Alto de Tochupa

Overview

Alto de Tochupa is a hors catégorie monster — the sort of climb where the length does as much damage as the gradient. Over 32.6 km the road lifts you from a start elevation of 1361 m all the way to a 3135 m summit, a net elevation gain of 1774 m. Because the profile isn't perfectly monotonic, you actually clock up 1808 m of total ascent, meaning there's a little giving-back along the way. On paper the 5.45% average looks almost civilised. In reality, at more than half an hour of climbing for even strong riders, and with air thinning past 3000 m, this is an HC test in every sense.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 5.45% average is a comfortable lie. Any climb this long with a 15.63% maximum is hiding its teeth. Expect long stretches at or slightly under the average punctuated by sharp pitches that force you out of rhythm. The 34 m difference between net gain (1774 m) and total ascent (1808 m) tells you there are false flats and brief descents baked in — moments where the road relaxes only to rear back up. Those transitions are where riders overcook themselves, chasing back to tempo after a downhill lull. Read the road: when the surface tilts toward that 15.63% ceiling, shorten your effort horizon and let the gradient come to you rather than attacking it.

Pacing Notes

On a climb of this duration, pacing is everything — go too hard in the first 10 km and the summit will unravel you. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold a sustainable power band, treating the steep ramps as short overloads rather than new baselines. Given the sheer time in the saddle, most riders should sit slightly below threshold and reserve headroom for the 15.63% spikes. If you don't know your numbers, run them through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target. Factor in altitude too: from 1361 m up to 3135 m your usable power drifts down as the air thins, so the wattage that felt easy early will feel harder near the top for the same perceived effort.

Gearing

Do not under-gear a climb like this. With a 5.45% average sustained across 32.6 km and pitches hitting 15.63%, you want cadence, not grinding torque. A compact 34-tooth chainring is the sensible starting point. Pair it with at least a 34×32 for the bulk of the climb, and if you know you fade on long efforts or you're carrying any load, step up to a 34×34 to keep your legs spinning on the steepest sections. The extra sprocket is cheap insurance against blowing up 1774 m of climbing in from the base — spin the ramps, save the muscles.

Summary

Alto de Tochupa rewards patience and honest pacing over ego. Gear low, meter your FTP, respect the altitude, and let its 32.6 km reveal themselves one ramp at a time.

Length: 32.6 km
Average gradient: 5.45%
Max gradient: 15.63%
Start: 1361 m
Summit: 3135 m
Net gain: 1774 m
Total ascent: 1808 m
Category: HC