El Calafate: Cerro Frias Horseback Ride & Ranch Lunch

Summary

Patagonian horseback adventure up Cerro Frias with lunch views

You’ll ride horseback from El Calafate up Cerro Frias with a local guide, crossing meadows and forests for wild Patagonian views. Expect close-up moments with ranch animals and maybe guanacos or foxes along the trail. After descending through lenga woods, you’ll share a hearty ranch lunch or snack by the fire—a day that lingers long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

My boots were already muddy by the time we reached Alice Ranch outside El Calafate—Patagonia doesn’t really care about your shoes. The horses waited, tails flicking, and Mauro (our guide) handed me the reins with this half-grin like he knew I was nervous. He asked if I’d ever ridden before—I said “sort of,” which was mostly true. We set off across this marshy meadow, the grass still wet from last night’s wind. You could smell earth and something sweet—maybe wildflowers? I kept glancing at the sky because it felt huge out here, like you’re just a dot on the map.

The climb up Cerro Frias started gentle but got steeper than I expected. My horse—her name was Luna—seemed to know exactly where to step, even when I didn’t. After maybe half an hour we stopped so Mauro could point out Lake Argentino shimmering below and Torres del Paine way off in the haze. He told us stories about guanacos and foxes that live up here; I actually spotted one brown blur darting through the brush but couldn’t tell what it was. The wind picked up as we rode higher and it stung my cheeks, but in a good way—like you’re really awake. There were cows scattered around too, just kind of watching us pass.

Coming down through the lenga forest was quieter—almost no sound except for hooves crunching leaves and Mauro humming some tune under his breath. The air smelled different in the trees, colder somehow. At one point Luna stopped to sniff at something invisible in the undergrowth; I let her take her time because honestly, I needed a break too. When we finally reached the ranch barbecue area, smoke drifted from the grill and someone shouted “café?” before I even got off my horse. Lunch tasted better than usual after all that—maybe it’s just being hungry or maybe it’s Patagonia working its magic again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding and nature views

• Pick up from hotel in El Calafate
• Drive 20 minutes to Alice ranch
• Start horseback ride on Cerro Frias trails
• Cross meadow and climb mountain slopes
• View Centinela River valley and Lake Argentino
• Reach 400 meters elevation and see wildlife
• Descend through lenga forest
• Return to ranch barbecue area

Top questions

How long does the Cerro Frias horseback ride take?

The tour lasts several hours including transfers from El Calafate and time at Alice Ranch.

Is hotel pickup included for this horseback tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in El Calafate is included.

What animals might you see during the ride?

You might spot cows, guanacos, hares, foxes, armadillos or skunks along Cerro Frias.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included if you book the morning shift; snacks or dinner are served for other times.

Is this horseback riding suitable for beginners?

The route is suitable for all fitness levels and first-time riders are welcome.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup/drop-off, guided horseback riding on Cerro Frias, and meals depending on your tour time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from El Calafate to Alice Ranch, guided horseback riding across Cerro Frias with stops for views and wildlife spotting, plus either a traditional ranch lunch if you go in the morning or snacks or dinner later—and always coffee or tea waiting back at base before heading home again.