The Great Escape: Cuevas de Marmol, Chile

This marble cave, also known as the Marble Cathedral in Patagonia, Chile may just be one of the most majestic places you will ever see in your lifetime. The glacial lake sits on the southern tip, crossing the border of Chile and Argentina. Without any other known caves like it, this one is without-a-doubt worth the long trek. To reach this jaw-dropping location, you will have to endure an 800 mile plane ride from Chile's capitol, Santiago, to the nearest big city, Coyhaique. Next comes a 200 mile dirt road car ride, followed lastly by a boat ride. This spectacular cave has been in the making for the past 6,000 years, being carved out by whirling winds and relentless waves washing up against the calcium carbonate. Depending on the time of year, the luminescent turquoise water changes to different shades of blue. This is affected by the melting glaciers that feed into Lake General Carrera (as known on the Chilean side) or Lake Buenos Aires (as known on the Argentine side).

The marble islands, caverns and tunnels are the largest deposit of marble on earth, estimated at 5,000 million tons. If you want to make a day or two out of your trip, Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires is also known for its abundance of Salmon and Trout. Whether you decide to visit for the fishing, the scenery or the marble caves, this beautiful place will definitely be worth the adventure.