Colombia is a country crossed by mountain ranges and Antioquia, in particular, received an exaggerated share of rugged geography which, in the eyes of cyclists, is a privileged field to test the legs.

Discover some of the most popular mountain passes for amateur and elite athletes in this surprising territory. On this occasion, we will cover those that are within reach of people who are reaching their first summits or those who are looking to vary the menu of gradients that this land offers.

1. High of Las Palmas

This is “the office” for those who live in Medellín and its surroundings. Palmas is almost always the first destination for those who fall in love with this sport. It is about 16 kilometers, passing through the capital of Antioquia and Envigado, which is demanding but achievable for those who are still adding their first kilometers.

There are some breaks in the rigor of an ascent that offers gradients that can range between 14% and 16%. Its most popular Strava segments are the one known as Palmas Oficial (from the Country), the climb through El Peñasco and the final kilometer of the finish. It is the gateway to many more routes that eastern Antioquia offers.

Distance: 15.7 kilometers.

Elevation: 1030 meters

Average slope: 6.5%

2. The height of Minas

This is the old school must-see. A road that has been the scene of great feats of Colombian cycling. Even Bernard Hinault himself, a French rider who has won 10 Grand Tours, passed through there competing in an RCN Classic that brought great stars of world cycling.

Minas, south of the Aburrá Valley, is a narrow, curved road made for the seasoned and for amateurs. There is also room for believers who force themselves to pause for devotion in a grotto that is on the route and where many athletes stop to venerate an image of the Virgin Mary.

It is so old school that it pays off with the “aguapanela”, the cheese and the arepa at its summit surrounded by pine trees and followed by the descent that leads to the municipality of La Pintada.

Distance: 8.9 kilometers

Elevation: 583 meters

Average slope: 6.5 %

3. Matasanos Peak

In the realm of speculation, one might think that this port gets its name because it is not a road that gives rise to inattention, carelessness behind the wheel or on the bike. It is a road of tight curves and deep precipices that intimidates because of the majesty of the landscape that lies before your feet.

Its fearsome appearance is contrasted by its attractive and constant slope. It is a good setting for endurance or power tests due to the stability of its slope.

It is located north of the Aburrá Valley and offers the route to continue towards the Colombian Caribbean coast.

Distance: 13.2 kilometers

Elevation: 867 metres.

Average slope: 6.5%

4. Union Peak

Its lack of category and distance compared to the previous ones can be deceptive and lethal. Leaving the municipality of La Ceja, in the east of the department, there is this climb of about 8 kilometers that invites speed, but without diminishing in its constant gradient to the finish line.

It is a narrow port, with a good number of curves and appropriate for those who are starting out or for those who want to move watts and speed while climbing.

Flower and vegetable crops adorn this route, which rewards those who complete it with orange juice, coffee and other food that will please their legs.

Distance: 7.5 kilometers

Elevation: 379 meters

Average slope: 5%

5. High of the Virgin

To the north of the Aburrá Valley, passing through Medellín, Copacabana and reaching Guarne, is this highway that marks the beginning of the route between the capital of Antioquia and Bogotá. Its first 16 kilometers are a double carriageway that has as many faces as meters: it is flat, steep, flat, long, warm and cold.

The Medellín-Bogotá route has stretches that allow advanced riders to stagger their work to steal seconds from the clock. It is a wide road that crosses old quarries and has obligatory passages through short tunnels.

At the top is the entrance to a popular Marian pilgrimage site that gives its name to Alto de la Virgen, and from there you can connect with countless municipalities in eastern Antioquia that also offer good adventures for your legs.

Distance: 16.6 kilometers

Elevation: 851 meters

Average slope: 5.1%

There are many more to come, near and far from Medellín. In a future post we will learn about many more paths.

Sources: Strava-Altimetries Colombia.

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