
Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Stage 4 · Camino Francés
Pamplona → Puente la Reina
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
The day, stop by stop
- 0km
Pamplona
cityThe 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.
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Koala notes · Pamplona
2 notesExplore 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 aheadPamplona has extensive accommodation options from municipal albergues to luxury hotels. If walking during the San Fermín festival (early July), book accommodation well in advance.
- 5.1km
Cizur Menor
villageCizur 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.
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- 11.2km
Zariquiegui
villageZariquiegui 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.
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- 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.
- 13.5km
Alto del Perdón
Worth stopping forAt 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.

- 17.2km
Uterga
villageUterga is a small Camino village after Alto del Perdón, with albergues, food options, a fountain, stone houses, and the Church of La Asunción.
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- 19.9km
Muruzábal
villageMuruzábal 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.
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- 21.7km
Obanos
villageObanos 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.
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- Check out the architecture
Puente la Reina's Romanesque bridge is one of the finest on the entire Camino.
- 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.
- 24.3km
Puente la Reina
villagePuente 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 guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBus
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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Planning the Camino Francés?
Add this stage to your day by day plan and see how it fits with the stages around it. Day 0 is the night you arrive in Pamplona. Choosing is never booking.
