Aeródromo Tres Quebradas

Overview

Aeródromo Tres Quebradas is a category 1 climb that measures 12.7 km and averages 6.18%. That gradient alone would make it a solid, honest day of climbing, but the numbers that truly define this ascent are the ones on the altimeter. The road begins at 2767 m and finishes at 3554 m, a summit that sits deep into the range where oxygen grows scarce and every watt costs more than it does at sea level. Over its length the climb delivers 787 m of net elevation gain, with 758 m of that logged as total ascent — a sign of a road that climbs almost relentlessly rather than rolling up and back down.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 6.18% average with a maximum of 8.42%, this is a climb without dramatic wall-like ramps, but also without much relief. The gap between the average and the max is modest, which tells you the road holds a remarkably consistent pitch for most of its 12.7 km. Expect long, steady stretches hovering close to the mean, punctuated by short sections that stiffen toward that 8.42% ceiling. The near-identical figures for net gain (787 m) and total ascent (758 m) confirm there is very little false-flat or descending to recover on — you climb, and then you keep climbing.

Pacing Notes

Altitude changes the math here. Because you finish above 3554 m, the effort you can sustain will drift downward as you climb, even if the gradient stays flat. Anchor your pacing to your FTP, but plan to ride a touch under the number you would hold at sea level, especially in the final third where thin air bites hardest. If you do not have a current figure, the FTP estimator will give you a working baseline to build a target around. Start conservatively over the first few kilometres — the 6.18% average is inviting, but banking fatigue early on a 12.7 km climb at this elevation is a costly mistake.

Gearing

Given a sustained 6.18% and a max of 8.42% at high altitude, gear for spin rather than grind. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette is a sensible floor for most riders, letting you keep cadence up on the steadier pitches. If you tire quickly at altitude or ride at a lighter power-to-weight, step up to 34×34 for extra insurance on the steeper 8.42% sections near the top. The goal is to protect your legs across all 12.7 km so the thin air, not your gearing, becomes the limiter.

Summary

Aeródromo Tres Quebradas is a consistent, high-altitude category 1 test: not savage in gradient, but long, steady, and thin on oxygen. Respect the elevation, pace to your FTP with a margin, and gear low enough to spin.

Length: 12.7 km
Average gradient: 6.18%
Max gradient: 8.42%
Start: 2767 m
Summit: 3554 m
Net gain: 787 m
Total ascent: 758 m
Category: 1