The Planet’s most incredible phenomena were created by nature! These “natural wonders” put on incredible displays of magical beauty. Today’s featured natural wonder: Marble Caves (“Cuevas de Mármol”)!

WHAT ARE THEY?
🌊 Located on shoreline of glacial General Carrera Lake in Patagonia, which is shared by Chile and Argentina.
🗻 Network of caves and tunnels formed 6,000+ years ago by wave erosion of marble rock walls.
⛰ Consist of 3 formations: Marble Caves (“Cuevas de Mármol”), Marble Chapel (“Capilla de Mármol”), and Marble Cathedral (“Catedral de Mármol”).

FUN FACTS
🌈 Caves' swirling patterns (blues, greens, blacks, yellows) are caused by reflection of lake’s stunning waters, which are turquoise in spring and deep blue in summer.
🛶 Accessible only by boat.
✈️ Popular tourist attraction.

WHY DO THEY MATTER?
🌞 Intrinsically valuable and play important ecosystem, economic, and social role.

Ecosystem Role 
🐾 Surrounding area is part of General Carrera Lake National Reserve, home to diverse wildlife including endangered species like Huemul Deer.

Economic Role 
💰 Revenue from tourism supports local communities.

Social Role
💚 Part of Aysén Region’s cultural heritage.
🎨 Inspiration to global artists.

ENDANGERED STATUS
🛟 Declared national monument with rank of “Nature Sanctuary” (“Santuario de la Naturaleza”) by Chilean government in 1994.
⚠️ Negatively impacted by tourism unless managed sustainably.