Paso de Chonta

Paso de Chonta cycling climb profile

Paso de Chonta is a category 1 climb built more around altitude, duration, and restraint than pure wall-like steepness. The headline numbers are 30.6 km at 4.02%, starting at 3,728 m and topping out at 4,958 m, for 1,230 m of net elevation gain. That combination matters: the average gradient looks manageable on paper, but the length means small pacing errors compound for a long time.

How the gradient unfolds

With an average of 4.02% across 30.6 km, the climb is not defined by sustained double-digit gradients from bottom to summit. Its difficulty comes from holding pressure for a long time while climbing from an already high start elevation to an even higher summit. The maximum gradient of 12.81% is the warning label. Even if the overall profile is moderate, there are steep enough ramps to punish riders who treat the climb like a steady tempo road from the first kilometre.

The profile lists total ascent at 1,220 m and net elevation gain at 1,230 m, so the core demand is clear: Paso de Chonta is an extended upward effort. Do not plan around meaningful recovery. Plan around keeping the pedals turning, limiting surges, and arriving at the upper part of the climb with enough control to handle the altitude and any steeper pitches.

Pacing strategy

The correct approach is conservative early and controlled late. On a 30.6 km climb, the opening pace should feel almost too easy, especially because the start elevation is already 3,728 m. If you ride by /glossary/ftp, this is a climb where staying below your limit early is more valuable than proving form on the first steep section.

The 12.81% maximum gradient should shape the whole pacing plan. Do not surge hard into steep ramps unless the summit is genuinely close. Use them as moments to keep torque under control, accept a lower speed, and return to rhythm once the road eases. The average gradient gives you permission to be patient; the max gradient explains why that patience is necessary.

Gearing notes

Bring gearing that lets you spin on the steepest sections, not just cruise at 4.02%. A setup that feels fine on the average gradient can become overgeared when the road kicks toward 12.81%, and grinding at that altitude is an expensive mistake. Prioritize cadence, seated traction, and steady breathing over speed.

Paso de Chonta is best ridden as a long aerobic climb with tactical respect for its steepest moments. The rider who saves enough to keep pedaling smoothly near 4,958 m will usually get more out of the climb than the rider who tries to beat the average gradient early.