From the bridge over the Cauca River at La Pintada (about 2,020 ft / 615 m) to Alto de Minas (7,986 ft / 2,434 m) it is 26 miles (41.9 km) of climbing and 6,519 ft (1,987 m) of total climbing. The true average is 4.3% if you only count the elevation difference, but the climb has descents along the way that make you climb almost 6,560 ft (2,000 m). It is the southern gateway to Medellín and one of the climbs the Vuelta a Colombia and the Clásico RCN use most.
What the climb is like
- La Pintada to La Quiebra. You start in the humid heat of the Cauca canyon. After La Quiebra, a natural bridge between two mountains, come 5 miles (8.1 km) at almost 7%, with the ravine on your right.
- Santa Bárbara and Versalles. After Santa Bárbara there are about 1.2 miles (2 km) at 6.9% and a descent toward Versalles. The terrain rolls, although you climb more than you descend.
- The finish. The last 1.9 miles (3 km), at 7.6%, end at the restaurants on Alto de Minas. The steepest pitches reach 11%.
The figures match across sources: Wikipedia gives 26 miles (41.85 km), 6,519 ft (1,987 m) of total climbing, 4.31% and a maximum of 11%; Altimetrías de Colombia gives 26.1 miles (42 km), 5,968 ft (1,819 m) of elevation difference, more than 6,560 ft (2,000 m) of total climbing and 11%; PJAMM about 25.2 miles (40.6 km) to 7,976 ft (2,431 m). From the other side, from Caldas, the climb is short: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) at 6.5%.
Its history
Minas has featured in the big Colombian races many times, almost always as a pass on stages from the Coffee Region (Manizales, Pereira) to Medellín. It has been used as a stage finish only once: in the 2024 Vuelta a Colombia, on an 89.7-mile (144.3 km) stage from Supía won by Yesid Pira.
When to go, weather, water and traffic
You can ride it all year. Down in La Pintada, at about 1,970 ft (600 m), the heat and humidity are intense; at the top, around 7,900 ft (2,400 m), the climate is mild and cool. Start early to get through the canyon before the hottest hours, and keep in mind that in the rainy months (April-May and October-November) storms usually arrive in the afternoon.
Traffic is the main drawback: it is the trunk road to Medellín, with semi trucks that are dangerous on the bends. Use a rear light and stay at the edge. There are stores in La Pintada, Santa Bárbara and Versalles, and restaurants at the top, where you can eat well before descending toward Caldas.
What gearing to use
The grade is moderate: a 34x28 works well at 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight); on 7% you ride about 7.5 mph (12 km/h) at 80 rpm. What wears you down is the length, two and a half hours for a fit recreational rider. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Carry two bottles: in the Cauca canyon you drink much more than usual.
- Save something for the final 1.9 miles (3 km) at 7.6%.
- Combine it with the descent to Caldas and the ride back to Medellín through the Aburrá valley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Alto de Minas?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 2 hr 30 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 hr 56 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 hr 59 min at 4 W/kg, without stops. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the average grade of Alto de Minas?
4.3% if you divide the net elevation difference (about 5,970 ft / 1,820 m) by the length, which is the figure Wikipedia and PJAMM give. Using total climbing, 6,519 ft (1,987 m) because of the descents along the way, it comes to 4.7%, which is what we use to calculate your time.
Is there a lot of traffic on Alto de Minas?
Yes. It is the main road between Medellín, southern Antioquia and the Coffee Region, with lots of trucks. Go early with a rear light, and be careful on the bends.