Lagunas de Neila (Quintanar)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Quintanar de la Sierra 1,872m 782m 14.8 km 5.3% 744 ****






Lagunas de Neila from Quintanar - Cycling Profile

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Climb Description

This is the classic side of Lagunas de Neila and one of the more famous cycling climbs in Spain. It was first used in the Vuelta a España in 1998, a stage won by Chava Jiménez, who attacked 3km from the summit, against the orders from his team captain Abraham Olano.

Lagunas de Neila is more well known though for its annual appearance in the prestigious Vuelta a Burgos stage race. It is usually the key climbing in deciding the general classification and has been won by some of the best climbers in world cycling, including Tony Rominger, Alejandro Valverde, Iban Mayo, Mikel Landa and Nairo Quintana.

The climb - particularly when ridden from Quintanar de la Sierra - is characterized by its steep gradients in the last few kilometres which nearly always results in explosive action.

Although much of the climb is in forest, it is very enjoyable to ride, and the picturesque lakes are just a short hike from the top.

Lagunas de Neila is open year round subject to the weather. Snow is reasonably common from December to March, but there are still times then when it is clear. The Puerto el Collado - near the village of Neila at 1404m altitude is open throughout the year.


Lagunas de Neila from Quintanar - Castilla y León Cycling Climb

The Laguna Negra (Black Lake) is just a short hike from the top of the climb






Roads & Traffic

The road is in good condition throughout and there is little traffic on the climb.




Alternative Routes

There are various ways to climb to Lagunas de Neila. This is the classic route, but it is also possible to ride from Villavelayo in the north. Other routes follow minor forest roads and are less popular options.





Nearby Climbs


Puerto de Montenegro

Cruz de la Demanda

Valdezcaray

Peña Hincada






Cycling Holidays

We don't currently run any tours in this part of Spain. If you would be interested in customizing an itinerary to this region, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss the options.

You may also be interested in the links below to some of the mountainous tours that we currently run elsewhere in Spain.




Picos de Europa National Park
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,490 EUR
Tramuntana Mountains - Mallorca
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,420 EUR
Lagos de Covadonga
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: from €1,490 EUR