Alto de La Línea, Mountain pass between Tolima and Quindío departments, Colombia
Alto de La Línea is a mountain pass in the Andes that rises to 3,287 meters and sits between the departments of Tolima and Quindío. It connects the towns of Calarcá and Cajamarca while serving as a critical link for traffic moving between Colombia's Pacific and interior regions.
The pass served as the main route connecting western Colombia to Bogotá for many years before the opening of a modern tunnel below the summit. The completion of this underground route in 2020 changed how traffic flows through the region.
The route forms part of Colombia's professional cycling heritage, frequently hosting major competitions including Vuelta a Colombia and Clásico RCN events.
Visitors can best reach the pass from the nearby towns of Calarcá or Cajamarca, with the road accessible year-round though caution is needed during rainy periods. The terrain can be steep and winding, so drivers should allow extra time and take care on bends.
A tunnel constructed below the pass significantly reduces travel time, making the classic mountain route less necessary for most drivers. Yet those who take the traditional road still experience the dramatic Andean landscape with its sharp bends and high elevation.
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