Cerro Frias full-day trek: 360° Patagonian views

Climb to a summit that opens onto four mountain ranges at once

A full-day guided trek up Cerro Frias in Patagonia covers 13 km to a 1,095-meter summit with 360-degree views of Lake Argentino, the Andes, the Cordon de los Baguales, and Mount Fitz Roy on clear days. The route passes through a lengas forest, climbs steeply for an hour and a half, and descends via alternative paths that reveal historical refuges. A meal and traditional snack are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day trekking to Cerro Frias summit

• Start trek from the hull of the stay
• Walk to Woodsman's Refuge
• Enter lengas forest
• Ascend for 1.5 hours to summit
• Enjoy panoramic views from summit
• Descend via alternative paths
• Stop at historical refuges
• End with traditional snack at the hull

The experience

If you have a full day free during your stay in Patagonia, this trek fills it with a single sustained climb. You start from your accommodation and walk to the Woodsman's Refuge, a restored shelter where farmhands collected firewood a century ago. From there the trail enters the lengas forest and steepens into a challenging ascent that takes about ninety minutes. The landscape opens as you gain elevation, and by 800 meters you can see the Torres del Paine across the border in Chile if the weather holds.

The summit sits at 1,095 meters and gives a full circle of views: Lake Argentino spreads below, the Andes rise to the south, the Cordon de los Baguales frames the west, and on clear days Mount Fitz Roy appears on the horizon. The descent follows different paths down the hill, which means you see new angles of the terrain and can stop at historical refuges along the way. A meal is served during the trek, and at the end of the day you return to your accommodation for a traditional Patagonian snack of coffee and pastries.

The whole outing takes eight to nine hours. A live guide leads in English or Spanish, and pickup from your lodging is included. You'll need a high level of fitness for the steep sections and the altitude gain, and the trek is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup from your accommodation.
• one meal during the trek.
• a traditional snack of coffee and sweet varieties at the end of the day.

Information

Lasts 8h–9h, runs every day at 08:30, from US$ 180 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 20 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (15 to 75 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cerro Frias

Is this one for you?The eight to nine hour commitment means this trek takes your full day but leaves your evening free. Choose it if you want a single sustained climb that builds to a panoramic summit rather than a series of shorter walks, and if you're comfortable with steep terrain and high altitude gain.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I see Mount Fitz Roy from the top of Cerro Frias?

Mount Fitz Roy is visible from the summit on clear days, appearing on the horizon to the east. Weather conditions determine whether the view is possible on any given trek.

What is the Woodsman's Refuge and why do we stop there?

The Woodsman's Refuge is a restored historical shelter where farmhands gathered firewood in the early 1900s. The trek passes through it early in the route as you transition from the starting point into the lengas forest.

Will I see the Torres del Paine on this trek?

The Torres del Paine, which sit across the border in Chile, become visible from around 800 meters of elevation if weather permits. They can be seen from higher viewpoints on the ascent and from some spots on the descent.

How steep is the climb to the summit?

The ascent from the Woodsman's Refuge to the summit is challenging and takes about an hour and a half. The trek requires a high level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with cardiovascular concerns or spinal injuries.

What meals are provided during the trek?

One meal is included during the trek itself, and a traditional Patagonian snack of coffee and pastries is served at the end of the day when you return to your accommodation.