Abra del Infernillo is a climb of 31.1 kilometers (hors catégorie). Abra del Infernillo tops out at 3,050 m above sea level. It is located in Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán, Argentina. The average gradient is 3.7% with a maximum of 8.5%. The climb has 1162 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: This 31.1 km hors catégorie climb is moderate overall (average gradient of 3.7%), but it demands disciplined pacing. The difficulty lies in its irregularity, with several stretches at 5-6% between km 2 and 9, then again between km 17 and 21. The flat sections (km 10-11, 14-16) and the gentle descents (km 23-25) give you crucial recovery moments.
Pacing tips:
1. Pace yourself: Don't go too hard in the first steeper kilometres. Use the 1% sections to recover actively, keeping a good cadence without forcing it.
2. Save something for the kick: After the descent toward km 25, the road ramps straight back up to 5%. Keep some energy in the tank for this last significant effort before the finish.
3. Mental game: Break the climb into chunks, using the flat sections as recovery markers. The length is the key factor; hold a steady effort.
For riders who have climbed the Abra del Infiernillo, it's a climb into the clouds, topping out at over 3000 meters of elevation. Riders describe a landscape that changes radically, going from the damp cloud forests of the Yungas on the Tafí del Valle side to the arid country around Amaicha del Valle, with unreal, constantly changing views over the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The climb is done on the ruta 307in rough shape in places, with potholes and not much signage. Caution is essential, especially with animals roaming free on the road and sudden, thick fog that can cut visibility to zero, particularly late in the day.
At the top, the effort pays off with a unique vibe. Riders report a feeling of serenity and silence, almost magical, heightened by the view of the clouds below. There's a parador for a break, where you can warm up with hot water or a tortilla and chat with local artisans. It's also the chance for an unexpected and much-loved encounter: getting close to and photographing the llamas up there.
Riders' accounts stress that the name "Infiernillo" (little hell) is well earned because of unpredictable weather and cold winds that can come up at any moment, even in summer. Altitude makes itself felt, so warm clothing is a must. Despite these challenges, riders unanimously call the experience unforgettable, a must-ride that leaves a mark thanks to the raw power of the Andean scenery.
31.1 km • 1162 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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