Alto El Crucero (from Aguazul): The Longest Paved Climb in Colombia
El Crucero, starting from the municipality of Aguazul, spans nearly 92 kilometers according to the most popular strava segment of this climb, making it the longest paved climb in Colombia. Many believe that the mythical Alto de Letras, with nearly 80 kilometers, is the longest route. Instead, Alto El Crucero surpasses it in length. This route travels along National Route 62, crossing the departments of Casanare and Boyacá.
Aguazul, the Starting Point of Our Libertador Route
The Andes, the world’s longest mountain range, split into three ranges as they pass through Colombia: Eastern, Central, and Western. The Eastern Range, the protagonist of the longest paved climb in Colombia also played a crucial role in Simón Bolívar’s liberation campaign in 1819.
During the 1819 liberation campaign, the army led by Simón Bolívar, undertook a strenuous journey from Venezuela through the eastern plains. On their path to emancipation from the Spanish Empire, they faced and overcame the inhospitable páramos of the Eastern Range. The extreme conditions at over 3,500 meters altitude tested the troops’ endurance and determination. Despite the adversities, they continued their march into the interior of Colombia, where they initiated crucial battles that culminated in the independence of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
At 290 meters above the foothills of this range lies the municipality of Aguazul, where Alto El Crucero begins. Aguazul is 27 kilometers from Yopal, the capital of Casanare, and 361 kilometers from Bogotá D.C. It is the second most important municipality in the department, with an economy based on livestock, agriculture (especially rice production), and oil extraction. Although it is a relatively important city, lodging options are limited, with most hotels being 2 or 3 stars located in the urban area.
Pajarito, the First Landmark of the Longest Paved Climb in Colombia
As this historical route of Alto El Crucero was one we wanted to do, the Gregario Cycling team packed our bikes and chose a Saturday in February 2023 to take our client and friend, Jeroen Eichhorn, to seek, like Bolívar, and conquer the páramo of the Eastern Range. Thus, at 6:00 am, we took the first pedal stroke that would lead us to our first landmark, the municipality of Pajarito. The first 6 kilometers out of Aguazul, with an average incline not exceeding 3%, are traveled through a green corridor that mitigates heavy vehicle traffic. Before reaching the municipality of Pajarito at kilometer 30, passing Alto Boquerón at kilometer 22, where the longest descent of this climb begins, approximately 4 kilometers with an average gradient of -6%. Although the pavement is generally in good condition, there are unstable areas that cause some potholes in the road. With this in mind, we took the opportunity to eat something and hydrate.
Once this descent ends and with 30 kilometers in our legs, we approached the department of Boyacá, specifically the municipality of Pajarito. This picturesque place, located at 800 meters above sea level, served as a strategic corridor for Bolívar’s army during the liberation campaign of the early 19th century. Pajarito, officially founded on January 1, 1853, is known for its rich history and natural landscapes, surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Cusiana River.
The Most Challenging Segment at Alto El Crucero
10 kilometers after passing Pajarito, specifically at kilometer 41, a 24-kilometer segment begins with an average gradient exceeding 6%. Undoubtedly this feels much more challenging than the numbers suggest. In this segment, we see how the flora changes, and native humid forests become common. The yarumos, trees with white canopies, stand out in the vastness of this forest along with the sound of birds and the Cusiana River. All of this somehow alleviates our suffering.
The Toquilla Valley
After passing this segment, the gradient softens a bit, and at kilometer 72, after gaining more than 2,200 meters of elevation, we reached the Toquilla hamlet, at over 3,000 meters altitude. Here, we are surrounded by a complex of páramos with a landscape typical of this ecosystem. The frailejones manifest the water wealth of this area. These provide fresh water to several populations and the Cusiana River, our companion for much of this journey. Trout and cheese sales are common in these last kilometers in small stalls where they display their products.
The valley that crosses Toquilla is approximately 12 kilometers with an average gradient of around 2%. However, the accumulated fatigue and the wind that starts to blow strongly make this segment extremely demanding. The altitude and fatigue combine into a relentless challenge. I had to put a foot on the ground, take a deep breath, see how Jeroen got further away the distance. So, Itook the last energy gel to face this colossus.
Reaching this point in the company of other cyclists is ideal. Sharing the suffering, facing the wind together, and maintaining a steady pace becomes an experience of camaraderie and endurance. Each pedal stroke feels like a battle won against the mountain, and mutual support is essential to overcome the last kilometers of this epic journey.
Final Kilometers to conquer Alto El Crucero
At the end of this segment, there are small ramps with inclines exceeding 7%. This makes the last 8 kilometers of the climb challenging enough to cause exhaustion if one lacks motivation or energy. Upon reaching the summit at kilometer 92, at an altitude of 3,460 meters, there are no shops or populated areas. Therefore, it is necessary to descend and face a couple of additional ramps until reaching near the Lake Tota, in an area known as El Crucero. El Crucero is located approximately 100 kilometers from the start of our journey.
The view and landscapes from the top make those additional kilometers worthwhile. Accompanied by a Colombian coffee, the satisfaction of having conquered the longest paved climb in Colombia is incomparable. Without a doubt, it is a climb that cycling enthusiasts must experience during their time in Colombia. Passing through all thermal floors, accompanied by the Cusiana River, and ending at Lake Tota at over 3,000 meters is a unique experience for the legs and the mind.
Category: Hors Catégorie (HC)
Distance: 91.8 km
Elevation gained: 3,165 m
Maximum altitude: 3,460 m
Minimum altitude: 290 m
See Strava Segment
By Andrés Urrego, Gregario Cycling
Photography Andrés Cardona
