Alto de Quimarí

Overview

Alto de Quimarí is a short, unrelenting climb that packs a serious punch into just 5 km. Starting at 143 m and topping out at 584 m, it delivers a net elevation gain of 441 m at an average gradient of 8.9%. That average alone marks it as a genuinely hard effort, but the number that defines this climb is its maximum gradient: a savage 27.62%. Rated category 2, Quimarí is the kind of ascent where the average tells only half the story — the peaks are where legs get shredded.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With 441 m of net gain across 5 km, there is nowhere to hide. An 8.9% average over that distance means the road climbs steadily and steeply from the first pedal stroke. But the spread between the 8.9% average and the 27.62% maximum is enormous — nearly 19 percentage points. That gap tells you the climb is spiky rather than smooth: expect stretches near or just below the average punctuated by brutal pitches that spike far above it. On a climb this short, those ramps arrive quickly and repeatedly, so the effort never settles into a rhythm. The total ascent of 406 m sits just under the 441 m net figure, confirming the road climbs almost continuously with little relief.

Pacing Notes

On a 5 km climb this steep, pacing discipline matters more than raw power. Anchor your effort to your FTP and resist the urge to attack the opening slopes — at 8.9% average you will already be well above threshold if you push too hard early. Save headroom for the ramps toward 27.62%, where you will inevitably surge; on gradients that steep, staying upright and turning the pedals over is the goal, not holding a number. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you ride, then set a ceiling and treat the steepest pitches as short, unavoidable overshoots rather than sustained efforts. Get to the last kilometre with something left and the 584 m summit is yours.

Gearing

Do not under-gear this one. With an average of 8.9% and ramps hitting 27.62%, you want the widest range you can fit. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 setup is the sensible minimum — that lowest 34×32 ratio gives you a fighting chance on the average slopes. But for the 27.62% pitches, a 34×34 is the smarter choice, buying you enough cadence to keep momentum where a 34×32 would leave you grinding to a near-standstill. If your frame and derailleur allow it, go 34×34 and thank yourself on the steepest ramps.

Summary

Alto de Quimarí is proof that a climb does not need to be long to be brutal. Five kilometres, an 8.9% average, and a 27.62% maximum add up to a category 2 test that rewards patience early and grit late. Gear low, pace to your threshold, and let the 441 m of gain come to you.

Length: 5 km
Average gradient: 8.9%
Max gradient: 27.62%
Start: 143 m
Summit: 584 m
Net gain: 441 m
Total ascent: 406 m
Category: 2