Cerro Frías is a hill and ranch area south-west of El Calafate where the steppe rolls up toward the mountains and the horizon opens in every direction. The horseback ride here is one of the most popular outdoor days in town, and with good reason: it combines a gentle, scenic ride with the pace, scenery and food of a Patagonian ranch. After a pickup from your hotel, a short drive brings you to the corrals, where gauchos and guides match you to a horse, check your saddle and explain the basics. The ride then follows tracks across grassland and low hills, with pauses for photographs of the lake, the surrounding peaks and the wildlife that shares the land, including guanacos, hares and birds of prey. Many departures end with a hearty countryside lunch, often cooked over an open fire, so you sit down at the end of the morning with sore legs and a good appetite. Most tours are suited to beginners, with a calm pace and clear instructions, and children above a minimum age are typically welcome. Allow a half day for the ride and the transfers, and a full afternoon if lunch is included.
Riding in Patagonia is different from riding in a paddock. The horses are sure-footed local animals used to wind, hills and rough ground, and the guides ride alongside you, adjusting the pace to the group. You do not need experience, but you should be comfortable around animals and willing to follow instructions.
The terrain is the reward
Long views over steppe and water, wildflowers and fresh grass in spring, and the sense of being a small figure in an enormous landscape. The pace is usually walking with the occasional trot, and the guides stop often to show you things.
Get the details right. Wear long trousers, closed shoes or boots with a small heel and a warm, windproof top, and bring a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Helmets are normally provided. Keep valuables to a minimum and tie your camera or phone to a strap.
Weight and age limits apply for safety, and the operator will tell you what they are, so mention any back, knee or hip problems when booking. In spring the weather swings between sun and cold wind, so layers matter more than style, and departures can be shifted in poor weather.
Think about how it fits into your stay. The ride is a good match for a day when you want a break from long drives and glacier stairs, and it gives a human, rural counterpoint to the landscapes elsewhere in the region. It pairs well with an evening at an estancia, where you can hear more about ranching life, and with the Balcones 4x4 outing for a second view of the steppe.
If you are an experienced rider looking for longer rides, ask operators about extended routes, though the standard outing is designed for all levels.
Book ahead in November and the high season, because small groups mean limited places. Ask the operator about the length of the ride when you book, since some outings are shorter and ideal for first-timers, while others cover more ground for people who already feel at home in the saddle. Either way, the real prize is an unhurried day outdoors, with fresh air, big sky and the chance to eat well afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A guided horseback ride across the hills and grassland of Cerro Frías, usually followed by a countryside lunch at the ranch.
Best time
Morning departures give the calmest wind and the clearest views over the lake and mountains.
How long
Around four to five hours including transfers, longer if lunch is a leisurely affair.
Tips
Wear long trousers, closed shoes and a windproof layer, and tell the guides about any back or knee problems.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beginners and families who want a relaxed, scenic outdoor day with a ranch lunch.
- Families
- Children above the minimum age are generally welcome, and the calm pace suits first-time riders.
- Couples
- A slow, shared ride across the steppe followed by a long lunch is hard to beat.
- Pair with
- An evening at Estancia 25 de Mayo, or the Balcones 4x4 outing for a second look at the steppe.
- Time needed
- A half day, or the whole afternoon if lunch is included.
Good questions
Do I need riding experience?+
No. The standard outing is designed for beginners, with a calm pace and clear instructions from the guides.
Is lunch included?+
Many departures finish with a countryside lunch, but check the details for your chosen option when you book.
What should I wear?+
Long trousers, closed shoes or boots and warm, windproof layers. A hat and sunglasses help with sun and wind.
Can children ride?+
Children above a minimum age are generally welcome, with weight and age limits set by the operator for safety.
What if the weather is bad?+
Departures can be adjusted or cancelled in poor conditions, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
