Camino Stage 3 - Burgos to Leon
- Begin in Burgos with its beautiful UNESCO heritage gothic cathedral
- Discover an abundance of beautiful churches and historical buildings along the route
- Walk and share stories with fellow pilgrims from all over the world
- Finishing in León, with its huge cathedral adorned with medieval stained glass windows
- Journey through vast plains and farmland as you pass small traditional hamlets and villages
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Burgos & overnightWelcome to Burgos, one of the most important cities on the Way of St. James, and the perfect place to start your hike along the Camino Francés. The city is home to a magnificent Gothic cathedral which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll through the charming old town, complete with squares, alleys and cafés, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the pilgrimage route. Sample regional specialities such as morcilla (black pudding) or roast lamb at one of the traditional restaurants. Spending the night in Burgos will allow you to start your Camino de Santiago adventure feeling relaxed.

Behind the beautiful façade of a former theatre guests will be agreeably surprised to find a contemporary interior, with 117 comfortable rooms inspired by the Grand Theatre that gave it its name. There is also a restaurant, café, private garage and excellent public rooms.

Located 150 metres from the cathedral and in the middle of the Camino de Santiago, the hotel is surrounded by a tapas area and is next to the main shopping street of Burgos.

A modern and quiet hotel, located in the traditional neighbourhood of San Agustin, close to the cathedral of Burgos, the Museum of Human Evolution and the historic old city.
You will traverse the endless expanse of the Meseta, following dusty paths and passing golden-yellow cornfields and unspoilt countryside. This barren, open plain conveys the sense of freedom and vastness typical of this section of the Camino de Santiago. Today's hike ends in Hornillos. You will then enjoy a comfortable transfer to your accomodation in Isar. This will give you the chance to relax and unwind at the end of the day, and recharge your batteries for the stages ahead.
Ascent: 136m (446ft) / Descent: 169m (555ft)

La Consulta de Isar offers rooms with private bathrooms. The accommodation has 24-hour reception, terrace, garden, parking and a coffee bar.

Located in the Hornillos del Camino region, this comfortable hotel offers cosy rooms equipped with flat screen tv, private bathrooms and free WIFI. The nearest airport is Burgos Airport which is located 36 km away.
In the morning, you will be taken back to Hornillos for the next stage of your hike along the Camino de Santiago. The trail will take you through the vast, tranquil landscape of the Meseta, characterised by rolling fields and expansive skies. You may encounter a shepherd with his flock or a lone pilgrim greeting you from the side of the road along the way. Your destination is the picturesque village of Castrojeriz, nestling like a ribbon along a hill.
Ascent: 185m (607ft) / Descent: 204m (669ft)

This comfortable hostel has a restaurant attached and is well located. The hotel opened its doors after a careful restoration that preserved part of the building's original 16th century structure and its ancient materials of stone, ceramics and wood. This three-star hotel on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago combines tradition and modernity in very comfortable surroundings.

Quaint stone building that is a 3-minute walk from the ancient castle ruins at Castillo de Castrojeriz. Cozy rooms with beautiful exposed wooden beams on the ceiling.

From the large terrace of the colonial-style house you have a view of the impressive Castilian landscape. Numerous shops and bars are 10 minutes from the property.
Right at the start, you will face the challenging climb to Alto de Mosterales, but the sweeping views over the tranquil Meseta make every effort worthwhile. Afterwards, the trail gently descends through wide fields and small villages, offering a glimpse of the typical rhythm of the plateau. Once you arrive in Frómista, be sure to visit the Iglesia de San Martín, a Romanesque gem and one of the most important buildings on the Way of St. James. You can then enjoy a relaxed evening in this charming village.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 269m (883ft)

This new house houses a 3-star hotel, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge and a terrace with a garden. It features double, triple and family rooms, all with free WiFi and private bathrooms. The restaurant serves traditional home-made food using fresh local produce.

The eco-hotel Doña Mayor is located in Frómista, in the heart of the French Route to Santiago. Its name refers to Queen Doña Mayor of Castile, who founded the convent of San Martín with its Romanesque church around 1066, a key figure in the history of the town, which experienced one of the most splendid periods of the region. Our hotel is located in the historic centre of Frómista and has individual rooms & a beautiful garden.

Situated next to the Church of San Martín de Tours, the Hotel San Martín is a family-run establishment with 19 rooms in the heart of Fromista.
We recommend taking the particularly scenic route via Villovieco on the way to Carrión de los Condes, which takes you away from the main traffic and through peaceful countryside. This gentle route follows small rivers and winds through open fields to the historic town. In Carrión de los Condes, you can experience medieval charm with its narrow streets, old churches and tranquil courtyards. A visit to the former monastery of San Zoilo, which once accommodated pilgrims, is particularly worthwhile.
Ascent: 80m (263ft) / Descent: 33m (108ft)

Welcome to the Royal Convent of San Zoilo, in Carrión de los Condes. During your pleasant and peaceful stay in this emblematic monastery, you will not fail to be captivated by the impressions and experiences of its history.

Opened in May 2017, very comfortable spacious rooms with private en suite bathrooms. It also has parking for bicycles and laundry service. Perfect location in the Plaza Mayor with all services a few meters away: free public parking, supermarkets, pharmacies, cafeterias, and restaurants. The friendly staff is always willing to help you. Come and enjoy Carrión and its surroundings.

The hostel used to be the former chaplain’s house and has recently been renovated to provide 15 rooms.
This stage takes you along gentle, natural paths through a tranquil, almost deserted landscape, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and find your own rhythm. Although shade is scarce, you are accompanied by expansive fields, silence and the vast sky of the Meseta. As there are no shops en route, it is particularly important to bring enough water and provisions with you today. The solitude of this section makes for an intense pilgrimage experience. Once you arrive in Calzadilla de la Cueza, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of this small village.
Ascent: 57m (187ft) / Descent: 30m (98ft)

This cosy country inn provides everthing a walker needs on the Camino - comfortable rooms, a terrace and a restaurant.

The philosophy of La Morena is to make the traveller, whether a guest or a pilgrim, feel at home, a unique place surrounded by good atmosphere and hospitality.
When you visit us, you will find a building over 200 years old, completely renovated and equipped with all the facilities you need to make your stay unforgettable.
En route, you will pass Terradillos de los Templarios, a place steeped in history as it was once the stronghold of the Knights Templar. The landscape remains wide and open, characterised by fields and a tranquil horizon. Finally, you will reach Sahagún, a town with a rich culture and striking brick architecture. The numerous churches and monasteries bear witness to the importance of this place on the Way of St. James.
Ascent: 115m (377ft) / Descent: 192m (630ft)

This guest house offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms in a peaceful setting. The property also has a restaurant and a bar with a terrace.

La Codorniz Guesthouse-Restaurant is in Sahagún, a unique place right at the centre of the Camino de Santiago (St. James´ Way). Its has unique Mudejar Sahagún architecture, and its rooms offer all the comforts you deserve.

The recently renovated guesthouse is located 32km from Villa Romana La Olmeda and it offers comfortable rooms. Facilities include free wifi, private bathrooms, flat screen TVs and a buffet breakfast.
Today, a specially designed gravel path (Senda) takes you through a peaceful, poplar-lined landscape to El Burgo Ranero. The path is mostly shaded and ideal for relaxed, steady walking. In El Burgo Ranero, you will find a lively little town with a real pilgrim atmosphere. Due to limited accommodation options, you will be taken back to Sahagún in the afternoon, where you will spend another night.
Ascent: 79m (259ft) / Descent: 17m (56ft)

This guest house offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms in a peaceful setting. The property also has a restaurant and a bar with a terrace.

La Codorniz Guesthouse-Restaurant is in Sahagún, a unique place right at the centre of the Camino de Santiago (St. James´ Way). Its has unique Mudejar Sahagún architecture, and its rooms offer all the comforts you deserve.

The recently renovated guesthouse is located 32km from Villa Romana La Olmeda and it offers comfortable rooms. Facilities include free wifi, private bathrooms, flat screen TVs and a buffet breakfast.
After breakfast, you will be taken back to El Burgo Ranero by a short transfer, where you will continue your pilgrimage. Today, you can choose between two routes: the historic Calzada Romana, a particularly well-preserved section of Roman road, or the pleasant Sendas del Real Camino Francés. Both routes wind through the peaceful countryside, offering sweeping views. Your destination is Mansilla de las Mulas, a charming town boasting impressive medieval city walls.
Ascent: 10m (33ft) / Descent: 84m (276ft)

The Albergueria del Camino guesthouse is situated on the banks of the River Esla, in the heart of the medieval town of Mansilla de las Mulas and right on the Pilgrim´s Way to Santiago, in the shadow of the Tower of Santa María, offering peace, quiet and comfort in a rural, cosy atmosphere.

In July 2015 the new rural hotel "Hotel La Casa de los Soportales" opened. A completely new space that combines tradition with the modernity and comfort of a rural hotel.

The Pensión de Blanca is located in the medieval town of Mansilla de las Mulas , and just 18 km from León. With an excellent location, it is located at the entrance of the town, next to the pilgrim statue and on the Camino de Santiago Francés , 2 minutes from the bus station and with easy access from National Highway 601.
Opened in 2010, it has modern and cozy facilities, with multiple services, single, double and triple rooms, all with private bathroom and Internet service via WIFI, among others.
We are a few meters from the tourist center of the town. In the surroundings of our pension you can enjoy cafes, restaurants, a public park, visit the historical set of walls, monuments and do sports and leisure activities.
It's worth getting an early start because the impressive old town and rich history of León await you. The city combines Roman heritage, medieval splendour and modern life, most notably in the form of the Gothic cathedral, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in Spain. Once you arrive, the lively Húmedo district is the perfect place to unwind. Try regional specialities such as morcilla or cecina, and enjoy a glass of red wine or a cortado.
Ascent: 143m (469ft) / Descent: 102m (335ft)

This hotel has 17 rooms, all of whice The are equipped with underfloor heating and air conditioning, desk, flat screen TV with atellite channels, internet connection and free WiFi, safe and minibar, among many other services. A breakfast buffet is served daily.

Located right in the historic center of León, the hotel is housed in two charming old Leonese buildings. They have been completely restored and offer attractive rooms, furnished in the original style of the house, but equipped with all modern facilities: TV, free WIFI, hairdryer, safe and direct dial telephone. The restaurant serves delicious traditional cuisine in a rustic and warm atmosphere.

The Silken Luis de León perfectly combines its privileged central location with the comfort of its rooms and facilities, in an environment full of details, ideal for enjoying the city of León to the full. The Silken Luis de León has its own restaurant specialising in traditional León cuisine. The hotel is located opposite the El Corte Ingles shopping centre.
After your unforgettable journey along the Camino Francés, it's time to say goodbye. Depending on your plans for the rest of your trip, you can travel home comfortably by bus, taxi or train. Many pilgrims also use this final day to reflect on their experiences and purchase souvenirs. If you would like to extend your stay or explore further stages, we will be happy to help you plan. Buen Camino – perhaps we will see you again next time!
This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The Camino is so special since it attracts a wide range of pilgrims from all over the world, who take the journey for many different reasons. This is the perfect stage to walk for those wanting to connect with the nature of the predominant wide-open plains. Starting in Burgos and ending in León, both cities have so much to offer. We recommend taking extra nights at the start and end to fully appreciate these Spanish heritage sites with their huge incredible cathedrals, deep history, and beautiful buildings.
Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This itinerary is graded easy-moderate overall and includes hiking distances of 17 - 25 km per day. On the Camino, you will follow a mix of dirt trails, minor roads, and established footpaths.
Although the route mostly leads along wide, relatively easy-to-walk paths, the unpaved sections and the daily distances of between 9 and 30 kilometres require a good basic level of fitness and a certain amount of hiking experience. The first section from St Jean-Pied-de-Port with steep ascents and descents in the Pyrenees is the most difficult. The entire 40-day Way of St James naturally requires a great deal of stamina. But the longer you are on the road, the fitter you will become. Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos and León are fascinating cities that you must visit and the smaller towns are also very charming and often offer wonderful regional delicacies.
Our Camino Tours include small rural hotels and hostals (a word used to describe small Spanish hotels and guesthouses) close to the route of the Camino. You will always have a private room and en-suite (attached) bathroom. When staying in Leon, Pamplona, Sarria and Santiago, you will stay in 3* hotels, the other nights will be in a mixture of rural hotels and hostels.
Single Rooms
Single rooms are available, although a supplement is payable. The price for a single room is available on the included tab of this tour and in the booking engine.
Meals
A light continental breakfast is included each morning, which can sometimes just be coffee, bread and orange juice. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Every place you stop will have evening meals available, you can get a pilgrims menu for about 15 Euros which includes 3 courses, wine and water!
Extra Nights
We can add extra nights if you wish, allowing you to have rest days in between the longer walking days.
The Camino is very easy to follow. The route is marked with yellow painted arrows and a yellow shell on a blue background. The detailed travel pack we supply includes a detailed information pack for planning and preparing for your Camino, detailed instructions of how to find your overnight accommodation and everything you need for your Camino.
In addition to the printed route notes, you will receive in your travel pack, you will also have access to our Macs Adventure App, allowing you to follow the route on richly detailed mapping on your smartphone.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- A Guidebook to the Camino de Santiago by John Brierly
- Accommodation in small rural hotels and hostels, twin/double rooms with en-suite W/C
- Daily Breakfast
- Baggage Transfers
- Any transfer(s) listed in the standard itinerary (if applicable)
- Pilgrim Passport and shell
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- 24/7 Emergency support
- Return travel to France/Spain.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks or drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Equipment.
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.
- Additional nights’ accommodation
You can start your Camino on any day of your choosing between March and November.
The best time to walk the Camino depends on your personal preference!
Spring (April to June) is a fantastic choice. Expect pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than summer. Be prepared for the potential of spring showers.
Summer (July and August) brings sweltering heat to much of Spain, but the northern regions remain refreshingly mild thanks to their coastal climates. If you're a social butterfly, this is your season! The trails are buzzing with fellow pilgrims, creating an unbeatable atmosphere for meeting people, local festivals, and sharing stories.
Autumn (September to early November) is another excellent time to go. You'll enjoy milder temperatures, stunning autumn colors, and quieter trails as the summer crowds dwindle. But, much like spring, there's still a chance of rain—because nature loves keeping us on our toes!
From Madrid you can connect by train to Burgos with RENFE which takes around 2 and a half hours. Alternatively you can take the bus with ALSA which takes around 3 hours. There are many flights from the UK to Madrid with carriers such as Easyjet, Vuelingand Ryanair
By Air: Oviedo is the closest airport to Leon and is serviced by EasyJet from London. There are 8 buses a day from Oviedo to Leon which takes 1hr30. Timetables and fares at Alsa. Madrid airport is the best airport if travelling from outside Europe. Connect by train from Madrid. We can also arrange private transfers to take you from Leon straight to Oviedo Airport.
By Train: León is 2h45 by train from Madrid. Timetables and tickets at Renfe.
By Bus: León is 4h00 by bus from Madrid. Timetables and fares at Alsa.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Baggage transfers are included (max 20kg per person). Your main bag will be transferred each day between your overnight accommodation so that you only need to walk with a day pack.
Extra Nights
There is so much to do and discover on the Way of St. James that many of our customers plan extra nights, either as rest days or to get to know the region even better.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
Pilgrim Passport
Your Pilgrim Passport (Credencial del Peregrino) and scallop shell will be waiting at your first accommodation. The Passport isn’t just practical—it’s a beautiful record of your Camino journey, officially issued by the Church of St. James. Along the route, you'll collect stamps (sellos) from albergues, churches, cafes, and more. Each stamp is a colorful reminder of your journey. To earn your Compostela Certificate in Santiago, you must walk at least the final 100 km, with your stamps serving as proof of this accomplishment.
Local taxes
Local taxes may apply in some places. Where ever possible, we will pay there taxes in advance for you. It is not always possible to pay the taxes in advance and you will have to pay it directly at your accomodation.
Extra charge
On some days there may be some extra charges on the tour price due to public holiday.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes, waterproofs and a day pack.
We suggest you book as far in advance as possible as the Camino is extremely popular. Numbers can rise by up to 100,000 people. We will always try and accommodate late booking requests.
The average daily distance of our Camino tours are between 20 and 25 kilometres and you can expect to walk for between five and eight hours each day. You should do as much walking as possible prior to your walk as this will simply add to your enjoyment.
Yes, some people prefer to walk carrying their own bags as a true pilgrim would have. Please select the option for removing baggage transfers if you wish to do this.
Spring (April to June) is a fantastic choice with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds for a relaxing experience. The northern regions remain refreshingly mild in July and August thanks to their coastal climates, especially in comparison to central and southern Spain. The trails are buzzing with fellow pilgrims during the summer months. Autumn (September to early November) is another excellent time to go, with stunning autumn colors, and quieter trails. During the spring and autumn, it's more likely to experience a shower here or there. There's really no bad time to travel on the Camino.
Public transport and taxis are available if you are need of support contact us and we will be more that happy to help.
Yes, many of our guests travel solo. Although the nature of the Camino means that they soon join up with other pilgrims. There is a single room supplement payable for solo walkers.
No, we do not offer group trips as independent self-guided trips are a much better way to experience the Camino.
You can start on any day of your choosing, subject to availability.
Yes, although we find our standard itineraries are perfect for most walkers, we can add additional nights at many points of the Camino. Please speak to our team for recommendations of extra nights!
A mixture of farm/dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths. The route is well marked and easy to follow.
Good news! Your Pilgrim Passport (“Credencial del Peregrino”) and shell will be waiting for you at your first accommodation on Day 1. Think of the Pilgrim Passport as a record of your incredible journey along the Camino, issued by the Church of St. James. The Scallop Shell (or "Concha de Vieira") is an iconic symbol of the Camino and is like a badge of honor. You'll see fellow pilgrims proudly displaying theirs on backpacks or hanging them from walking sticks as a sign of their trek to Santiago.
But here’s where it gets fun—you’ll collect stamps (called "sellos") on your Passport at albergues, churches, cafes, and other stops along the route. To receive your Compostela Certificate at the end of your pilgrimage in Santiago, you need to walk at least the final 100km of the Camino. For other sections of the trail, the Passport serves as a stunning keepsake featuring all the colorful stamps you collect along the way.
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