Alto de las Varas

Overview

Alto de las Varas is a category 3 climb that packs a genuine effort into a compact 4.8 km. From a low start at 141 m, the road works its way up to a summit of 366 m — a net gain of 225 m. The average gradient sits at a manageable 4.69%, but that headline figure hides a steeper reality in places, with the road tilting to a maximum of 9.39% at its most demanding point.

This is the kind of climb that rewards riders who can hold a rhythm. It is not long enough to require true climbing patience, nor steep enough to force you out of the saddle for extended stretches, but the 4.8 km distance is plenty to expose anyone who starts too hard.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The story here is the gap between the 4.69% average and the 9.39% maximum. A climb that averaged its steepest number would be brutal; instead, Alto de las Varas mixes gentler ramps with sharper kicks. Expect sections that feel almost rolling, punctuated by pitches that roughly double the average and briefly touch that 9.39% ceiling.

With 225 m of net elevation to gain across 4.8 km, the maths confirm a moderate overall lean. The total ascent of 188 m tells you the road climbs fairly directly toward the top rather than losing and regaining height — there is little wasted vertical, so most of your effort translates straight into progress toward the 366 m summit.

Pacing Notes

The single most useful number for pacing a climb like this is your FTP. At 4.8 km, most riders will be on the climb long enough that a well-judged, threshold-adjacent effort pays off far better than an early surge. Aim to settle into a sustainable power just under threshold on the gentler grades, then allow yourself to drift a little above it through the steeper pitches toward 9.39%, knowing the road eases again afterward.

If you do not already know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before your attempt. Getting your target zone right turns a ragged, blown-up ascent into a controlled, repeatable one — and on a climb this short, the difference between a good time and a great one is almost entirely pacing discipline.

Gearing

For a category 3 climb averaging 4.69% with spikes to 9.39%, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup. A 34×32 lowest gear gives you enough range to spin the steeper ramps without grinding, and it is a sensible default for strong climbers who want to keep cadence up.

If you prefer to protect your legs, run tired, or simply like to sit and spin, a 34×34 provides a welcome extra margin on that 9.39% pitch. Neither choice is wrong here — the climb is short enough that the penalty for carrying a slightly easier ratio is negligible, so err toward the gear that lets you hold a smooth cadence throughout.

Summary

Alto de las Varas is a short, honest category 3 test: 4.8 km of steady climbing with just enough bite to matter. Pace it to your threshold, choose a gear that keeps you spinning, and the 225 m of climbing to the 366 m summit will feel like an effort well spent.

Length: 4.8 km
Average gradient: 4.69%
Max gradient: 9.39%
Start: 141 m
Summit: 366 m
Net gain: 225 m
Total ascent: 188 m
Category: 3