Camino Francés: Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela
Because of its excellent transportation connections, Pamplona is a great place to begin your Camino de Santiago. Our packages include a day to tour the city and acclimate to one of the most picturesque and historic locations on the Camino Francés. Then it’s an amazing five weeks of walking on Europe’s favorite Camino. We know it’s best to plan rest days in your itinerary, so additional rest and exploration days are included in Burgos, León, Sarria, and Santiago de Compostela.
Daily Schedule – Pamplona to Santiago:
Day 1. Arrive in Pamplona. Arrive in the historical city of Pamplona. Find your lodging and relax. You’re here!
Day 2. Explore Pamplona. There’s so much to see in the center city – the cathedral, the City Hall where the running of the bulls begins, the famous bull-running statue. Tour the walls and fortifications, or simply relax and enjoy the charm of this ancient though young-feeling city. Overnight here.
Day 3. Walk 24.4km from Pamplona to Puente la Reina. Today’s apex at Alto del Perdón offers some of the most dramatic views on the entire Camino Francés. The effects of steep uphills and downhills are cushioned somewhat by towns with ample services at regular intervals along the way. An optional jaunt to the beautiful and mysterious Chapel of Eunate adds a worthwhile 3.2km to the day’s total. Return to Top
Day 4. Walk 21.6km from Puente la Reina to Estella. Wide open skies, wheat fields, vineyards and views over rolling hills make this a scenic and memorable stage. This is Camino walking at its loveliest, with moderate difficulty and ample rest stops. Return to Top
Day5. Walk 21.6km from Estella to Los Arcos. Under clear skies this stage is full of impressive scenery – mountains, valleys, grain fields and vineyards. Watch carefully for the option after the Irache wine fountain and turn right in the direction of Villamayor de Monjardin for the best views. The stretch between Villamayor and Los Arcos is one of the longest on the Camino without food or drink – unless you luck out with the presence of the food van 5km before Los Arcos. Still, it’s best to plan ahead and pack some lunch and plenty of water. Return to Top
Day 6. Walk 28.2km from Los Arcos to Logroño. The trail now crosses into the Spanish wine region of La Rioja, beginning fairly flat, but as it approaches Viana developing some steep ups and downs. The walk into Logroño may feel charmless and bleak. Even so, each successive town offers its rewards. Torres del Río for coffee, Viana for lunch, and Calle Laurel in Logroño for a delicious tapas dinner if you have budget and are in the mood to explore. Return to Top
Day 7. Walk 28.2km from Logroño to Nájera. The first part of the walk is very pleasant as it follows a pedestrian walkway to a quiet reservoir. Some road-walking before and after Navarrete takes away some of the charm, but the extravagant retablo of the parish church at Navarrete is an unforgettable spectacle. Venture into Nájera’s old quarter for an intriguing exploration into Spanish history. Return to Top
Day 8. Walk 22.1km from Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. A relaxing stage that gently undulates among shallow valleys and low ridges, filled at first with vineyards then with wheat fields. At stage end is Santo Domingo de la Calzada, one of the Camino’s iconic towns with a long history of pilgrim service. Return to Top
Day 9. Walk 22.5km from Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado. In spite of following alongside the N-120 highway, this stage has many advantages – beautiful views of rolling hills and frequent stops at tiny villages. The many villages are more convenient than memorable, until sweet Belorado, a charming if decrepit riverside town with many pilgrim services. Return to Top
Day 10. Walk 24.0km from Belorado to San Juan de Ortega. Today’s stage begins along the route of the N-120 highway surrounded by flat fields of grain until Villafranca Montes de Oca where it climbs through forests over the Montes de Oca to San Juan de Ortega. San Juan de Ortega sports an historic monastery dedicated to one of the Camino’s early saints. Return to Top
Day 11. Walk 26.8km from San Juan de Ortega to Burgos. A very pleasant walk continues to Atapuerca, home to a UNESCO archeological dig site. After the climb of 150m to Cruz de Atapuerca the day is a gradual downhill jaunt, with scenic and cosmopolitan Burgos at stage end. A poorly marked option at the Burgos airport allows pilgrims to choose between an industrial entry to the city via the official route, or a more relaxed entry along a riverfront park. Return to Top
Day 12. Rest Day in Burgos. Enjoy tours of the stunningly ornate Burgos Cathedral and the historic hilltop fortress above town. Extra credit for those curious enough to see one of the best archaeological museums anywhere at the Museum of Evolution (Option 1.b concludes the next morning). Return to Top
Day 13. Walk 20.9km from Burgos to Hornillos del Camino. Burgos quickly fades into the background and the vast scale of the Meseta now becomes clear. Towns are fewer and smaller, but their connection to the medieval Camino becomes more evident. Return to Top
Day 14. Walk 20.2km from Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz. Today’s topography includes one of the Meseta’s few memorable hills, and the walk is quite free of shade. Return to Top
Day 15. Walk 19.4km from Castrojeriz to Boadilla del Camino. The wide horizons of this stage plus the topography fill it with unforgettable images, particularly of views going up and down the steep Alto de Mostelares just after Castrojeriz. Other than a few very scattered and tiny towns, this region is empty of most everything except fields and wind farms. Return to Top
Day 16. Walk 25.3km from Boadilla del Camino to Carrión de los Condes. The day consists mostly of gravel trails alongside the quiet P-980 highway. Ample services at regular intervals allow plenty of options for food and drink, while the architectural gems in Villalcazar and Carrión de los Condes delight the devout, the historian and the artist. Return to Top
Day 17. Walk 26.4km from Carrión de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios. The vast wilderness of grainfields between Carrión de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza marks one of the longest stretches of Camino without formal services (although there is an informal bar partway). Return to Top
Day 18. Walk 24.5km from Terradillos de los Templarios to Bercianos del Real Camino. The track gradually rises and then descends across gently undulating farmland planted mostly with grain and sunflowers. On this stage, at Calzada del Coto, pilgrims are faced with the choice of a shaded, better-serviced and manicured walk under plane trees or the desolate-but-beautiful Roman road option, we choose the better-serviced route through Bercianos. The mid-sized town of Sahagún offers important services to help prepare for the spare, tiny villages ahead that infrequently dot the vast landscape. Return to Top
Day 19. Walk 26.8km from Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla de las Mulas. Walk along flat fields and through small, agricultural villages in former sheep raising territory, now spread over with large farms. Return to Top
Day 20. Walk 19.1km from Mansilla de las Mulas to León. An ambivalent stage as the tranquil farms and fields are left behind for the hectic but vibrant and engaging provincial capital of León. While Friday and Saturday nights bring youthful partygoers to its historic heart, delicious tapas can be found any evening in the Romantico and Humedo quarters of this energetic mid-sized city. Return to Top
Day 21. Rest Day León Enjoy León’s spectacular Gothic cathedral or enjoy its public market and many small shops in the central historic area (Option 1c concludes the next morning). Return to Top
Day 22. Walk 28.3km from León to Hospitál de Órbigo via bus to La Virgen. To avoid the soulless concrete suburbs of León we suggest taking the bus to La Virgen del Camino. Although the official track then follows the N-120 on a roadside path through Villadangos del Páramo, the Villar de Mazarife option is the more tranquil choice and then the path continues toward the storied bridge at quiet Hospitál de Órbigo. Return to Top
Day 23. Walk 17.4km from Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga. From Hospital de Órbigo, the Meseta’s vastness is replaced with rolling hills, scrublands, and only the occasional field of grain. The climb to Astorga is the official end of the Meseta, and the town serves as gateway to the Montes de León just beyond. Return to Top
Day 24. Walk 25.7km from Astorga to Foncebadón. The Meseta’s wide views now fade into memory and are replaced by vistas of mountains and forests. The long and gradual uphill can almost convince you that you are not climbing into the mountains. However, just before Rabanal the path heads more steeply upward, continuing up to Foncebadón and the summit just beyond. Return to Top
Day 25. Walk 19.4km from Foncebadón to Molinaseca. The walk includes some of the Camino’s most beautiful mountain vistas on paths that are often very pleasant, particularly with wildflowers in season. The highlight of the day may be Cruz de Ferro, with its tradition of contemplation and spiritual release. The unstable footing on the long downhill into Molinaseca makes the day’s middle half sometimes difficult, but Molinaseca is a delightful, medieval village and the day’s efforts are little remembered after a dinner in Molinaseca’s pedestrian lane. Return to Top
Day 26. Walk 31.1km from Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo. A suburban walk after Molinaseca, leads to the delightful center city of Ponferrada with its Knights Templar castle. From there, the mostly flat stage can be described in three parts – the pleasant riverfront promenade out of Ponferrada; the walk among homes, gardens, villages and vineyards until Cacabelos, and then the not-so-pleasant walk along the highway until just shy of Villafranca del Bierzo. Wine drinkers will want to order a glass of the internationally famous Bierzo vintages. Plan a relaxing evening exploring the churches, castles, shops, restaurants and bars of lovely Villafranca. Return to Top
Day 27. Walk 20.4km from Villafranca del Bierzo to Las Herrerías. This long uphill climb is gentle at first. Although the walk follows the old N-VI (Madrid–A Coruña highway) and shares the narrow valley with the A-6 freeway viaducts, the most common sound is the Valcarce River as it makes its way noisily downhill to the accompaniment of songbirds and, well, the occasional belch of a diesel truck groaning up the valley on the freeway above. Return to Top
Day 28. Walk 20.4km from Las Herrerías to Fonfría. After Las Herrerías the path becomes quite steep. A day of sweeping views during steady up- and downhill climbs, almost entirely on paths of dirt and gravel. The climax comes at touristy O Cebreiro, first town of Galicia and an introduction to the unique history of this northwest Spanish region. A hill still follows, with a steep climb to Alto do Poio followed by an overnight at Fonfría. Return to Top
Day 29. Walk 26.4km from Fonfría to Sarria. It’s off to Triacastela for second breakfast, then the pretty climb over a forested ridge before descending into the valley of the Sarria River on a mixture of quiet country roads, sunken paths and forest trails. Return to Top
Day 30. Walk 23.0km from Sarria to Portomarín. A mellow day among pastures, stone fences and cornfields, bookended by a tall staircase at the beginning and another at the end. The highlights are the medieval churches along the way. Return to Top
Day 31. Walk 25.3km from Portomarín to Palas de Rei. But for a few diversions onto forest paths, today’s walk takes a business-like trajectory on roadside pathways and through small dairy-centered villages.Return to Top
Day 32. Walk 29.6km from Palas de Rei to Arzúa. Although today’s route hugs the path of the N-547 highway, the Camino track touches it only near the settlements, allowing for pleasant walking on well maintained trails among pastures, cornfields and gardens. Highlight of the day is the old town of Melide, with its restaurants, bars and shops.Return to Top
Day 33. Walk 19.7km from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo. An easy day of minor climbs and descents through countryside and villages with the ever-present N-547 highway as companion and sometime daunting obstacle. Small dairy farms and tracts of eucalyptus trees cover the low, rolling hills which are dotted with ample rest stops, although there are few villages of interest. Fountains and cafes make for an easy walking day with little preparation necessary.Return to Top
Day 34. Walk 20.0km from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela. A surprisingly green and peaceful entry into urban Santiago – at least until the final 5km which wind along seemingly never-ending city streets. Two tall hills make the day a moderate workout. The view from Monte do Gozo and the final entry into Praza do Obradoiro can be a deeply emotional climax to a week, a month or season of walking toward this historic pilgrimage destination. Return to Top
Day 35. Rest Day in Santiago de Compostela Explore the Cathedral, obtain your compostela certificate or just hang out in Plaza Obradoiro and welcome other pilgrims as they arrive (Option to continue to Finisterre) Return to Top
Map – Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation options
The Camino famously features dormitory housing on bunk beds, where travelers are challenged to adjust to the rhythm of snoring and strange sounds in the night. Instead, all Pilgrim Paths package itineraries select private single or double rooms in pilgrim hostels or simple hotels so you get the best rest possible to prepare for the coming day’s walk.
Standard Level Accommodation
Standard Level Plus+ Accommodation Packages
Terms and Conditions
At registration, all Package Trek participants must affirm they have read and understood the Terms and Conditions listed below:
Nature of Pilgrimage and Accommodations: Pilgrim Paths organizes religious and cultural travel itineraries in the pilgrimage walking tradition. Accommodation prices are based on single and/or double occupancy and these itineraries will utilize a range of accommodation ranging from pilgrim hostels where no hotel is available to 3-star hotels in larger cities. Return to Top
Package Trek Participant Responsibilities: As a Package Trek participant you have responsibilities, including:
- Selecting a walk appropriate to your interests and abilities and being in sufficient good health and fitness to do the walk. If you have any medical or physical conditions that are likely to affect your capability to do this walk, you must submit a letter from your medical doctor stating that you are capable of participating in this walk.
- Preparing for your walk by reading all the information on the website and material sent to you by Pilgrim Paths, especially that relating to the daily walking stages, accommodation and transport, and
- Respecting the laws, health regulations, customs, traditions, and culture of the areas visited. Return to Top
Passports and Visas: Participants must carry with them a valid passport with at least six months of validity and the necessary visa as required by local law. Any information from Pilgrim Paths regarding visa applications is only a guideline. The participant is responsible for all necessary visa and legal documentations, noting that European Union (Schengen) visa requirements apply and may vary depending on your country of origin. Return to Top
Price: The Package Trek price per does not include ground transportation to and from the origin and destination. Luggage transfer service is included only when specified (usually in our Standard Level Plus+ package). Price includes lodging (per person at double-occupancy or single lodging); a guidebook, and credential. The price does not include airfare, meals, recommended travel insurance, personal expenses, or anything not expressly stated on the itinerary. When a guide is provided, a tip at the end of the walk is customary. Return to Top
Payment Information: A deposit of 33% is required to secure a reservation and €500 of the deposit is non-refundable but transferable to another Pilgrim Paths itinerary. The final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment can be made by e-commerce site (with additional fees), personal check or wire transfer (bank fees from the sending bank apply). Trip prices and costs are listed in Euros and translation to other currencies is to be based on Google Finance conversion rates, which fluctuate daily. Return to Top
Changes and Cancellations:
Once the itinerary pricing has been confirmed by the participant and the deposit and final payment have been received, we ask that no further changes to the itinerary be made. If changes are requested, Pilgrim Paths must confirm the feasibility of the changes and then will charge a fee of €50 per change for each accommodation or ground transportation change needed to complete the revised itinerary. Changes will be incorporated into a revised itinerary once the change fee has been billed and paid. Return to Top
If a participant cancels 90 days or more before departure, all payments will be refunded except €500 of your deposit which is transferable to another trip with Pilgrim Paths. If the cancellation is made fewer than 90 days before departure, the following non-refundable charges are added to the $100 withheld by Pilgrim Paths:
- 25% 31-90 days before departure
- 50% 15- 30 days
- 75% 8- 14 days
- 90% 4- 7 days
- 100% 3 days or less, no-show, interruption
These mandatory charges are included in order to cover the cost to Pilgrim Paths of subcontractors who have required advance payment in order to confirm bookings. Other terms and conditions may apply at registration. Return to Top
Release and Assumption of Risk: I understand and agree that during the tour in which I will participate, under the arrangements of Pilgrim Paths, certain risks and dangers may arise, including, but not limited to, acts of God, the hazards of the forces of nature (including but not limited to animal or insect bites), dangers and risks inherent in trekking activities (including but not limited to falls or injuries), and accident or illness in remote places without access to medical facilities, transportation, or means of rapid evacuation and assistance. Pilgrim Paths shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler in connection with any of the above, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel company’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. Return to Top
In consideration of, and as a part of the payment for, the right to participate in such treks, tours, expeditions, or other activities and as a part of the payment for, the services arranged for me by Pilgrim Paths and its agents, employees, associates, affiliated companies, or subcontractors, I do hereby expressly assume all of the above risks. Return to Top
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Recommended packing list
This comprehensive packing list is designed to help you be well-prepared for a great pilgrimage hike experience. Participants must be prepared for rain, blisters, bugs, sun and potential emergencies. We ask that you carefully prepare yourself by going through this list in detail well before departure, and then bringing along each item.
- Backpack — In pilgrimage, your pack becomes your home. You will come to carry it with love and care, or with anger and resentment. Along the way, as each step weighs heavy, you’ll consider at great length what is necessary to hold within. The following is a list of things to consider for your pack of choice:
- A 35-liter pack is fine for the average build
- Backpack rain cover: for the wetter days
- A hip strap fit just above the hips and a chest strap to help the burden on your shoulders. Return to Top
- Outdoor clothes and shoes/boots — The first rule for outdoor clothes is: no cotton. It’s cold when wet and dries slowly after washing. The second rule is layer your clothes for warmth — add and subtract clothes when cold or hot. The third rule is to be prepared for rain.
- Hiking shorts (at least 1 pair) — poly material, lightweight and quick-dry, with zip pocket for money. Stretchable, breathable material is best.
- Long pants (1 pair) — Again, lightweight poly material is best. Quick drying feature allows these to be used as rain pants.
- Short sleeve running/hiking shirts (2 shirts) — These are sometimes called “technical t-shirts” and should be in a lightweight wool or poly material. On warm days it’s great to have one of your shirts be very light and breathable in a light color.
- Long sleeve running/hiking shirt (1 shirt) — This is primarily a base layer for cold or wet days, but can also be good as a sun layer when it’s sunny but not too hot.
- Underwear (3 sets) — As always, poly material for quick drying. Very lightweight for coolness. Why three? One set is worn during the day, one set is to change into after hiking, one stays in your day pack in case you need a change while hiking.
- Socks (3 pair) — We recommend lightweight, wool trekking socks, but snug, wool biking socks are even better. The goal is a very tight fit to keep your foot from moving around inside your sock. One pair stays in your day pack in case you need to change them on a wet or sweaty day.
- Trail runners or hiking shoes (1 pair) — Whether you choose a hiking boot or shoe is personal preference, but we strongly recommend choosing the thickest, most cushioned sole available with a very “toothy” tread for steep, gravelly inclines. Trail runners make a great choice since they’re cool. We prefer the Olympus 5 shoes, which offer a wide toe box, grippy sole, and lots of cushion for long days.
- Rain jacket — This important item should be a breathable material e.g. GoreTex, with sealed seams. As well as protecting from rain, this jacket is your wind-proof layer, so it should always be in our pack in order to provide a quick warm-up in a chill wind.
- Warm layer fleece jacket or down sweater — This doubles as a mid-layer and as a sweater for cool evenings.
- Sun/rain hat – You’ll want a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, ears and neck from sun exposure. It’s also useful on cold and/or rainy days for warmth and rain protection.
- Sunglasses
- CamelBak or other water storage – Good hydration is vital, so plan ahead for plenty of capacity. While there are some fountains along the way we should plan to carry about 1.5-2 liters with us.
- Sunblock lotion – The all-day varieties are simplest to use.
- Insect repellant — Drop this into your day pack for the occasional use. In general, mosquitoes are not a big problem on our summer trips, but it’s wise to be prepared. Return to Top
- Smartphone – We advise bringing a smartphone, even if you don’t plan to use it—mainly in case of emergency. If you choose to use one for navigation, we advise using an app like MapMe, Gaia, or PocketEarth.
- Small plastic bag for smartphone in case of rain
- Smartphone charger, power cord, and Euro plug adapter (if you’re from off the continent) Return to Top
- Blister kit – blisters need prompt attention since nothing can end a walk faster than painful feet. Your blister kit should include:
- Band-Aids or other self-adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Paper surgical tape or duct tape
- A few small packages of gauze
- Vaseline or Glide lubricant (We use HikeGoo)
- Alcohol/iodine bottle or antiseptic pads
- Small pair of scissors (put these in your clear ‘liquids bag’ for check-in at the airport)
- Compeed or similar medicated pads for pre-blister hot spots Return to Top
- Optional: Hiking poles — These are a must if you have knee or hip problems and can be very helpful if you don’t. If you are flying with only carry-on baggage plan to bring a shipping tube for your telescoping poles so you can check them since not all security checks at airports allow them in the cabin.
- Optional: Camera, camera pouch, charger and plug adapter – You may already have this covered if you’re bringing a smartphone with an internal camera. If you’re particular about your photos, a small camera can meet your needs.
- Toilet paper roll and plastic bag – just in case nature calls while you’re on the trail
- Camp shoe (1 pair) — These comfortable shoes are for evenings and walking about town. Some use Crocs or Teva sandals for this. Another great choice is for your camp shoe to be a hiking sandal so you can alternate these with your hiking boots/shoes.
- Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, medicines. You may want to buy liquid consumables when you arrive in Europe rather than trying to pass liquid containers through security check at the airport.
- Clothes pins and travel clothesline – While occasionally you will be near laundromats or sometimes you will be able to ask your hotel to clean your clothes, most often it’s best to do laundry in hotel sinks. For that reason it’s great to have a 3-4 meter hiker’s clothesline and 6-8 clothespins for hanging up wet laundry.
- Dinner attire – Nothing fancy, but after each day’s hike you’ll want to have something comfortable to wear about town and at dinner. It’s nice not to have to wear sports gear, so a shirt/pants outfit or a simple dress works great.
- Swimsuit — There are a couple of options to swim, so bring your suit if you want to take a dip. Return to Top
- Documents and cards – including
- Passport and passport photocopy — Make a copy and put it somewhere safe and dry so you have an extra just in case.
- Airline/flight info — Bring copies of your reservation information so you easily can find confirmation numbers, flight times, etc.
- Waterproof document bag — Your passport should be with you at all times, along with your credential while you’re hiking in a waterproof document bag stored in a safe place.
- Pen and paper – Always have a pen with you on the airplane so you can fill out Customs forms before landing.
- Debit card(s) and credit card(s) and copies — Breakfast is included as part of your package, but lunches and dinner are “on our own.” Many cafes, food stores and restaurants in rural Europe are “cash only,” so you’ll want to bring your debit card for use at ATMs. No need to buy Euros before your arrival; it’s easiest to get them from an ATM upon arrival in Europe. Make certain you’ve contacted your banks so they know you’re traveling and won’t cancel your card as a caution against fraud. Having a second ATM/Debit card is a good failsafe in case one is lost or not functioning. Credit card — Carry one for emergencies, and again, contact your bank in advance. Copies of your cards — Bring a photocopy of the fronts and backs of any cards so you have the customer service phone numbers available in case of loss or theft.
- Guidebook – We provide a printed guidebook; you may want to purchase an e-copy for yourself to reduce the weight in your pack. Return to Top