Camino Frances Stage 3:Burguete to Zubiri
Trail Notes
Camino Francés Elevation Burguete to Zubiri.
Caution: The last few kilometers into Zubiri are on slippery rock. Trekking poles are recommended.
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Distance: 18–20 km (11–12 miles)
Difficulty: moderate to hard.
Elevation gain/loss: gain 300–450 m (1,312 feet) / loss of 700–870 m (2,460 feet)
Time: 5-6.5 hours
Alternative transportation: available bus and taxi to the next stage
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Limited stops—Espinal( get snacks & water), cafe in Bizkarreta may not be open.
Carry enough water (at least 1.5–2L)
Cafés/bars: Espinal, Bizkarreta (if open)
Water availability: Espinal, Bizkarreta
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Albergues: Suseia – 12–17 € / 50 €
Private pensions: Pension Amets – 50–60 €
Hotel Rural Hostería Zubiri – 76–96 €
Personal recommendation: Albergue Suseia – WONDERFUL! A little off the Camino, but well worth it!
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Make sure you have enough water and snacks for the walk from Espinal to Zubiri. Sometimes the cafes in Bizkarreta are closed.At the end of the route, there is a very steep, rocky descent from Alto de Erro to Zubiri, known as the “Dragon Teeth”.
Have breakfast before you head out on the trail. You never know what the day may bring.
I never joined the early morning rush to beat other pilgrims to a bed—a benefit of booking in advance.
Put electrolytes in your water.
Alternative transportation: available bus and taxi to the next stage
You will need trekking poles-especially if rains
Journal
A full day of hiking through the forest along the Arga River — somewhere under the canopy of trees, I heard the soft chattering of various birds. As I hiked the path, cuckoo birds called out as I passed by, as if they were letting others know I was there. Being a city girl, I had never heard a cuckoo bird before and wanted to see one. I heard cuckoos in every forest I walked through, but never saw one. ~That Eva!
