Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This is the queen stage of the Primitivo Way, a high mountain trek, legendary for its hardness, wild beauty and isolation. This route, only recommended with good weather, ascends above 1,100 meters and runs along an exposed ridge, without towns or services for most of the journey. Its name comes from the ruins of three pilgrim hospitals that mark the path, mute witnesses to the hardness of this medieval route. The panoramic views of Asturias' mountains are breathtaking. It's an unforgettable experience of solitude and pure nature, culminating in the descent to the small village of Berducedo.
The Way of the Hospitals is the heart and soul of the Primitive Path. This variant is one of the most authentic and memorable mountain experiences among all the Ways of St James. Its name refers to the three pilgrim hospitals (of Fonfaraón, Valparaiso and de la Marta) whose ruins are located along the route. It is essential to stress that this stage should only be undertaken with favorable weather conditions. There are no villages, springs or refuges beyond twenty kilometers, and the route runs through a high mountain zone, often shrouded in mist and exposed to strong winds. With good weather, the stage is a spectacle. The path ascends from Borres to the Sierra de la Fanfaraón, and for hours one walks along the mountain's crest, with 360-degree views of an Asturian sea of peaks and valleys. The feeling of solitude, vastness, and following the footsteps of medieval pilgrims' most daring is overwhelming.
Last updated: 13/08/2025
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