Paso de Mata

Overview

Paso de Mata is a short, high-altitude climb that trades brute steepness for altitude and rhythm. Over 4.6 km the road lifts you 139 m, from a start elevation of 1948 m to a summit at 2087 m, at an average gradient of just 3.05%. That number tells the story: this is a rolling, tempo-friendly ascent rather than a wall. With a maximum gradient of only 5.07%, there is no single ramp that forces you out of the saddle. It earns its category-4 rating — the gentlest of the classified tiers below 3, 2, 1 and the hardest, HC — on the strength of length and thin mountain air more than on punishing pitches.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The math here is worth reading closely. The route records a net elevation gain of 139 m but a total ascent of only 120 m, which tells you the profile is not perfectly monotonic — there are brief flat or slightly descending sections woven into the 4.6 km, and the raw climbing you actually do adds up to a little less than the net figure suggests over the measured pitches. Practically, that means the gradient breathes. The 3.05% average is a smooth backdrop, and because the max never exceeds 5.07%, the difference between the easiest and hardest metres is small. Expect long stretches that sit close to the average, punctuated by gentle stiffenings toward the steeper 5% zones rather than abrupt kicks.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so consistent, Paso de Mata rewards a steady, aerobic effort held just under threshold. Anchor your pacing to your FTP: riding this climb at roughly threshold-to-tempo intensity will carry you over all 4.6 km without a lactate spike, since the 5.07% max is never severe enough to force a surge. If you do not know your current threshold power, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your target. Remember that starting above 1948 m and climbing to 2087 m means the air is thin — sustainable power at this altitude sits below your sea-level figure, so err on the conservative side and let the modest 3.05% average do the work.

Gearing

You do not need bailout gearing for a climb capped at 5.07%, but altitude changes the calculus. A standard compact setup with a 34×32 low gear is comfortable here for most riders, giving you cadence in hand across the 4.6 km even when the road stiffens toward its max. If you are carrying fatigue, riding at altitude, or simply prefer to spin, a 34×34 offers extra insurance for the steeper metres without ever feeling over-geared on a 3.05% average. Either choice lets you stay seated and hold rhythm.

Summary

Paso de Mata is a measured, high-altitude tempo climb: short, evenly graded, and never steep enough to break your rhythm. Pace it to threshold, respect the thin air, and let the consistent gradient reward smooth power.

Length: 4.6 km
Average gradient: 3.05%
Max gradient: 5.07%
Start: 1948 m
Summit: 2087 m
Net gain: 139 m
Total ascent: 120 m
Category: 4