Paso Quitasol is a climb of 105.1 kilometers (hors catégorie). Paso Quitasol tops out at 2,884 m above sea level. It is located in Puerto Libre, Sucumbíos, Ecuador. The average gradient is 7.8% with a maximum of 22%. The climb has 8189 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This climb is exceptionally demanding, with 8189m of total elevation gain over 105.1km. The 7.8% average gradient hides extreme variability: several critical sections go above 15% (KM 38-39: 16%, KM 40-41: 17%), while steep descents (down to -13% at KM 59-60) break up your rhythm.
Effort management tips:
1. Hold a steady power output on the steady climbs (6-9%) to save your legs, especially before the 14-17% ramps that will demand a big effort.
2. Make the most of the descents (particularly the long downhill sections between KM 6-10 and KM 57-60) to recover without completely easing off, so you keep your cadence up.
3. Anticipate sudden gradient changes using the kilometre-by-kilometre data so you don't redline in the steep sections, and shift into the right gear in advance.
For riders who've tackled it, Cerro Quitasol is a serious climb, often rated 4/5 for difficulty. Riders agree you need a good level of fitness, you have to take your time, and you can't skimp on hydration. The payoff, though, is worth every pedal stroke.
What makes this climb stand out, according to riders' accounts, is its ancient stone road, thought to be pre-Columbian, snaking up through the mountain. Riders describe total immersion in unspoiled nature, with jaw-dropping scenery, pine groves, charcos (natural pools), and a killer view over the whole Valle de Aburrá once you reach the summit.
The ride is described as a way to recharge, far from the noise of the city, in a place steeped in history and with powerful natural energy. Riders recommend heading up early in the morning to enjoy the calm and the cool air.
Riders' reports also stress the need for a lot of respect for the place. The road is generally considered safe, but a few downsides come up: the lack of supervision most of the time, recurring wildfire problems, and litter left behind by some visitors. Riders insist on the importance of packing out your trash to protect this fragile natural gem.
105.1 km • 8189 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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