South America's marble cathedral carved by nature | Hacker News Reader

South America's marble cathedral carved by nature

bbc.com

52 pointsMiriamWeiner6 comments

I've been there, it's a pain in the ass to get to. Took an overnight bus from Fitz Roy to Los Antiguos, had to walk a few miles across the border, got a taxi on the Chilean side to Chile Chico, stayed overnight because there were no more buses. Found some random bus from Chile Chico to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, the bus information on the internet was not accurate.

Was it worth it? Yes, absolutely beautiful, not touristy at all, met a couple in there 70s who had driven through Africa, which included the DRC. Mount Fitz Roy, Chaletan, although beautiful are too touristy. Everyone speaks english, they accept euro/usd, doesn't feel like you're actually in Argentina.

That's because it's Chile, not Argentina.

> I've been there, it's a pain in the ass to get to

I guess the easy version might be Carrara, Tuscany where marble has been mined for millenia. You can drive around the hills above the city on roads carved into and through the marble accompanied by dusty trucks laden with giant blocks.

It's easier if you come from the Chilean side. There are buses coming directly from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo, and there are flights from Santiago or Puerto Montt to Coyhaique (Balmaceda airport).

However, it is true that in general it is not an easy area to travel through (and that's part of what makes it raw and unique). If you don't have a car, hitchhiking can be a lot more reliable and faster and the local buses between small towns.

People thinking about visiting Chile, don't stay for too long in Santiago, there's nothing to see there. Just go immediately to the north if you are into deserts or go south if you are into mountains and Patagonia. Don't waste your time going to places close to the central regions.

Santiago itself is not much to write home about, but there are some beautiful wine regions within driving distance from Santiago to the south and to the north. Also a day trip to the east into the Cajón del Maipo is worth it, especially if you like hiking. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caj%C3%B3n_del_Maipo (also, inside tip, best empanadas in Chile are at the Pika del Flaco in Melocoton)

As for mountains they are literally in every region. Before you hit Patagonia there is lots to see in the Los Lagos region, be sure check out the Valdivian rainforest, it's amazing! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valdivian_temperate_rain_fores...

Not to mention that just west of Santiago you find Valparaiso which is definitely worth another day or two of your time if you like urban environments.

If you do spend a day or two in Santiago, it's fun to go to the Bio Bio market or la Vega indoor food market. (watch your bag and your pockets)

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