Camino Invierno de Santiago

Spain
Pilgrimage
Self-Guided
Winter Way Camino de Invierno

Camino Invierno de Santiago

Prices

From $995USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Experience the road less travelled on this 13-day alternative route to Santiago

Savor delicious cuisine as you stop in sleepy villages to sample traditional tapas, Galician stews and world-famous local wine.

Uncover the beauty of the Spanish countryside as you pause to admire the gorgeous mountains, vineyards, rivers, canyons and gold mines.

Unearth the history of the Winter Way as you follow roman roads, cross Romanesque bridges and explore beautiful ancient chapels.

Collect your pilgrims certificate in Santiago, where you can attend the time-honored pilgrims mass and visit ancient relics.

Do you want to walk the Camino de Santiago without the crowds? Are you looking for something to do during the winter months? Then check out the Winter Way (Camino de Invierno).

The Winter Way (Camino de Invierno) is the route to Santiago that pilgrims traditionally chose in colder months, to avoid the snowy paths of O Ceberiro. You will follow in their footsteps, travelling through vineyards, canyons and historic goldmines on this wonderful Spanish walking holiday. The Camino de Invierno can be taken all year round, offering a spectacular alternative to the conventional walking route.

Starting at Ponferrada, you will explore over 250 km of the Winter Way, discovering gorgeous natural landscapes and vibrant Spanish cities alike. You will meet fellow pilgrims, savor authentic Spanish cuisine and soak up wonderful historic architecture. Your luggage will be transferred between each of your comfortable hotels, so you can focus on enjoying this self-guided walking adventure.

Camino Invierno de Santiago Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Check in day

Having arranged your own transport to Ponferrada, you will check in to your hotel ahead of your walking adventure. Straddling the river Sil and surrounded by mountains, Ponferrada is a beautiful town that overflows with history. After exploring the local area, you should get a good night’s rest to help you on the trail tomorrow.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Ponferrada
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Setting off on the Camino Invierno

After a filling breakfast at your hotel, you will set off for the ancient Roman gold mines of Las Médulas (a UNESCO world heritage site). You will pass through spectacular landscapes, with views over the Bierzo valley and glimpses of an ancient castle. After crossing the Isorga stream, you will soon find yourself in the historic site of Las Médulas where you will enjoy a hearty dinner and spend the night.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Las Médulas
Distance
27 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 An ancient road to O Barco de Valdeorras

Today you will follow an ancient Roman route on the Camino Invierno to O Barco de Valdeorras, famous for its world class wine. Passing into the region of Galicia, you follow the course of the river Sil before you cross a gorgeous Romanesque bridge to reach your destination. In O Barco de Valdeorras you can check out the 14th century fortress of O Castro or take a boat ride across the river.

Overnight Location
Hotel in O Barco de Valdeorras
Distance
27 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 A gentle day to Rua de Valdeorras

The walk to Rua de Valdeorras is considerably shorter than your previous days on the trail. Take your time to savor its landscape and visit some of the beautiful little chapels that are scattered along the way. Passing through lovely vineyards, you have plenty of time to stop and enjoy a local glass of wine before you have your dinner at Rua de Valdeorras, your destination for the evening.

Overnight Location
Hotel in A Rua de Valdeorras
Distance
14 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Through the gold country to Quiroga

You will continue to chase the river Sil and admire its spacious canyons. Traveling through the heart of gold country, you will enjoy the lovely mountain views and a gorgeous baroque church just waiting to be explored. After passing a local olive mill you will descend to Quiroga for a good meal and rest.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Quiroga
Distance
26 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 A historic trail to Monforte de Lemos

Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast as you set off for your longest day of walking yet. Passing a thousand-year-old chapel and crossing an ancient Roman bridge, your route today is pulsing with history. You will cross over gurgling streams and enjoy the shade of leafy forests, before taking a well-earned rest at your hotel in Monforte de Lemos.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Monforte de Lemos
Distance
36 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 A rural path to Chantada

Deep in the heart of wine country, you will pass through lovely sleepy villages with their traditional local architecture. You will feel the shade of mighty oaks and the peaceful breeze on your skin as you savor the views of the river Miño and the far stretching vineyards of Galicia. You will spend the night in Chantada, famous for its medieval heritage and hearty stews.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Chantada
Distance
30 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 A steep ascent to Rodeiro

After a peaceful night’s sleep at your hotel, you will have a challenging climb on the Camino Invierno to Mount Faro. Having reached the summit, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of all the major Galician mountains. After catching your breath and admiring the landscape, you will descend the other side of the mountain to reach Rodeiro.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Rodeiro
Distance
26 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 9 Converging routes on the trail to Lalín

The Winter Way will converge with another route to Santiago today, known as Via de la Plata. You can therefore expect to come across more pilgrims and enjoy sharing stories of the trail so far. You have reached the center of the Galician community and shouldn’t leave the region without sampling some of its comforting stew!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Lalín
Distance
22 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 10 A short walk to Silleda

After a good 8 days on the Camino Invierno, you will be relieved to enjoy a shorter day of walking. Taking narrow paths through peaceful woodland, you will have plenty of time to admire the landscape and enjoy the sound of birds and rivers. You will arrive in Silleda in no time at all, indulging in a delicious meal and unwinding at your lovely hotel.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Silleda
Distance
15 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 11 A quiet path to Ponte Ulla

The Camino de Santiago will continue through small villages and quiet paths. Today will be mostly easy walking on good terrain but should be prepared for a very sharp descent at the end of the day. Ponte Ulla sits in the bottom of a steep valley and is famous for its dramatic, eye-catching bridges.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Ponte Ulla
Distance
20 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 12 Arriving at Santiago

Starting with an ascent to the Pico Sacro, you will finally reach the cathedral of Santiago. After an epic journey on the Camino de Invierno you can go the Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral, collect your certificate from the pilgrim’s office and visit the tombs and relics. Santiago is a major city, so you won’t be short for something to do this evening.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Distance
25 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 13 Check out

All good things must come to an end! Today, you will check out of your hotel in Santiago and set forth on your onward journey. If you would like some time to relax and unwind in the city, you can pre-book some extra days in the hotel.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Camino Invierno de Santiago Tour Price and Dates

This self-guided walking tour to Santiago de Compostela is always run as a private tour for your group only. The price always depends on the number of people sharing a room.

Prices below are per person:

  • Price per person staying in double room: from $995USD*

* Pricing for this tour depends on your travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

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Accommodation on Camino Invierno de Santiago Tour

You will stay in a different hotel every night as you make your way along the Winter Way. Hotels on this trip are a mixture of 2 and 3 star rated, offering all the facilities that you need for an enjoyable and comfortable stay.

Prices are based on double occupancy, but a private room can be arranged for a supplement.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza in Ponferrada

This friendly hotel has a highly rated onsite restaurant. It is walking distance from several of Ponferrada’s popular tapas spots.

Hotel Medulio in Las Médulas

Hotel Medulio is small, welcoming hotel with onsite restaurant. It’s in a great location for pilgrims, right by the world-famous gold site of Las Médulas.

Hotel Pensión do Lar in O Barco de Valdeorras

This hotel offers a cozy onsite bar and restaurant and simple, comfortable rooms.

Hotel Pacio do Sil in A Rua de Valdeorras

Hotel Pacio has a lovely outside terrace where you can enjoy the garden, complete with fig trees. Traditional stone walls and dark wooden ceilings create a homely vibe.

Hotel Ferrería Quintá in Quiroga

This hotel is nestled in beautiful countryside. The friendly owner gives a warm welcome and offers delicious, fresh food.

Hotel Ribeira Sacra in Monforte de Lemos

Hotel Ribeira is well positioned in the centre of town. Rooms are simple but stylish and provide good wifi and flat screen televisions.

Hotel Mogay in Chantada

This family run hotel comes very highly rated. It is right next the historical quarter of Chantada and offers tasteful décor and excellent food.

Night 8

Hotel Casa Rural Chantada in Rodeiro

This lovely accommodation has amazing views of the Mino valley and gorgeous traditional features. Flag stone bathrooms, stained glass and a lovely terrace all await you.

Hotel Pontinas in Lalín

This small hotel is in walking distance of bars, cafes and shops. It offers air-conditioning and wifi.

Hotel Casa Goris in Silleda

This gorgeous country house offers a friendly welcome, with fireplaces in the dining room and a charming traditional wine press.

Hotel Casa da Botica in Ponte Ulla

Hotel Casa da Botica is a real gem. This refurbished traditional house has gorgeous views, delicious meals and even an onsite swimming pool.

Hospedería San Martín Pinario in Santiago

Perfectly located near Praza do Obradoiro and other notable attractions, as well as a host of restaurants, enjoy your stay in this historic building.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s included in the Camino Invierno de Santiago Tour?

Meals

12 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

The accommodation for 12 nights along the tour is included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes luggage transfers only.

Also Included

  • 24/7 phone assistance
  • Pilgrim passport
  • Maps and walking notes

Not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Anything not stated as ‘Included’
  • Guide services
  • Personal expenses
  • Transport

Optional Extras

  • Extra night at any point of the tour
  • Private accommodation
  • Upgrading the accommodation

Frequenty Asked Questions about Camino Invierno de Santiago

How hard is the Camino de Santiago Winter Way Tour?

We rate this tour as a 4 / 5, and if you choose to do it in winter, we rate this as a 5 / 5, as you will have shorter days and likely have inclement weather. There are quite a few days that are over 25km, and one challenging day that is 36 km. You should have experience doing long distances.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Spain?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Camino de Santiago Winter Way Tour?

12 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Ponferrada to start this tour?

You can get to Ponferrada by train, car or bus from most of major cities in Spain.

Where does the Camino de Santiago Winter Way Tour end?

The tour ends in Santiago de Compostela

Will I get lost without a guide?

The route is well maintained and clearly marked, and you will also be provided with detailed maps. However, you will also be given a support number that you can call at any time should you need any help or advice.

What will I do for lunch?

You will organize your own lunch, giving you the opportunity to eat at your leisure and enjoy authentic, local cuisine. There are many lovely cafes and restaurants on the route which are used to catering for pilgrims.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?

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.

When is the best time to travel to Spain for this tour?

The Camino Invierno can be done year-round, though is best done in Spring and Autumn. This route was typically done by pilgrims as a winter route to Santiago de Compostela, though if you do it in winter, expect you may have snow or rain.

Reviews

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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $995USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 4 / 5, and if you choose to do it in winter, we rate this as a 5 / 5, as you will have shorter days and likely have inclement weather. There are quite a few days that are over 25km, and one challenging day that is 36 km. You should have experience doing long distances.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Local guide

Margot

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

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