Puerto Zaguazal

Overview

Puerto Zaguazal is a short climb that trades length for intensity. Over just 2.2 km it averages a demanding 8.79%, lifting you from a start elevation of 420 m to a summit at 611 m — a net gain of 191 m. On paper it earns a category 3 rating, the mildest end of the classified scale below HC, 1 and 2. But do not let the number fool you: a climb this steep and this brief is a full-effort test from the first pedal stroke, with no long shallow ramps to hide behind.

With a maximum gradient of 14.66%, Zaguazal has real teeth. The total recorded ascent of 157 m sits below the 191 m net figure, a quirk that points to smooth, relentless upward road rather than rolling terrain with descents to recover on. In other words, once you start going up, you keep going up.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The story of Zaguazal is one of sustained steepness. An average of 8.79% across 2.2 km means there is no genuine flat to soft-pedal, and the 14.66% maximum tells you at least one ramp bites well above that average. Expect the gradient to hover in the high single digits for most of the climb, punctuated by a pitch that pushes toward 15%.

Because the difference between the summit and start is 191 m packed into so little distance, the climb feels like one continuous surge. There is no false flat to reset your rhythm — the pattern is simply hard, harder, then a final push to 611 m.

Pacing Notes

Short climbs punish riders who go out too hot, but Zaguazal is short enough that you can afford to ride near or slightly above threshold the whole way. Anchor your effort to your FTP: on a 2.2 km wall averaging 8.79%, holding just above FTP is realistic for most riders because the climb ends before deep fatigue sets in.

If you are unsure of your number, run the FTP estimator first, then commit. Meter your effort so the 14.66% ramp does not blow you apart — ease slightly before it, absorb the pitch seated where possible, and let the gradient bleed back toward the average to recover your rhythm on the run to the summit.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 8.79% with a 14.66% spike, prioritise a generous low gear so you can spin rather than grind. A compact chainring paired with a wide cassette is the safe call. A 34×32 will get most fit riders up cleanly, keeping cadence high through the steady middle section.

If you carry more weight, ride at lower fitness, or simply want insurance for that steepest ramp, step up to a 34×34. The extra range costs nothing on a climb this short and buys you a comfortable cadence exactly where the road tilts toward 15%.

Summary

Puerto Zaguazal is a compact, uncompromising effort: 2.2 km of sustained 8.79% gradient with a 14.66% sting, gaining 191 m to top out at 611 m. Ride it near threshold, gear low, and respect the steep pitch.

Length: 2.2 km
Average gradient: 8.79%
Max gradient: 14.66%
Start: 420 m
Summit: 611 m
Net gain: 191 m
Total ascent: 157 m
Category: 3