This option is the number one classic for those willing to explore the stunning beauty of rugged Patagonian backcountry hiking. It involves hiking along the spectacular Cerro Catedral Ridge to the Frey hut. We gain the ridge by taking the cable car and chair lift on the ski area. From here we follow a path over some loose rock sections to a saddle, where we begin a steep descent past two alpine lakes to the hut.

We will take a lunch break here before continuing down an easier trail under the shade of a Coihue old growth forest to our vehicle.

This hike involves sections of loose talus slopes which require strong legs and a good sense of balance. It can be done by gaining the ridge first and then dropping down to the hut, or the other way around in which we hike up to the hut and ridge to finally take the cable car down to the base of the mountain. The latter is physically more demanding as it is mostly uphill hiking.

• Distance: 8 miles
• Elevation gain/drop: 3000 feet
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Difficulty: DIFFICULT. Only for strong hikers looking for a challenge.