The Cuesta La Dormida climbs 9.8 miles (15.8 km) at an average of 6.4% from Quebrada Alvarado, on the Olmué side (Valparaíso region), to the pass over the Coastal Range, with 3,343 ft (1,019 m) of climbing and 15 hairpins. It is the classic climb for cyclists from Santiago and the coast, with views of Cerro La Campana.
What the climb is like
From Quebrada Alvarado the road follows the valley at a moderate grade and then clambers up the slope in a series of hairpins, where the hardest part is: the steepest 100 m (330 ft) reach 10.2% according to Climbfinder. At the top you cross from the Valparaíso region into the Metropolitan Region, and from the pass you can see Cerro La Campana.
Climbfinder gives 9.8 miles (15.8 km), 3,343 ft (1,019 m) of gain and the top at 4,147 ft (1,264 m); PJAMM gives 9.9 miles (15.9 km) at 6.7% and 3,481 ft (1,061 m) of gain, but puts the top at 4,416 ft (1,346 m). They agree on length and gain; the summit elevation depends on the exact point each database uses.
Its history
The road, today’s Route F100G between Olmué and Tiltil (14.5 miles / 23.3 km in total), was built by the No. 7 Aconcagua Engineers Regiment from Quillota and completed in 1938. Today it is an alternative route between the Metropolitan and Valparaíso regions. From it you can reach Caleu and Cerro El Roble, the highest point on this stretch of the Coastal Range.
When to go, weather, water and traffic
You can ride it almost all year. In summer (December to February) the heat is intense and the slope has little shade, so start early. In winter there can be fog, rain and cold at the top.
Carry your water from Olmué or Tiltil: there are hardly any services on the climb. It is a road open to traffic, with more cars on weekends: use a rear light.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 gets you up comfortably at 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight): on 6.5% you ride about 8.1 mph (13 km/h) at 84 rpm. If you want a livelier cadence on the hairpins, a 34x30. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ride both sides: climb from Olmué, descend to Tiltil and come back; that is about 5,600 ft (1,700 m) of climbing in total.
- Use it to gauge your fitness: 9.3 steady miles (15 km) are ideal for a long effort.
- Watch out for cars on the bends on the way down, especially on weekends.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Cuesta La Dormida?
From Quebrada Alvarado, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 hr 12 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 hr 25 min at 2.5 W/kg and 56 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Which side of La Dormida is harder?
The Olmué and Quebrada Alvarado side: 9.8 miles (15.8 km) at 6.4%. The Tiltil side, toward Santiago, is shorter: 6.8 miles (10.9 km) at 6.2% with 2,208 ft (673 m) of climbing according to Climbfinder.
When is the best time to climb La Dormida?
In fall, winter and spring. In summer it is very hot and there is hardly any shade; if you go between December and February, start at dawn.