In this stage, we will exit Logroño crossing the Grajera park and its reservoir, where it is common to see fishermen and people practicing water sports. After around 10 km. we find Navarrete, at which entrance we find the ruins of the old pilgrims hospital of San Juan de Arce. Its facade was saved in the XIX century and installed in the current town cemetery.

In Navarrete we can visit the church of the Asunción, from the XVI century. After that, we’ll continue our walk to Nájera, town of medieval origins that used to be the capital of the kingdom of Navarre, where we can visit the monumental monastery of Santa María la Real. This stage passes through the vineyards that make La Rioja one of the most important winemaking regions in the world.

After exiting Nájera, we’ll walk through country roads (some of them paved) until we reach the small villages of Azofra and Cirueña. Before the latter there’s a slight slope, followed by an urbanization and a recently built golf course.

After Cirueña, we’ll walk 6 more km. to reach Santo Domingo de la Calzada, town named after one of the best known saints associated with the Camino. Departing from either Nájera or Santo Domingo, we can also take a jaunt to San Millán de la Cogolla, where the monasteries of Suso and Yuso are located. This is the place where the first texts in the spanish language were written.

In this stage we leave La Rioja behind to enter Castilla: the vineyards are replaced little by little by grain fields. The first village we find in Castilla is Redecilla del Camino, with a church where a sculpted XII century baptismal font is conserved. After passing through Castildelgado and Vitoria de Rioja, we arrive to Belorado, a town where we can visit churches like the one of Santa María.

Those interested in technology can also visit the Inocencio Bocanegra Radiocommunication Museum, with a wide ranging catalog of radios stretching back to the I World War.

A big part of this stage goes parallel to the N-120 roadway, so caution is advised, specially in the parts where we have to cross it.

The first village we find after exiting Belorado is Tosantos, where we can see the hermitage of la Virgen de la Peña, excavated in the mountain rock. After that, we cross Villambistia and Espinosa del Camino and reach Villafranca Montes de Oca, a small village with another beautiful hermitage in its outskirts.

After Villafranca we start climbing the Oca mountains, one of the most difficult parts of the Camino due to its slopes. The forests through which it passes were in ancient times the refuge of bandits; fortunately, the only risk at present is for the pilgrims’ legs. Finally, after crossing the forest and the mountains, we reach the monastery of San Juan de Ortega, where the eponymous saint is buried, one of those who contributed most in the Middle Ages to making the Camino more walkable.

Please note that San Juan de Ortega is a very small village, so you can choose to spend the night at Atapurca or Agés. Consult us and we’ll take care of the transportation.

After leaving San Juan we’ll pass through Atapuerca, known for its UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric site. After crossing the villages of Cardeñuela-Riopico and Orbaneja, we arrive to the city of Burgos. The “traditional” Camino route means almost 10 km. walking among industrial sites in the outskirts of the city. Instead, we recommend taking a country path that will take us to the village of Castañares, and from there to Burgos itself.

The historic centre of Burgos is one of the most beautiful places that you’ll find along the Camino. You’ll be able to visit the spectacular gothic cathedral, as well as the Rey San Fernando square and the Arch of Santa María.