Paso de los Andes

Overview

Paso de los Andes is a Category 1 climb that packs a serious punch into 9.7 km. From a start elevation of 467 m to a summit at 1189 m, it delivers 722 m of net vertical gain at an unrelenting average gradient of 7.44%. That average alone tells you most of the story: there are very few soft spots here. A gradient north of 7% sustained across nearly ten kilometres is the kind of effort that separates riders who paced well from riders who went out too hard, and the 13.79% maximum pitch guarantees at least one moment where the road stands up and demands everything you have left.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape of this climb is defined by its consistency rather than any single dramatic wall. With a 7.44% average and a 13.79% maximum, the difference between the two tells you the steepest ramps sit roughly 6.35 percentage points above the mean — steep, but not a freak spike. Expect the road to hover around that 7% to 8% band for long stretches, with the harder pitches punctuating the middle and upper slopes rather than front-loading the effort. The gap between the 722 m net gain and the 682 m of total ascent is small, which confirms there is almost no descending or false-flat relief on the way up: nearly every metre you climb, you keep. Treat the whole thing as one long, grinding effort rather than a series of distinct sectors.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this sustained, pacing is everything. Ride the opening kilometres well below your ceiling — the 7.44% average will do the damage for you, so there is no need to force it early. Aim to hold a steady power just under your threshold, leaving a small reserve for the 13.79% ramps where your speed will drop and your effort will briefly spike. Anchoring your effort to your FTP is the most reliable way to avoid blowing up before the summit. If you are not sure what number to target, run the FTP estimator first and build your climbing power from there. On the steepest pitches, accept that you will go over threshold momentarily, then settle back down as the gradient eases toward the average.

Gearing

Gear for the sustained 7.44% average, not just the 13.79% maximum. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring is essential here. Most strong amateurs will manage on a 34×32, which keeps a workable cadence through the bulk of the climb. But given how long the effort lasts and how little relief the profile offers, a 34×34 is the smarter, more forgiving choice — that extra cog protects your legs on the 13.79% ramps and lets you spin rather than grind over the final metres to 1189 m. If you tend to fade on long climbs, go with the 34×34 and never regret it.

Summary

Paso de los Andes is a genuine Category 1 test: long, steep, and honest. Pace it off your threshold, gear low, and respect the sustained gradient, and you will crest all 722 m of it with something left.

Length: 9.7 km
Average gradient: 7.44%
Max gradient: 13.79%
Start: 467 m
Summit: 1189 m
Net gain: 722 m
Total ascent: 682 m
Category: 1