San José Acatempa is a climb of 8.8 kilometers (category 1). San José Acatempa tops out at 1,377 m above sea level. It is located in El Zapotillo, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The average gradient is 6.9% with a maximum of 14.8%. The climb has 603 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: The climb of La Carreta has a demanding profile. The main challenge lies in how it builds: a first half that is relatively manageable (gradients of 2 to 7%) leads into a harder second part, punctuated by three stretches at 10% (KM 4.0-4.5, KM 5.0-5.5 and KM 6.5-7.0). The length (8.8 km) and the substantial elevation gain (603m) fully justify its category 1 rating.
Tips for managing the effort:
1. Pacing: Start off steady over the first 3 kilometres (gradient under 7%) to save your legs for the critical sections ahead.
2. Prepare for the 10% ramps: The three steep sections are short but intense. Get into a suitable gear well in advance so you don't blow up your legs.
3. Active recovery: Make the most of the shorter easier stretches (like KM 6.0-6.5 at 4%) to ease off the pressure slightly and get your breathing back under control before the finale.
8.8 km • 603 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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