Camino de Santiago from Leon to Ponferrada
Camino de Santiago from Leon to Ponferrada
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The beauty of the landscapes on the sixth section of the Camino Frances will take your breath away. On your journey from the historic city of Leon to Ponferrada, built in the 12th century by the Templars, you will have the privilege of discovering places with a special natural charm such as the Bierzo region,which is located around several valleys in the River Sil basin.
- Fall in love with the traditional villages you'll find along the way.
- Ascend the mountains in Leon, an area outlined by the course of the Torio, Bernesga and Curueno rivers.
- Be sure to try the famous chocolates and sweets in the city of Astorga.
- Have the privilege of visiting the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most emblematic points on the Camino Frances to Santiago.
- Learn about the history, culture and traditions that these fascinating lands house.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Leon
You can enjoy the first day of this walking holiday continuing to the city of Leon, famous among pilgrims for being a place of passage on the Camino de Santiago route.
Walk through its beautiful streets and discover incredible medieval buildings.
Stop to visit its Cathedral, known by the nickname Pulchra Leonina, a Catholic temple of the Gothic style with French influence dating back to the 13th century.
A must-see is Casa Botines or the house of Fernandez y Andres, an important work from Antoni Gaudi's neo-Gothic period, declared in 1969 as a Historical Monument.
Walk through its beautiful streets and discover incredible medieval buildings.
Stop to visit its Cathedral, known by the nickname Pulchra Leonina, a Catholic temple of the Gothic style with French influence dating back to the 13th century.
A must-see is Casa Botines or the house of Fernandez y Andres, an important work from Antoni Gaudi's neo-Gothic period, declared in 1969 as a Historical Monument.
Overnight in Leon
Hotel Alda Vía León
This centrally located hotel offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi throughout its facilities.
You can enjoy a buffet breakfast at its restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Leon to Mazarife 10,5 miles | 21,1 km
Start today's tour on a historic path that will take you over the Castilian plains, and where you can observe the extensive cultivated fields.
You will follow your route until you make a stop in San Miguel del Camino, a town that is part of the municipality of Valverde de la Virgen. There you can get to know the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
Then you will continue to Villar de Mazarife, a small town whose name has its origins in Mazaref, head of a renowned family of Cordoba Mozarabics.
Ascent: 158m (518ft) / Descent: 123m (404ft)
You will follow your route until you make a stop in San Miguel del Camino, a town that is part of the municipality of Valverde de la Virgen. There you can get to know the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
Then you will continue to Villar de Mazarife, a small town whose name has its origins in Mazaref, head of a renowned family of Cordoba Mozarabics.
Ascent: 158m (518ft) / Descent: 123m (404ft)
Overnight in Villar de Mazarife
Albergue San Antonio de Padua
Enjoy a quiet and comfortable atmosphere in Villar de Mazarife. The accommodation has public areas, including a terrace and a beautiful garden where you can relax after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Mazarife to Astorga 18,6 miles | 30 km
Today you will have the possibility to decide whether you complete the entire walk to Astorga or if you prefer to spend the night in Hospital de Orbigo.
As you leave Villar de Mazarife behind, you will enter the immense agricultural fields, where you will have to ascend and descend several times.
The first stop will be in the beautiful village Hospital de Orbigo. There you can get to know the charming Passo Honroso bridge, one of the longest on the Camino de Santiago, and believed to have been built by the Romans to communicate Astorga with Tarragona, and also preserves a love story that is worth knowing.
Later you will follow your path and you will have a beautiful landscape in the background: the mountains of Leon, an area outlined by the course of the Torio, Bernesga and Curueno rivers.
At the end of the day, you will arrive in Astorga, a place full of history and very interesting places to discover.
You can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the seat of the diocese, which, together with the Roman walland the Episcopal Palace, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, form the monumental golden triangle in the city.
Before you go and rest, be sure to try some of its exquisite and famous sweets and chocolates.
Ascent: 158m (518ft) / Descent: 159m (522ft)
As you leave Villar de Mazarife behind, you will enter the immense agricultural fields, where you will have to ascend and descend several times.
The first stop will be in the beautiful village Hospital de Orbigo. There you can get to know the charming Passo Honroso bridge, one of the longest on the Camino de Santiago, and believed to have been built by the Romans to communicate Astorga with Tarragona, and also preserves a love story that is worth knowing.
Later you will follow your path and you will have a beautiful landscape in the background: the mountains of Leon, an area outlined by the course of the Torio, Bernesga and Curueno rivers.
At the end of the day, you will arrive in Astorga, a place full of history and very interesting places to discover.
You can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the seat of the diocese, which, together with the Roman walland the Episcopal Palace, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, form the monumental golden triangle in the city.
Before you go and rest, be sure to try some of its exquisite and famous sweets and chocolates.
Ascent: 158m (518ft) / Descent: 159m (522ft)
Overnight in Astorga
Hotel Restaurante La Peseta
This hotel located in Astorga offers a restaurant with exquisite and traditional food. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Astorga to Rabanal del Camino 11,8 miles | 19 km
The traditional villages of the region, the mountains and the vegetation will be today's main attractions.
You will start walking through the charming towns in Castile and then enter the mountains of Leon and the Bierzo region, which is located around several valleys in the River Sil basin and is considered one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, for its incredible natural and historical richness.
Later you will arrive at your destination for today: Rabanal del Camino, the town that marks the official end of the stage that begins in Astorga.
Ascent: 310m (1,017ft) / Descent: 31m (102ft)
You will start walking through the charming towns in Castile and then enter the mountains of Leon and the Bierzo region, which is located around several valleys in the River Sil basin and is considered one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, for its incredible natural and historical richness.
Later you will arrive at your destination for today: Rabanal del Camino, the town that marks the official end of the stage that begins in Astorga.
Ascent: 310m (1,017ft) / Descent: 31m (102ft)
Overnight in Rabanal del Camino
Hotel Rural Casa Indie
This cozy accommodation offers spacious and comfortable rooms for your stay. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on your journey.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada 19,8 miles | 32 km
If you want a more relaxed walk today, you can choose between completing the entire route to Ponferrada, or stopping in Acebo.
The day will continue amid mountainous sections and you will have the privilege of ascending to the highest point on the Camino Frances, at 1,500 metres above sea level, and visiting the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most emblematic points on this walking holiday where, according to tradition, each pilgrim must leave a stone to receive divine protection on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Later you will continue to Ponferrada, capital of the El Bierzo region, which has countless historical places to get to know.
Ascent: 508m (1,666ft) / Descent: 1136m (3,727ft)
The day will continue amid mountainous sections and you will have the privilege of ascending to the highest point on the Camino Frances, at 1,500 metres above sea level, and visiting the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most emblematic points on this walking holiday where, according to tradition, each pilgrim must leave a stone to receive divine protection on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Later you will continue to Ponferrada, capital of the El Bierzo region, which has countless historical places to get to know.
Ascent: 508m (1,666ft) / Descent: 1136m (3,727ft)
Overnight in Ponferrada
Hotel El Castillo
This charming hotel is located close to the Templar Castle in Ponferrada and of the old town. The rooms are spacious and have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Ponferrada
Before embarking on your way home, you can enjoy the city of Ponferrada and get to know the Templar Castle, a military construction, that in the Middle Ages, was one of the largest fortresses in northwestern Spain, and the Clock Tower, located at one of the gates by the medieval wall of the city.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
- Travel insurance
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- Dinners
- Picnics
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
We recommend flying to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport (MAD).
From Madrid, you can take a train from "Madrid Chamartín" station to Leon. The train company that operates this line is "Renfe".On their website you can see details of timetables and buy tickets.
At the end of your trip in Ponferrada, you can take a direct train to Madrid. The train company operating this line is "Renfe".
From Madrid, you can take a train from "Madrid Chamartín" station to Leon. The train company that operates this line is "Renfe".On their website you can see details of timetables and buy tickets.
At the end of your trip in Ponferrada, you can take a direct train to Madrid. The train company operating this line is "Renfe".
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
You can visit the Camino de Santiago at any time of the year. To choose the time that best suits your needs and tastes, you only have to take into account the season and the weather conditions.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
Do I need to take out travel insurance?
Yes, this is a requirement to book with us. It's important that this insurance covers your activities, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
Will I be free to choose my walks on this route?
Since it is a self-guided walking holiday, we will give you the instructions for the walking routes and provide you with detailed maps so you can enjoy them at your own pace, safely and with the certainty of always being accompanied by Orbis Ways.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The full route itinerary will be sent to you one month before the trip, along with accommodation reservations and baggage transfers.
There you can find maps, places of interest and route profiles.
What should I know about the accommodation?
All rooms in all accommodations on this tour are private, have an ensuite bathroom and all the comforts necessary to spend an excellent night after a day of walking.
What should my physical preparation be?
Before setting off for the Camino de Santiago, it is recommended that both people who live a sedentary life, and those who exercise, physically prepare for a couple of months previously, taking daily walks or at least three times a week, and increasing the amount of time and kilometres that they travel.
Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:
- St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (with overnight in Valcarlos).
- Roncesvalles to Zubiri (with overnight in Bizkarreta).
- Los Arcos to Logroño (with overnight in Viana).
- Mazarife to Astorga (with overnight in Hospital de Órbigo).
- Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada (with overnight in El Acebo de San Miguel).
- Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro (with overnight in Las Herrerías).
- Sarria to Portomarín (with overnight in Ferreiros).
- Portomarín to Palas de Rei (with overnight in Ventas de Narón).
- Palas de Rei to Arzúa (with overnight in Melide).
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