Addicted to Altitude: My top 5 bucket list climbs in and around Bogotá.
Altitude addiction is a rarely-discussed obsession. Join me as I unveil my top 5 epic climbs and investigate this captivating fixation.
As a cycling fanatic for nearly two decades, I’ve never considered myself a climber. Before relocating to Colombia, I spent most of my life living at zero elevation. Growing up in Bangkok, attending high school in Sydney, as well as living and working in Paris and New York — all of these places are essentially at sea level. While I had heard about how high altitude can impact the body, it wasn’t until I moved to Bogotá that I truly grasped its effects.
My lifelong battle with Kinetosis made acclimatizing to high altitude a lengthy process. In my everyday struggle with 2,650 meters above sea level, I gained a newfound appreciation for why Colombians are such exceptional climbers. Slowly, I began tackling these climbs and gradually adapting to the altitude. My main objective was simply to survive, with no intention of achieving KOMs. Despite having watched countless Tour de France races and learned about Climb Categories, the sheer difficulty of HC (Hors Catégorie) climbs seemed unachievable. Admiring legends like Marco Pantani, the Schleck brothers, and Cadel Evans conquered the iconic climbs, it appeared impossible for us mere mortals. Yet, three years later, after completing many of these brutal HC climbs, I can proudly confess that I’ve developed a compulsive addiction to altitude.
Let’s deep dive into my top five favorite climbs in and around Bogotá and unpack how my journey led me to this obsession.
Suffering is a form of obsession.
The criteria for these climbs are:
Only HC climbs: We’re talking about the toughest, hardest, and longest. Anything else is underachieving!
Only climbs I’ve personally ridden: Firsthand experience is more insightful!
Only paved roads: Focusing only on road cycling discipline (for now).
1. Alto de la Tribuna
37.6 km | 1,800 m↑ | Avg 4.7% | Max Elev 2,680 m
Starting in hot and humid Villeta, renowned for its natural wilderness and luxurious glamping. This 38 km climb (double the distance of Col du Tourmalet) takes you through different chapters of landscape, from lush banana plantations to dense bamboo tunnels, alongside the rushing river. While the gradient remains gentle at around 4-6%, the exceptionally long distance to the summit makes this climb somewhat insufferable.
Entering several bamboo tunnels along Alto de la Tribuna.
2. Choachi – El Verjón
23.3 km | 1,410 m↑ | Avg 5.9% | Max Elev 3,180 m
Páramo del Verjón from Choachi is hands down the most scenic climb in Cundinamarca. This 23 km ascent encapsulates an all-in-one journey showcasing the ‘best of’ the Eastern Cordillera. It’s a journey that crosses lush valleys, natural hot springs, and monumental rock cliffs. The diverse terrain begins at the tropical climate zone to the páramo ecosystem, where the vegetation transitions from banana plantations to Frailejónes. This climb gained international fame when the Morton brothers conquered it in Thereabouts 3.
El Verjón on a crisp, sunny morning.
3. Pacho – Alto del Aguíla
21.5 km | 1,396 m↑ | Avg 6.5% | Max Elev 3,200 m
On the northwest side of Bogotá’s savannah lies a small town called Pacho. This town is relatively close to Zipaquirá, Egan Bernal’s hometown, making it his training ground. The climb starts off relatively easy, with gradients averaging around 4-5%. Then around the halfway point, you face a series of switchbacks where gradients max around 14%. The final 2 km are the most challenging, with steep double-digit gradients and thinner oxygen levels as you enter the freezing páramo climate.
Top of Alto del Aguíla before descending to Pacho.
4. La Vega – Alto del Vino
28.5 km | 1,650 m↑ | Avg 5.7% | Max Elev 2,850 m
One of the most iconic climbs for Bogotános, this climb featured in Tour Colombia 2.1 in 2024, where Richard Carapaz won the stage. Starting at La Vega, this epic journey offers panoramic views of the Eastern Cordillera and crosses three different climate zones. With a consistent gradient of around 6% and a maximum elevation of 2,850 meters, you have enough oxygen in your lungs and firepower in your legs to reach the summit.
All smiles in the final kilometers.
5. Alto de la Cuchilla from Gachetá
35.9 km | 1,630 m↑ | Avg 4.5% | Max Elev 3,365 m
Alto de la Cuchilla from Guasca stands as one of Bogotá’s iconic climbs, but tackling it from Gachetá’s side adds an extra layer of challenge. The first 5 km has a manageable gradient of 5-6%, but things intensify with multiple switchbacks reaching over 10%. After passing Sueva and continuing beyond km 15, you’ll ride through a panoramic cliffside alongside the Río Sueva before tackling the climb’s most challenging section. The final kilometer eases to around 5-6%, offering the final glimpse of the páramo landscape. It’s your last chance to enjoy the scenery—even if you've got nothing left in the tank!
The jagged peaks of Alto de la Cuchilla stand as an iconic sight.
From struggling with altitude sickness to conquering these epic climbs, all my challenges have transcended the physical — they’ve transformed into mental trophies. As I reached new heights, so did my appreciation for the breathtaking Andean landscapes and the sheer ecstasy of conquering each climb. And I’m not alone; every cyclist who has completed these climbs shares a collective experience of suffering and triumph. We’ve all been elevated, both literally and figuratively.
If you’re curious about what altitude addiction feels like, Colombici offers curated cycling tours to take on these legendary climbs firsthand. You’d be amazed at what you’re capable of achieving!
