Alto del Caracol

Overview

Alto del Caracol is a category 2 climb that stretches 13.4 km from base to summit. It starts low, at 171 m of elevation, and tops out at 820 m — a net gain of 649 m, with 659 m of total ascent once you account for the small dips along the way. The average gradient of 4.84% places it firmly in tempo territory: never savage, but long enough that inattentive pacing early on will cost you dearly near the top. This is a climb of patience rather than explosive power, rewarding riders who can hold a steady effort for the better part of an hour.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is a 4.84% average, but that figure hides real variation. With a maximum gradient of 10.03%, there are ramps here that bite well above twice the average, so the climb is not the metronomic drag its summary might suggest. Expect stretches that sit comfortably around or below the mean, punctuated by steeper pitches that push toward that 10.03% ceiling. The gap between the 4.84% average and the 10.03% max is the story of this climb: the flatter sections give you room to recover, but only if you've read the steeper ramps correctly and haven't already spent yourself. Over 13.4 km, those transitions add up.

Pacing Notes

Because the average gradient is moderate but the climb is long, this is an effort best paced by power or perceived exertion rather than by ego. A sensible target is to sit just under your threshold on the sustained sections and allow the steeper ramps toward 10.03% to nudge you briefly above it, backing off again where the road eases. If you know your FTP, aim to hold a fraction below it across the 13.4 km so you have something left for the pitches near the top. Not sure of your number? Run the numbers through the FTP estimator before your next attempt and set a realistic ceiling. The 649 m of climbing means the whole effort is measured in tens of minutes, so discipline in the opening kilometres pays off at the summit.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 4.84% with ramps to 10.03%, prioritise a low enough gear to spin the steep sections rather than grind them. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette combination suits most fit riders and keeps cadence healthy on the mean gradient. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry extra fitness demands, or simply want insurance for the steepest pitches near 10.03%, step up to a 34×34. That extra sprocket makes the difference between spinning and struggling on the sharpest ramps, and over 13.4 km it protects your legs for the summit.

Summary

Alto del Caracol is a long, honest category 2 climb: 13.4 km of steady tempo work with enough variation to keep you honest. Pace it patiently, gear it generously, and the 820 m summit is very achievable.

Length: 13.4 km
Average gradient: 4.84%
Max gradient: 10.03%
Start: 171 m
Summit: 820 m
Net gain: 649 m
Total ascent: 659 m
Category: 2