Tolima / Caldas · Colombia
Alto de Letras
RN50Mariquita to Manizales
One of the longest continuously paved road climbs on earth: 81 km rising from Mariquita at 468 m to the 3,692 m páramo pass before descending into Manizales, through five distinct ecosystems.
From Mariquita, Ruta 50 lifts into the Cordillera Central, averaging 4% but touching 12% above Herveo. The landscape shifts from tropical farmland through coffee terraces and cloud forest to wind-scoured páramo near the pass, with views toward the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, before the long descent into the coffee capital of Manizales.
Scenery
Best seasons
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Alto de Letras on the map71.9 mi · point to point
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Character
Higher than 9 in 10 roads in the catalogue.
Corners
busiest around mile 31Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%465.1 – 3,688 mPoints of interest3 stops
- El AltoViewpoint32 mi in
- Páramo de LetrasViewpoint49 mi in
- Cerro BravoViewpoint44 mi in
Hazards
- Extreme altitude gain
- Altitude sickness
- Heavy truck traffic
- Potholed sections
- Rapidly changing weather near the summit
Sources
“As you go up, you see how the landscape and climate change. One of the hardest and most epic climbs you can ride on two wheels.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
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