3 Best Sights in The Southern Coast, Chile

The Catedrales de Marmol ("Marble Cathedrals") are impressive rock formations of calcium carbonate formed over 6,200 years on the western shores of Lake General Carrerra. Over time, they have been worn away by the water, creating a maze of caves, tunnels, and huge columns of multicolored pure marble. This popular spot on the tourist trail is possible to reach by boat or kayak. There are small boat tours on offer near the site, which is on the Carretera Austral about 218 km (135 miles) south of Coyhaique near the small town of Puerto Río Tranquilo.

Vermont native Nicolas La Penna is a pioneer in the tourist trade on the Carretera Austral, leading tours and providing transport on the mostly dirt roads of northern Patagonia for well more than two decades. His office doubles as the Chaitén bus station, making him an especially rich source for tips on the region. Among his destinations in the Chaitén area are Pumalin Park, Futaleufú River, the Yelcho and Michimahuida glaciers, and still-smoking Chaitén Volcano. Tour prices start from 30,000 pesos.

Just 2 km (1 mile) past the village of Puerto Cárdenas is Puente Ventisquero Yelcho (Glacier Bridge), the beginning of a moderate three-hour round-trip hike to Ventisquero Cavi (Hanging Glacier). The trail is clearly marked, but Chaitur Excursions (www.chaitur.com) also organizes group treks to the glacier.