AAA Traveler - Fall 2019 - Cover3

ROAD LESS TRAVELED

TRAVELER
FALL 2019

PUBLISHER

CHILE'S MARBLE CAVES

Dave Parsons
EDITOR

Kristy Tolley
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Janean Flowe
SENIOR DESIGNERS

Amanda Johnson
Morgan Keith

The Patagonian region has earned a place on many travelers' bucket

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

lists. It unfolds across the southernmost tip of South America comprising

Rachel Hawkins

vast grasslands on the Argentinian side and glacial fjords on the Chilean
one. Travelers seeking a unique place, even in light of Patagonia's
incredible sights, head to the Capillas de Marmol (Marble Caves) on Lake
General Carrera.
Over the past 6,000 years, the waves of Chile's largest lake have carved
caves in the marble cliff faces there. At times, the caves' walls appear gray
and white, while others they seem teal and navy, as the swirling surfaces
reflect the ever-changing turquoise waters of the glacier-fed lake.

VICE PRESIDENT,
TRAVEL & BRANCH OPERATIONS

Sarah Henshall
SR. MANAGER,
TRAVEL MARKETING & PRODUCT

Darcy Grimes
MANAGER, TRAVEL MARKETING

Julie Elberson

It's not simple or quick to travel to the caves. That in itself is a very
Patagonian experience, says Erin Wiley, Chile travel specialist at kimkim
tour company. Most visitors fly from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport,
then travel 45 minutes northeast to Coyhaique, the region's biggest city.
Others travel from Balmaceda south to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, on the shore,
where the caves are closer at hand but the only accommodations are

AAA INQUIRIES:
Attn. Travel Marketing
6600 AAA Drive
Charlotte, NC 28212
704-569-3600

small cabins or Chilean versions of B&Bs.
You can book a day trip from Coyhaique or a half-day outing from
Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Some guides take larger, motor-powered boats that
just dip into the mouths of the caves. Intrepid travelers opt for kayaks

For a free subscription to
AAA Traveler, visit AAA.com/Order
and submit your request.

to paddle further in, allowing them to run their hands along the smooth
marble walls and take in the churning color around them.
Visit between September and February, when melting ice feeds the
lake and the water is particularly turquoise. That season also means less
wind-a constant in Patagonia that can hinder travel plans. The caves are
most vibrant just after sunrise.
If time permits, while you're in the area, hike Cerro Castillo National

©2019 AAA Traveler is published by
AAA Carolinas. Reproduction in whole or in part
of any material in this publication without the
written permission of AAA is expressly prohibited.
Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all
advertising matter. Publisher assumes no liability
for return or safety of unsolicited art, photographs
or manuscripts. AAA is not responsible for
printing errors or omissions in this publication.

Park, outside Villa Cerroo. The national park has escaped the mass
tourism typical of other Chilean parks and has the stark snow-capped
mountains and glacial lakes travelers crave. - Alex Higgins

Editorial Inquiries:

kltolley@AAACarolinas.com
http://www.AAA.com/Order
AAA Traveler - Fall 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AAA Traveler - Fall 2019
