On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
lashonharangue in Chile
Arriving back in Puerto Río Tranquilo we found the weather perfect for touring the Marble Caves (in Spanish Capillas de Mármol, literally marble chapels). There are many tour boats that hold about 20 people each. They leave about every 15 minutes in a staggered schedule so they don’t all crowd around at the same time.
There are several small islands that are eroded remnants of marble. The erosion is due to wave action and is believed to be a recent geological feature (6,000 years old). The water in the lake carries glacial sediment, hence the turquoise color. One of the islands is called the Catedral de Mármol and weddings are performed there.
Some of the islands are undercut with overhangs that the boats go under.
Surreal color.
I love how the rock seems to flow.
The inclusions give an interesting texture to some of the eroded rocks.
A rock hound’s dream but it is protected. No one is allowed to land on the islands or take samples.
Close up photo.
This was definitely one of the high points of the entire road trip. Next stop – the small port town of Tortel.
Elizabelle
Love these photos. Not enough llamas, but the rock formations are stunning.
Betty
Just gorgeous!
Lapassionara
OMG! Just breathtaking! Thank you!
arrieve
Wow. Just wow.
Mary G
Wow!
WaterGirl
Is there a way to mainline pretty photos for stress relief? asking for a friend.
lashonharangue
@WaterGirl: Maybe you should suggest folks take a break from the debate discussion and come over to OTR. Probably better than drinking.
Fair Economist
Those are AMAZING! I so want to go see them now.
Spanky
Thank you! An island of sanity in the middle of the debate shitshow.
WaterGirl
@lashonharangue: I did mention to someone who was super stressed out that there were pretty pictures, one thread over.
J R in WV
As a Rockland, OMG, that’s amazing!
randy khan
All of those blues. Wow.
frosty
OMG I’ve been to Chile* but I never heard of these. I’ll have to go back and check my Lonely Planet but i don’t think they were in the book.
Wonderful trip. I’d hoped to do some of this myself but I think the years have just about precluded it.
‘* Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar
John Revolta
Trip-pey
villiageidiocy
@Elizabelle: There are never enough llamas.