortel
Day 6 – Chile Chico
• Calluqueo Glacier View-Point
• Chile Chico tour
Day 7 – Coyhaique
• Transfer to Puerto Ibañez by boat
• Saltos de Puerto Ibañez Waterfalls
Day 8 – Coyhaique
• Airport transfer
• Depart at any time
Itinerary
Day 1 – Puerto Tranquilo
Arrive at Balmaceda Airport on a flight no later than midday. Meet and greet with your driver and start the journey going south on the Carretera Austral to Puerto Tranquilo, on the shores of General Carrera Lake.
During the journey you will see natural features such as Chiguay Lake, the ‘Piedra del Conde’ (The Rock of the Count) and other rock formations. The road continues by the Portazuelo Ibañez (rocky pass), reaching the “Cuesta del Diablo” (Devil’s Hill), with its steep slopes from where you get magnificent panoramic views of the Ibañez River valley and the peaks that surround it. The route continues to Cerro Castillo village, a typical Patagonian town, which faces the enormous mountainous massif of the same name. The paved road ends.
The drive continues south to pass Murta River as the first village after a long stretch, and after 30 minutes reach Puerto Rio Tranquilo, where you have the first closest contact with the wonderful General Carrera Lake. From here you will sail to the Capillas de Mármol (Marble Chapels), rock formations produced by wind and wave erosion.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Puerto Tranquilo
In the morning head west towards the Exploradores Glacier within the Laguna San Rafael National Park. During this journey you will be able to appreciate the view of two lakes and a waterfall on the side of the route.
Enter through the CONAF Visitor Center, where the technical equipment will be prepared, and receive an induction talk by the specialist guides. Then begin the trek to the Exploradores Glacier by walking for 2 hours, first through the forests and then over loose rocks (moraines) to finally reach the clean ice.
Once at the Glacier enjoy a refreshment to put on the necessary technical equipment to begin the walk on the white ice where you will be able to see, feel and hear the living ice, observe inside the ice caves and enjoy the blue ice in its purest state, with constantly changing icing and small gaps.
Finally, walk back along the same path and then take our vehicle and return to Puerto Tranquilo.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Puerto Tranquilo
Leave early from Puerto Tranquilo and travel west to Exploradores Bay. Upon arrival you will be greeted by the crew who will accompany you on this unforgettable experience.
Before departure, the guide will give a brief safety talk and general description of the trip. Then you will begin a gentle navigation through the delta of the Exploradores River, a setting of particular beauty in which breakfast will be enjoyed.
After approximately 2.5 hours of navigation you will arrive at the Laguna San Rafael National Park to contemplate the San Rafael Glacier and the magnificent natural scenery that surrounds it. Enjoy a homemade lunch in front of the blue ice wall and drink whiskey with ancient ice, and enjoy a good coffee.
Finally begin the return to Exploradores Bay, where your driver will take you back to Puerto Tranquilo.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Cochrane
Head to Puerto Bertrand for some adrenaline-pumping rafting down the Baker River. The Baker River is the largest river in Chile, mainly in class 2 and 3+ rapids. Rafting takes place in the first 3 miles (6 km) of the river, starting from Lake Bertrand where the equipment used for the descent is prepared. This activity is for people who enjoy adrenaline and have no problem getting wet.
After lunch, continue heading south, passing the source of the Baker and the confluence with the Nef River for a truly impressive postcard view. Continue to the Tamango Reserve, which is part of the Patagonia National Park, where you’ll take a boat trip along the Cochrane River for approximately 20 minutes, and then a short walk to observe huemuls (South Andean deer).
Return to Cochrane for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Cochrane
Start the day heading south to the picturesque little town of Tortel. This place has been declared as a Traditional Site because of its particular architecture and lifestyle. Here, streets are replaced by walkways made out of Cypress of Guaitecas wood. They criss-cross the whole cove, allowing the biodiversity of the zone to be preserved. Together with the cold, rainy climate, untamed nature and hard lifestyle the day a day work has built the character and identity of the people. The hospitality and warmth of the inhabitants makes it an unforgettable destination – walking its unique traditional gangways. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the town itself.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Chile Chico
Depart in the morning to the Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional Patagonian sheep farm that shelters one of the world’s largest Magellan penguin colony. For lunch you can taste the renowned and tasty Patagonian lamb BBQ.
Then, you will visit the private penguin rookery located 4 Miles from the farmhouse. The colony of Magellanic penguins on San Lorenzo has been growing steadily ever since penguins started to nest here nearly 50 years ago. The average growth rate of this rookery has been estimated at more than 20% per year, showing exponential growth as from 1995. This makes San Lorenzo the world’s biggest Magellanic penguin rookery with around 600.000 penguins in the peak season. Magellanic penguins arrive every year early September and leave by the end of April.
Your next stop is the Wildlife Reserve Punta Norte, where depending on the time of year you can observe Southern Sea lions, Southern Elephant seals and eventually Orcas. Along the journey you will have good chances of spotting local wildlife such as guanacos, rheas, foxes, cavies, armadillos and skunks.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Coyhaique
Board a boat at Chile Chico pier to sail for about 2 hours on the General Carrera Lake up to the village of Puerto Ibañez.
Before continuing to Coyhaique, visit the unmissable “Saltos de Puerto Ibañez” falls. Lunch in Cerro Castillo village or box lunch in route, depending on the time of navigation.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Coyhaique
At the agreed time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
• 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
• Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
• A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
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