Stage 424.5 km · up 510 mModerate

Pamplona to Puente la Reina

Distance
24.5 km
Walking time
5-7 hours
Ascent
510 m
Descent
600 m
High point
755 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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About this stage

Pamplona to Puente la Reina · 24.5 km · up 510 m, down 600 m

A dramatic stage that climbs over the Alto del Perdon, one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Camino Frances. The iconic silhouette sculptures of pilgrims at the summit, set against the Navarra skyline, are among the most photographed images on any Camino route.

The morning climb out of Pamplona is steady, passing through the university campus area before ascending through farmland to the wind-turbine-lined ridge. The descent from the Alto del Perdon is steep, rocky, and notorious for being hard on the knees. The route then passes through the villages of Uterga and Muruzabal before reaching Puente la Reina.

Puente la Reina takes its name from its stunning 11th-century Romanesque bridge over the Arga River, built specifically for pilgrims. This is also where the Camino Aragones merges with the Frances. The town has good services, charming medieval streets, and several accommodation options.

Terrain: Urban exit, steep mountain climb, exposed ridgeline, rocky descent, village streets

Along the route7 towns and 1 highlight on 24.5 km

The day, stop by stop

  1. 0km

    The capital of Navarra, famous worldwide for the San Fermin Running of the Bulls festival. A vibrant city with a magnificent Gothic cathedral, a star-shaped citadel, and some of the best pintxos bars in Spain.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Train
    Pilgrim Office
    Clinic
    Post Office

    Koala notes · Pamplona

    2 notes
    • Explore the city center

      Explore Pamplona's old town and try the pintxos (Basque tapas) along Calle San Nicolas and Calle Estafeta. The cathedral cloister is worth a visit.

    • Summer months book up fast

      Book ahead

      Pamplona has extensive accommodation options from municipal albergues to luxury hotels. If walking during the San Fermín festival (early July), book accommodation well in advance.

  2. 5.1km

    Cizur Menor is a useful Camino stop just after Pamplona, with albergues, food options, the Romanesque Church of San Miguel, and views toward Alto del Perdón.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Water
    Pharmacy
  3. 11.2km

    Zariquiegui is a small Camino village before Alto del Perdón, with an albergue, food options, the Church of San Andrés, and wide views toward the hills.

    View town guide
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
  4. Be careful, take your time

    The descent from Alto del Perdón is very steep and rocky. Take your time and use poles. The wind at the summit can be fierce.

  5. 13.5km

    Alto del Perdón

    Worth stopping for

    At 790 metres above sea level, the Alto del Perdón is marked by a striking row of metal silhouettes depicting pilgrims through the ages, created by sculptor Vicente Galbete, and offers panoramic views across the Navarrese plains toward Puente la Reina.

  6. 17.2km

    Uterga

    village

    Uterga is a small Camino village after Alto del Perdón, with albergues, food options, a fountain, stone houses, and the Church of La Asunción.

    View town guide
    Cafe
    Water
  7. 19.9km

    Muruzábal

    village

    Muruzábal is a small Camino village after Uterga, with albergues, food options, the Church of San Esteban, and a nearby detour to Santa María de Eunate.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
  8. 21.7km

    Obanos

    village

    Obanos is a historic Camino village before Puente la Reina, where the Camino Francés and Camino Aragonés meet, with food options and the Church of San Juan Bautista.

    View town guide
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    ATM
  9. Check out the architecture

    Puente la Reina's Romanesque bridge is one of the finest on the entire Camino.

  10. Good accommodation options

    Puente la Reina has excellent accommodation including a historic monastery-turned-albergue. Uterga and Obanos are good alternatives if you want a shorter day.

  11. 24.3km

    Puente la Reina is a major Camino town where routes converge, with a famous medieval bridge, strong pilgrim history, plenty of services, and a lively old centre.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
Where to stay

Places to stay along this stage

Koala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.

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