Camino Frances: Stage 3 Burgos to Leon
Trek from Burgos to León on a third stretch (out of five) of the Camino Frances
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Camino Frances: Stage 3 Burgos to Leon Overview
This self-guided walking tour of the Camino Frances is the third stage of a five-stage tour that allows walkers to complete the Camino with one or two stages per year. Enjoy completing the complete route from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostella over several years.
This Camino Francés goes from the charming town of Burgos to one of the highlights Northern Spain – León, a bridge between two of the main cities of the Jacobean route. The cathedrals of Burgos and León are both landmarks of Spanish religious architecture.
In general, the French way from Burgos to León is a fairly convenient route with limited ascents. You’ll only find a couple of climbs, although the weather can be a challenge, especially in summer on the Castilian plateau. You can expect low temperatures in winter and especially hot temperatures in summer.
Highlights of this this third stage of the Camino Frances walking tour are a visit the monument to the innkeeper in Villalcázar de Sirga, who was a very important figure in the restoration of the Camino. You will also get to sample delicious gastronomy, and walk part of the old Via Aquitania, the Roman road that connected Astorga with Bordeaux.
Once in León, you must visit the cathedral known as “Pulchra Leonina”, a magnificent Gothic building. You also shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Gaud’s Casa Botines and the San Marcos Hospital, which was a pilgrims’ home. The highlight for many pilgrims is a stroll through the historic center of León, combined with a stop in the Barrio del Húmedo. After eleven days of walking, you’ll deserve to celebrate the end of the Camino with a fine meal of the region’s wonderful gastronomy.
¡BUEN CAMINO!
This tour is part 3 of the 5-section complete Camino Frances:
Trip highlights
Traverse the Camino Francés from Burgos to León, offering breathtaking vistas of the Castilian plateau.
Immerse yourself in the heritage of medieval towns like Castrojeriz and Frómista, boasting a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, including churches, museums, and monuments.
Discover Frómista, hailed as one of the hubs of Romanesque tradition, where you can marvel at the architectural wonders of the region.
Pay homage to Jacobean heritage with visits to sites like the Santa María del Manzano Collegiate Church and San Zoilo Monastery, delving into the spiritual and cultural essence of the Camino.
Day By Day Itinerary
Make your way to Burgos, one of the main capitals of the Jacobean tradition, a city that was the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Castilla y León. Arrive early so you have time to visit to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Burgos
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Today’s walk takes you through the Castilian plateau, where temperatures can get very high in summer, with limited shade. If you are walking this in summer, start early, and then you’ll get the opportunity to take a wonderful siesta in the heat of the day in one of the quaint medieval towns scattered along your route. Before you know it you’ll be in Hornillos del Camino.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Hornillos del Camino
- Distance:
- 21km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Another walk where you’ll need to prepare for the heat and lack of stage, and maybe plan for another siesta in the hottest part of the day. Once in Castrojeriz you can visit the Santa María del Manzano Collegiate Church and its interesting museum of sacred art.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Castrojeriz
- Distance:
- 19.9km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
As you leave Castrojeriz, you’ll find the Mostelares, which after the ascent offers a wonderful view of the entire plateau. The end of the stage will be in one of the capitals of the Jacobean tradition and the capital of the Romanesque Palencia, the city of Frómista.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Frómista
- Distance:
- 24.7km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today is a very flat stage, where you will walk through the town of Villalcázar de Sirga, where you must visit the monument of Mesonero, which has regained the tradition of the Way of St. James and Jacobean gastronomy, as well as the church of Santa María La Blanca. In Carrión de los Condes, a visit to the San Zoilo monastery is essential.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Carrión de los Condes
- Distance:
- 19km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s walk has the fewest stops of the entire Camino Frances, so bring snacks and a bit of extra water. You’ll be walking on the historical Via Aquitaine, a Roman road that connected this region to Bordeaux in France.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Calzadilla de la Cueza
- Distance:
- 17km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
There are a few climbs today as you walk through hills and small valleys, eventually crossing the Valderaduey River. You’ll reach the city of Sahagun in Mudéjar, one of the most unique on the Camino de Santiago, where the churches of San Tirso and San Lorenzo stand out.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Sahagún
- Distance:
- 22km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Leave Sahagún and cross the river Cea towards Bercianos del Camino to finally arrive in El Burgo Ranero. It is a comfortable journey between grain fields.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in El Burgo Ranero
- Distance:
- 17.7km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today is a flat walk on comfortable dirt roads and through a forest area that offers a pleasant shade, especially in the summer months. You will hardly find anybody but pilgrims on the walk today. In Mansilla de las Mulas you can relax on the banks of the Esla river.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in Mansilla de las Mulas
- Distance:
- 19km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today you’ll walk into one of the capitals of the Way of St. James, León. The route goes along roads with more traffic than other days. The Portillo hill with its wonderful view will anticipate your arrival in the city. Once in León, a visit to the cathedral, Gaudí's Casa Botines, and the Hospital de San Marcos are a must. A walk through the old town and a stop in the Barrio l Humedo are also highly recommended, in order to fortify yourself with delicious tapas after the hike.
- Overnight Location:
- Bed and Breakfast in León
- Distance:
- 18.5km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
¡Buen Camino! See you next time.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 10 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 10 nights are included.
- Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg per backpack - 1 piece of luggage per person). Airport transfers are not included, but private transfers can be arranged as an optional extra.
- 24-hour emergency line
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Personal transfers not specifically listed as included
Optional Extras
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfers
- Extra piece of luggage
- Extra nights
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate the difficulty this tour as a 2 / 5. The overall difficulty level ranges from easy to medium, offering a balanced hiking experience suitable for various fitness levels. However, on some days the distance is significant, up to 25 km daily.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
10 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
There are a few options to reach Burgos via flight:
- Fly to Burgos Airport (Villafria Airport): If you're able to find a direct flight to Burgos Airport (Villafria Airport), this would be the most convenient option. However, please note that Burgos Airport has limited international connections, so you may need to fly via a major hub in Spain.
- Fly to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): Madrid's international airport is well-connected to major cities worldwide. From Madrid, you can take a connecting flight to Burgos Airport (Villafria Airport) if available, or you can choose alternative transportation options such as train, bus, or rental car to reach Burgos.
- Fly to Bilbao Airport (BIO) or Santander Airport (SDR): These airports offer more international connections compared to Burgos Airport. From Bilbao or Santander, you can take a bus, train, or rental car to reach Burgos.
The tour ends in León.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Camino Frances: Stage 3 Burgos to Leon with 10 Adventures?
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Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
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Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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