Alto del Vino is a climb of 21.5 kilometers (hors catégorie). The climb finishes at 2,540 m above sea level. It is located in San Francisco de Sales, Cundinamarca, Colombia. The average gradient is 6.0% with a maximum of 14.2%. The climb has 1282 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: Alto del Vino is a demanding climb over 21.5 km, with an average gradient of 6% and 1282 m of elevation gain. The start is particularly brutal, with 8% sections at km 0-1, 5-6, 14-15 and 19-20, and stretches between 6 and 7% that follow one another almost without respite up to km 9. The short descent at km 9-10 (-5%) is quickly paid back by the 7% ramp at km 10-11, which leaves no real recovery. The more rolling section between km 15 and 17 (3% then 2%) offers a welcome breather before the finale.
Tips for pacing yourself:
1. Stay steady from the bottom Don't let the first kilometers at 8% get the better of you. Settle into a pace you can hold so you reach the heart of the climb with plenty left.
2. Make the most of the false flat at km 15 to 17 Use the 2 and 3% gradients to drink, fuel up and find a smooth rhythm again before the last part.
3. Save something for the end Keep some energy for kilometers 19 to 20 (8%) and the final 7% over the last 500 meters, where your legs will be under the most strain.
Those who have climbed the Alto del Vino put the summit at around 2800 meters, between Bogotá and La Vega, and it's often reached from Soacha. It gets quite cold up top. Opinions on difficulty are split: some riders say the climb is tough, with steeper sections than you'd expect, while others call it an easy gradient, good for beginners or for base miles.
The road is wide and in good condition, and several riders say there's no traffic jams. But the traffic is heavy: trucks, cars and motorbikes come through fast, and there are a lot of cyclists, especially at weekends. Several recommend riding with great caution. There's also plenty of wind. One rider suggests bringing a wind jacket for the descent, which he finds spectacular.
Food and drink stops come up again and again in the reports. There are numerous stalls where you can grab breakfast, a bite to eat, a glass of orange juice, a hot or cold drink, and buy bread. Prices are considered reasonable, sometimes a bit on the high side. There are public toilets and a parking area, but one of them is considered unsafe because it sits right against the road. Others feel secure thanks to how busy the spot is.
Many local cyclists train there or do their Sunday ride there. Some recommend it as your first proper big climb, while others describe it as a serious challenge. One rider says he first rode it 45 years ago with friends, and even ended up racing them to the top. Another climbed it while fighting the flu. If you're riding on a weekday, bring a puncture repair kit.
21.5 km • 1282 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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