Your trek begins at the historic casco of Estancia Cerro Frías. The first hour of walking takes you along gentle terrain until reaching the Refugio Leñador, a rustic shelter used in the early twentieth century by workers who collected firewood in the area. After a short rest, you continue toward steeper slopes that lead into the heart of the lenga forest.
The ascent becomes more intense during the next ninety minutes as the trail opens to the first wide viewpoints. From here you will see the Cordón de los Cristales, the valley of the Centinela River and, in clear weather, the distant Torres del Paine. At the 800 meter plateau, you start the final and hardest stretch toward the summit.
Reaching the top at 1095 meters rewards you with a breathtaking 360 degree panorama. Lake Argentino spreads across the horizon, the Andes rise in sharp peaks, the Cordón de los Baguales appears rugged in the distance and, with some luck, the silhouette of Cerro Fitz Roy shows itself on the skyline.
The descent follows alternative mountain paths with intermediate stops in historic refuges to rest, hydrate and enjoy your Patagonian lunch box. As the day progresses, the trail reveals different angles and colors of the mountain. Once back at the estancia, a comforting afternoon snack closes this unforgettable adventure.
