Lagunas de Neila (Villavelayo)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Villavelayo	1,872m	939m	19.7 km	4.8%	754	****

Climb Description

The climb from Villavelayo is the longest of the various ascents to the Lagunas de Neila and is also the most scenic side. The lower slopes are open as the road follows a stream carving its way through the rolling hillside. As you cross from La Rioja into the province of Burgos, it gradually becomes more forested until you reach the top of the climb and are able to glimpse a view of the lakes which give the climb its name.

Lagunas de Neila is one of Spain's most illustrious cycling climbs, having featured regularly in both the Vuelta a España and the Vuelta a Burgos professional races. The classic climb begins from the town of Quintanar de la Sierra. town of

The climb 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.

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. The classic route which is mostly commonly used in professional cycling races begins from Quintanar de la Sierra. 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.