23.5 km | 5-8 hours | +597m / -364m
A stage that climbs through the Montes de Oca, a forested mountain range that provides a scenic contrast to the open agricultural plains on either side. The route passes through ancient oak and beech forests that were historically feared by pilgrims as a haunt of bandits and wolves!
The walking involves a steady climb through Villafranca Montes de Oca (the last services before the forest) into dense woodland. The forest section is shaded, atmospheric, and relatively isolated. A monument at the summit marks the site of a former pilgrim hospital. The descent leads to the tiny hamlet of San Juan de Ortega.
San Juan de Ortega is little more than a Romanesque monastery and a small albergue, but its church contains a remarkable architectural feature: twice a year at the equinox, a shaft of sunlight illuminates a carved capital depicting the Annunciation. The garlic soup traditionally served to pilgrims here is legendary.
Terrain: Forest trails through Oca mountains, rocky paths, some paved village roads
A small town in the province of Burgos with albergues, basic services, and cave dwellings visible in the sandstone cliffs above. Marks the transition from La Rioja into Castilla y Leon.
Tosantos is a small Camino village after Belorado, with pilgrim accommodation, food options, and the cave hermitage of Virgen de la Peña.
Villambistia is a tiny Camino village between Tosantos and Espinosa del Camino, with quiet streets, and limited services.
Espinosa del Camino is a small Camino village before Villafranca Montes de Oca, with limited services, traditional houses, and the Church of La Asunción.
Villafranca Montes de Oca is a key Camino stop before the Montes de Oca climb, with albergues, hotels, food options, and strong early Christian history.
A tiny hamlet centred around a historic monastery founded by a 12th-century saint who dedicated his life to protecting pilgrims. The monastery albergue serves a famous garlic soup.
1 places to stay between Belorado and San Juan de Ortega
Accommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
No accommodation options available
Accommodation at the end of this stage
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