Experience reaching the top of Cerro Frias on a 12-km (7.5-mile) high difficulty trekking. The ascent passes through lenga forests and ancient shelters until reaching an altitude of 1,095 m (3,600 ft). From the top of Cerro Frias, the panoramic view encompasses Lake Argentino, peaks of the Andes Mountains, and, on clear days, Mount Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine. A challenging and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Patagonian steppe.
The excursion begins from your hotel in El Calafate when we pick you up at 8:30 a.m. and head to Cerro Frias, located at 22 km from the city. This mountain is not part of the Andes Mountains, offering unique views of the area. From there, the trek begins in the estancia's historic center, and after an hour-long hike, we reach the Leñador Refuge, used in the early 20th century by laborers to collect firewood. There, we take a short break before tackling the more challenging slopes.
The trail takes us to the heart of the lenga forest, where an intense 1.5-hour climb offers our first spectacular views: the Cordon de los Cristales mountain range, the Centinela River valley, and, on clear days, the imposing Torres del Paine. From a plain at 800 meters above sea level, we begin the final, most challenging stretch to reach the summit at 1,095 meters above sea level.
At the summit of Cerro Frias, a 360° panoramic view will leave us breathless: Lake Argentino in its entirety, peaks of the Andes, the Baguales Range, and, if we're lucky, even the majestic Cerro Fitz Roy.
Finally, the descent includes stops at historic shelters to rest, hydrate, and enjoy a Patagonian lunch, while following alternative trails that offer different perspectives of the mountain. Upon returning to the estancia, a delicious snack in the on-site barbecue area will be the icing on the cake for this epic journey.
You will return to your hotel in El Calafate around 5:30 p.m. after having experienced a spectacular trek in Patagonia.