Puerto Malo

Overview

Puerto Malo is a Category 1 climb that stretches 10.3 km and averages a genuinely steep 8.4%. It begins almost at sea level, with a start elevation of just 6 m, and tops out at 871 m — a net elevation gain of 865 m packed into a little over ten kilometres. The total ascent measured along the road is 849 m, confirming this is a relentlessly upward effort with almost nothing in the way of recovery. At these numbers, Puerto Malo sits firmly in the top tier below hors catégorie: long enough to hurt, steep enough to demand respect, and unforgiving from the first pedal stroke.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An 8.4% average across 10.3 km tells most of the story on its own. Sustaining that figure over more than ten kilometres means there are no meaningful flat sections to soft-pedal and regather. The presence of a 15.51% maximum gradient — nearly double the average — signals that at least one ramp bites far harder than the mean. Expect the effort to oscillate between the low-8% range that defines the climb's character and sharper pitches that push toward that 15.51% ceiling. Because the average stays so high, even the "easier" stretches remain firmly uphill. Riders who treat any part of this climb as rest will pay for it when the road steepens again.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this sustained, pacing is everything. With an 8.4% average over 10.3 km, most riders will spend well beyond half an hour climbing, so the effort must be anchored to a repeatable threshold rather than early enthusiasm. Ride the opening kilometres slightly under your FTP to leave headroom for the ramps approaching 15.51%, where surging is unavoidable but should be brief and controlled. If you do not know your threshold, calculate it first with the FTP estimator and use it to set a target power you can hold across the full 865 m of climbing. The steep pitches are best absorbed with a short, deliberate increase in effort, then an immediate return to your baseline once the gradient eases back toward the 8.4% norm.

Gearing

Gradients like these reward generous gearing. For a climb averaging 8.4% with pitches to 15.51%, a compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 combination is the minimum most riders will want, giving enough range to keep a rhythm on the sustained 8.4% sections. But given the 15.51% maximum and the sheer length of 10.3 km, a 34×34 is the smarter choice for all but the strongest climbers — that extra sprocket preserves cadence on the hardest ramps and protects your legs across all 849 m of ascent. Spinning a lighter gear beats grinding here every time.

Summary

Puerto Malo is a serious Category 1 climb: 10.3 km of near-continuous 8.4% gradient, rising from 6 m to 871 m with a nasty 15.51% maximum. Pace it to your threshold, gear low, and respect the length. It rewards discipline and punishes anyone who goes out too hard.

Length: 10.3 km
Average gradient: 8.4%
Max gradient: 15.51%
Start: 6 m
Summit: 871 m
Net gain: 865 m
Total ascent: 849 m
Category: 1