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ALTO EL VERJON

The Alto del Verjón is a classic mountain pass located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, connecting Bogotá with the municipality of Choachí. It is highly regarded by local and international cyclists for its stunning landscapes and high-altitude challenge

    Location: East of Bogotá, starting near the downtown area or the road to Monserrate.

    Distance: The main segment from Bogotá is approximately 10.5 to 11 km long, although some variations from different starting points can extend up to 18 km.

    Elevation Gain: It features a total ascent of about 556 meters, reaching a peak altitude of 3,290 to 3,300 meters above sea level.

    Gradient: The average gradient is roughly 5.3%, with maximum ramps hitting 8.2% to 10% in specific sections.

    Difficulty: It is classified as a Category 1 climb. While the slopes are steady and manageable, the high altitude (over 3,000m) significantly increases the effort due to lower oxygen levels.

    Scenery: The ride transitions from urban views of Bogotá to a lush, high-mountain environment. It crosses the Páramo del Verjón, an ecosystem famous for its unique "Frailejones" plants and cloud forest mist.
    Key Highlights for Cyclists

    Road Condition: The road is well-paved and smooth, making it ideal for road bikes.

    Weather: Expect rapidly changing conditions; it can be sunny at the base but foggy and cold (often below 10°C) at the summit.

    Alternative Route: For those seeking a longer challenge, the climb from Choachí (the opposite side) is much longer at 22–23 km with a steeper total elevation gain of over 1,300 meters.
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