Stage of the Camino
Stage Belorado to San Juan de Ortega
From Belorado To San Juan de Ortega
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Destination
Distance
23.90 km
Duration
5.30 h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ascent
215 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This 23.9 km stage immerses the pilgrim fully in the Oca Mountains, a landscape of oak and pine forests that represents an enjoyable change from the plains. The route is of medium difficulty, with a progressive ascent to the Alto de la Pedraja, at 1,150 meters. The route passes through small villages with charm such as Tosantos, with its cave monastery excavated in the rock, and Villafranca Montes de Oca, an important historical stronghold. The final stretch, after reaching the top, is a peaceful stroll through the forest to reach the solitary and mystical Monastery of San Juan de Ortega, a place of great importance for pilgrims and an ideal retreat for reflection and rest.
The Belorado to San Juan de Ortega section offers a significant change in landscape, leaving open fields behind to enter the wooded Montes de Oca mountains. This area, which was feared by bandits during the Middle Ages, is now a beautiful 23.9 km hike through nature.
The first part of the stage is an enjoyable walk that passes through small towns such as Tosantos, where the Hermitage of the Rock stands out, carved directly into the rock. Shortly after, Villafranca Montes de Oca comes into view, which was an important episcopal seat and had a large hospital for pilgrims. It's a good point to stop before facing the main challenge of the journey.
Leaving Villafranca, the ascent begins to Alto de la Pedraja (1,150 m). The climb is done on a wide forest road that winds its way through a dense forest of oaks, pines, and broom. It's an demanding but beautiful section, offering shade and a break from the sun of the plateau. At the top, a stone monument remembers those who fell during the Civil War.
The descent from the high point is much smoother, a long and pleasant walk on forest roads that finally leads to the Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega. This isolated and silent place is one of the spiritual landmarks of the Camino. Founded by the saint of the same name to help pilgrims, its church is famous for the "miracle of light", a phenomenon that occurs during equinoxes, when a ray of sunlight illuminates a capital with the scene of the Annunciation. It's a mystical and perfect ending to the stage.
The first part of the stage is an enjoyable walk that passes through small towns such as Tosantos, where the Hermitage of the Rock stands out, carved directly into the rock. Shortly after, Villafranca Montes de Oca comes into view, which was an important episcopal seat and had a large hospital for pilgrims. It's a good point to stop before facing the main challenge of the journey.
Leaving Villafranca, the ascent begins to Alto de la Pedraja (1,150 m). The climb is done on a wide forest road that winds its way through a dense forest of oaks, pines, and broom. It's an demanding but beautiful section, offering shade and a break from the sun of the plateau. At the top, a stone monument remembers those who fell during the Civil War.
The descent from the high point is much smoother, a long and pleasant walk on forest roads that finally leads to the Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega. This isolated and silent place is one of the spiritual landmarks of the Camino. Founded by the saint of the same name to help pilgrims, its church is famous for the "miracle of light", a phenomenon that occurs during equinoxes, when a ray of sunlight illuminates a capital with the scene of the Annunciation. It's a mystical and perfect ending to the stage.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
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