From Cajamarca (Tolima) to the top of La Línea (10,712 ft / 3,265 m) it is 14.5 miles (23.4 km) at an average of 6.1% with about 4,690 ft (1,430 m) of climbing. This is the eastern side of Colombia’s most classic climb, and the one the Vuelta a Colombia has used most in recent years, on stages starting in Ibagué. The average is misleading: the climb has an easy middle section and a very hard final 5.6 miles (9 km).
What the climb is like
- The start. From the bridge over the creek at the entrance to Cajamarca, a hard ramp and then sections at 6-7%, with whole kilometers above 8%.
- The middle section. About 2.5 miles (4 km) that are much easier, from the toll booth to the tunnel works area.
- The last 5.6 miles (9 km). They open with a straight at 10%; the steepest pitches come halfway up, and the final two kilometers stay above 10%, with one hairpin after another.
Wikipedia gives 14.5 miles (23.4 km) at 6.1% with a maximum of 14%. PJAMM, with a different starting point, gives 13.6 miles (21.9 km) at 6.2%. Altimetrías de Colombia mentions a short pitch of 18% that the other sources do not record; we publish 14%.
Its history
Several Vuelta a Colombia stages have finished up this side, always starting from Ibagué or farther away: winners include Fabio Duarte (2009), Yesid Pira (2021), Miguel Ángel López (2023) and Yeison Reyes (2025, after 144 miles / 232 km from Mosquera). In the 1981 Clásico RCN, Lucho Herrera won here on a 36-mile (58.5 km) stage from Ibagué, and in 2025 the women’s Vuelta a Colombia finished here, won by Andrea Ramírez. Altimetrías de Colombia considers it the hardest paved climb in the country and compares it with the hard side of the Galibier.
When to go, weather, water and traffic
You can ride it all year, although fog, rain and strong wind are common near the top. Go in the morning and bring a rain jacket. At 10,712 ft (3,265 m) the air holds about a third less oxygen than at sea level.
This side used to be the truck route between Bogotá and the Pacific, and Altimetrías de Colombia described it as somewhat dangerous because of the constant flow of semi trucks. Since 2020 the La Línea tunnel, about 2,950 ft (900 m) below the summit, has taken most of the heavy traffic, although the old road is still open. Use a rear light and check road conditions before you go. There are services in Cajamarca.
What gearing to use
For the final 5.6 miles (9 km), a 34x30 or 34x32: at 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%, which on a 34x32 is about 67 rpm. Check your combinations in the gear calculator. If you want more, the other side is covered in La Línea from Calarcá.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb La Línea from Cajamarca?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 hr 41 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 hr 00 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 hr 18 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Who has won on La Línea from Cajamarca?
In the Vuelta a Colombia, Fabio Duarte (2009), Yesid Pira (2021), Miguel Ángel López (2023) and Yeison Reyes (2025); in the 1981 Clásico RCN, Lucho Herrera.
Which side of La Línea is harder?
The Calarcá side, at 13.5 miles (21.7 km) and 7.6%. The Cajamarca side is a little longer and easier on average, although its last 5.6 miles (9 km) are very demanding.