Alto de Anchicayá

Overview

Alto de Anchicayá is a category 2 climb that runs 11.5 km from a base at 963 m to a summit at 1481 m. On paper the average gradient of 4.5% reads as gentle, and the net elevation gain of 518 m confirms that this is a steady rather than savage effort. But the total ascent of 506 m sits just below the net figure, which tells you the road climbs almost uninterrupted — there is very little downhill or false-flat give-back to recover on. What makes it interesting is the 15.22% maximum pitch, a spike more than three times the average that lurks somewhere in those 11.5 km and forces you to keep something in reserve.

How the Gradient Unfolds

Do the arithmetic and the shape becomes clear. Spreading 518 m of net gain across 11.5 km gives that 4.5% average, but with a 15.22% ceiling the climb is far from uniform. Long stretches must sit well below 4.5% to leave room for the ramps that push toward 15.22%. Expect an undulating profile: easier, rolling sections where you can settle into a rhythm, punctuated by short, sharp kickers where the gradient roughly triples. Because total ascent (506 m) and net gain (518 m) are almost identical, you rarely lose altitude — every metre you climb tends to stay climbed, so the effort is relentless even when the numbers look modest.

Pacing Notes

With a 4.5% average, this is a climb you pace by power, not panic. Aim to hold a steady effort just below your threshold on the shallow sections and accept that the 15.22% pitches will briefly spike you above it — that is fine, provided you settle back down afterward. If you know your FTP, target roughly 85–90% of it as your baseline for the 11.5 km, treating the steep ramps as short surges rather than sustained blocks. Not sure of your number? Run the FTP estimator first, then build your plan around it. The danger on Anchicayá is over-cooking an early kicker and paying for it across the remaining distance to 1481 m.

Gearing

Given the 4.5% average you might get away with a compact and a modest cassette, but the 15.22% maximum changes the math. A 34×32 is the sensible floor here — it lets most riders spin the steep ramps without grinding to a walking cadence. If you climb at lower cadences, carry extra weight, or simply want insurance for the sharpest pitch, step up to a 34×34. The extra sprocket costs you almost nothing on the shallow majority of the 11.5 km and buys real comfort when the road rears toward 15.22%. Better to have the gear and not need it than to stall on a ramp.

Summary

Alto de Anchicayá rewards a rider who respects the spikes without fearing the average. Pace it by power, gear for the 15.22% maximum, and let the steady 4.5% carry you to the top.

Length: 11.5 km
Average gradient: 4.5%
Max gradient: 15.22%
Start: 963 m
Summit: 1481 m
Net gain: 518 m
Total ascent: 506 m
Category: 2