Páramo Del Almorzadero is a climb of 45.1 kilometers (hors catégorie). Páramo Del Almorzadero tops out at 3,852 m above sea level. It is located in Cácota, Norte de Santander, Colombia. The average gradient is 4.7% with a maximum of 12.8%. The climb has 2098 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: A long hors catégorie climb (45.1 km) but with a moderate average gradient of 4.7%. The difficulty lies in its length and its uneven profile, alternating between stretches at 6-7% (KM 4-5, 19-23, 29-31) and recovery sections at 2-3% (KM 13-14, 33-34, the end). This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Pacing tips:
1. Steady does it: Settle into a constant rhythm, just below your threshold, especially during the first 30 km to save something in the tank.
2. Make the most of the flat bits: The low-gradient sections (KM 13-14, 33-34, 44-45) are key for recovering and refuelling without losing your pace.
3. Watch out for the steep bits: The 6-7% portions are short but repeated. Save a bit of energy so you can tackle them smoothly and keep your cadence.
For those who've climbed it, the ascent of the El Almorzadero páramo is an immersion in one of the most impressive ecosystems of the Cordillera Oriental. Riders describe a magical landscape, a true "lung and water source" of Colombia, where you feel connected to raw nature, surrounded by frailejones and low vegetation at high altitude. The atmosphere is one of total tranquility, a place where you can "recharge the batteries" far from the hustle and bustle.
The ride itself, however, is demanding and realistic. Riders are unanimous: a large part of the route is a terrible dirt track, a poorly maintained unpaved road that stretches over an hour, maybe two. The advice is clear: it's better to attempt the climb in daylight, both to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and for safety reasons on this tough terrain.
Beyond the physical difficulty, cyclists voice concern about how fragile the place is. Some testimonies point to a completely unprotected area, where litter and overgrazing ("peladeros llenos de ovejas", or bare patches full of sheep) show the human impact on this precious environment. This awareness adds a deeper dimension to the experience, somewhere between admiration and the reality of the threats facing this water sanctuary.
Despite the challenges, the experience stays with you. Riders come back with images in their heads: the chance to see the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy on a clear day, open spaces that are "postcard-worthy", the unique light, and the cold, with temperatures hovering around 5 degrees. It's an authentic adventure that, according to those who've done it, is well worth it for its wild and memorable character.
45.1 km • 2098 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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