Alto del Duende

Overview

Alto del Duende is a category 2 climb that stretches 8.7 km up the Colombian mountains, gaining 453 m of net elevation from a start at 1331 m to a summit at 1784 m. Its average gradient of 5.23% places it squarely in the sustained-tempo bracket: steep enough to demand respect over a full 8.7 km, but never so relentless that it becomes a pure survival exercise. With a max gradient of 9.51%, there is real bite tucked into the profile, but the climb rewards riders who can settle into a steady rhythm and hold it.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between the 5.23% average and the 9.51% maximum tells the story of this climb. It is not a uniform wall — instead, the road pulses between easier ramps and sharper kicks. Note too the difference between the 453 m net gain and the 432 m of total ascent quoted for the route: a slightly larger net figure suggests the climb is almost entirely uphill, with little in the way of false-flat descents to break your momentum or offer recovery. Expect the toughest stretch, near that 9.51% pitch, to arrive as a distinct step above the average rather than a gradual squeeze. Between those ramps, the grade eases back toward and below 5.23%, giving you windows to breathe before the next effort.

Pacing Notes

Over 8.7 km, discipline pays. The single biggest mistake on a climb like this is overcooking the early ramps and paying for it in the final kilometers. Anchor your effort to your sustainable power: riding just under your FTP on the 5.23% sections and allowing yourself to nudge above it only through the steep 9.51% pitch keeps your average speed high without blowing the whole ascent. If you are unsure where your ceiling sits, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator so your target is grounded in data rather than guesswork. A useful mental split: treat the first two-thirds as controlled tempo, then spend whatever you have left across the closing meters toward the 1784 m summit.

Gearing

At a 5.23% average with spikes to 9.51%, gearing choice is about protecting your cadence on the steepest ramps. For most riders on a compact 34-tooth chainring, a 34×32 setup gives enough range to spin the tempo sections comfortably and survive the 9.51% pitch without grinding. If you are carrying fatigue, riding at altitude near 1784 m, or simply prefer to keep your legs fresh, size up to a 34×34 for extra insurance on the hardest step. Both keep you turning the pedals rather than lurching; the 34×34 just buys a little more breathing room when the gradient bites.

Summary

Alto del Duende is an honest, well-rounded category 2 climb: long enough to test your pacing over 8.7 km, punchy enough at 9.51% to punish the impatient, but forgiving enough at 5.23% average to reward steady, measured effort all the way to 1784 m.

Length: 8.7 km
Average gradient: 5.23%
Max gradient: 9.51%
Start: 1331 m
Summit: 1784 m
Net gain: 453 m
Total ascent: 432 m
Category: 2