Puerto de Barinas

Overview

Puerto de Barinas is a short, approachable category 4 climb that rewards rhythm over raw power. Over 5.4 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 184 m to a summit of 386 m, a net gain of 202 m. The average gradient sits at a gentle 3.73%, and even the steepest ramp tops out at 6.06% — numbers that mark this as one of the friendlier ascents you will meet on a long day out. It is the kind of climb you can attack hard if you are fresh, or spin over comfortably if you are saving your legs for something bigger down the road.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of Barinas is its consistency. With an average of 3.73% and a maximum of only 6.06%, the difference between the mellowest and hardest sections is modest — this is a climb without cruel surprises. The recorded total ascent of 180 m against a net gain of 202 m tells you the road climbs almost continuously, with little in the way of false flats or descents to break the effort. Expect long, open stretches where the gradient hovers close to that 3.73% average, punctuated by a handful of pinches nudging toward 6.06%. Those steeper moments are brief and never sustained enough to force a dramatic change of gear. In effect, the road ramps up gently at the base and holds a near-uniform pitch all the way to the top.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient rarely varies, Barinas is an excellent climb for practicing a controlled, tempo-style effort. Rather than surging, settle into a pace you can hold from bottom to top. A useful benchmark is your FTP: on a climb this gentle, riding just below or right around threshold for the full 5.4 km is very manageable for most riders, and the low 3.73% average means momentum carries you through the steeper 6.06% pinches without needing a big kick. If you are unsure of your numbers, run them through the FTP estimator before you plan your target power. The main risk here is going out too hard early — with only 202 m of climbing to spread across the distance, there is no need to bury yourself in the opening kilometre.

Gearing

Given the modest slopes, most riders will be comfortably over-geared for Barinas, which is no bad thing. A standard compact setup handles this climb with ease. A 34×32 lowest gear leaves you plenty of range to spin the 6.06% sections seated and relaxed, and if you already run a 34×34, you will barely need the largest sprocket at all. There is no case for anything more aggressive than that here — the climb simply never demands it. Fit riders may find they can hold the whole ascent in the middle of the cassette.

Summary

Puerto de Barinas is a gentle, consistent category 4 climb ideal for tempo work, recovery days, or as a warm-up for harder terrain. Steady gradients, a low ceiling, and forgiving length make it accessible to riders of every level.

Length: 5.4 km
Average gradient: 3.73%
Max gradient: 6.06%
Start: 184 m
Summit: 386 m
Net gain: 202 m
Total ascent: 180 m
Category: 4