Camino Frances Stage 13: Atapuerca to Burgos
Trail Notes
Camino Francés Elevation
Nice walk on a dirt trail for most of the day. Burgos is a good city to plan for a rest day. There is much to see, and it has all the amenities.
-
Distance: Approx. 19.5 km - 21.1 km (about 12–13 miles)
Time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Terrain: mix of mid-altitude limestone hills, open agricultural plains, and an urban river valley approach
Alternatives: For those not walking, local buses and taxis connect to the next stages.
-
.Atapuerca (Start): Fill your bottles in the village before you head out.
Villalval: A tiny hamlet about 3 km past Atapuerca with no services or water fountains.
Cardeñuela Riopico: Located roughly 4.5 km from Atapuerca. It features local bars, cafes, and public taps to refill your water.
Orbaneja Riopico: Situated near the route split; has local municipal water points or small spots depending on your exact path.
Castañares: Located along the popular scenic river route into the city. It has local bars and cafes for a final drink and refill before entering Burgos.
-
Happy Hostal Carrales 55€
Hotel Forum, Evolución 68€
Personal recommendation: Hostal Carrales
Nearby essentials: Everything you need is available
-
Cathedral de Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Europe's famous Gothic cathedral. It is worth the entrance fee—do not miss seeing it.
Museo de la Evolución Humana
Arco de Santa Maria; The main gate
Go to Calle Lorenzo off the Plaza Mayor for Tapas bars.
The Plaza del Rey has heavier Castilian food. Burgos is famous for Morcilla (black pudding).
Now is the time to make changes to your gear and refill your toiletries, etc.
Rest and care for your body. The next stages are through the Meseta for 250 km (155 miles). It’s hot and flat. You may think flat is easy; for me, the daily repetitive motion on the same set of muscles was surprisingly harder on my body than the mixed elevation trails that I was used to on the Camino Frances.
Kinesiology tape (K-Tape): If you have a foot, knee, or Achilles heel that is bothering you, buy Kinesiology tape (K-Tape). It’s available in every pharmacy on the Camino Francés. You need to know how to use it for specific problems. Google or search YouTube for instructions. I promise—it will save you!
JOURNAL
Burgos is a beautiful city, full of history and charm. I stayed for a rest day and restocked what I needed before walking the Meseta. Surprisingly, I am missing the smaller villages with rustic albergues. They are simple, quiet, and rich with culture. -~That Eva!
