Pamplona → Puente la Reina
24.5 km | 6-9 hours | +646m / -757m
About This Stage
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
Explore the Stage
Elevation Profile
Things Along the Way
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.
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.
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.
Uterga is a small Camino village after Alto del Perdón, with albergues, food options, a fountain, stone houses, and the Church of La Asunción.
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.
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.
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.
Tips for This Stage
Accommodation between Pamplona and Puente la Reina
91 places to stay between Pamplona and Puente la Reina
Stay in Pamplona
Stage StartAccommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
No accommodation options available
Stay in Puente la Reina
Stage EndAccommodation at the end of this stage
No accommodation options available
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