Alto de Letras is the longest road climb in the world
Colombia, south-america
78.9 km
3,692 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for Alto de Letras, one of the most legendary and grueling climbs in Colombia! Situated high in the Andes, straddling the Tolima and Caldas departments, this road is a must-do for any adventurous traveler.
Nicknamed "Letras", this fully paved road, part of Ruta Nacional 50, links Manizales and San Sebastián de Mariquita, offering an epic journey for those brave enough to take it on.
Prepare to be amazed as the landscape transforms around you. The changing scenery, climate, crops, and even animals create a truly unique experience. Keep your camera ready for the beautiful, ever-evolving views. Heads up, though: this route can get busy, so an early start is a good idea.
Starting from San Sebastián de Mariquita, you'll be tackling a staggering 78.9 km (49 miles) with an elevation gain of 3,220 meters. The average gradient is around 4%, but don't let that fool you – you'll hit some steep sections of 11% or 12% in places!
Often called the longest road climb in the world, Alto de Letras is a favorite among cyclists, both amateur and pro, and has been a part of the Vuelta a Colombia for years. Starting in the subtropical heat of San Sebastián de Mariquita at 468 meters and climbing all the way up to an arctic 3,692 meters, this is one South American adventure you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
Alto de Letras is the longest road climb in the world is located in Colombia (south-america). Coordinates: 4.1326, -74.6866
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 78.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,692 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 4.1326, -74.6866
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