Stage Carrión de los Condes to Calzadilla de la Cueza

The 17 km stage that separates Carrión from the Counts of Calzadilla and Cueza is one of the most singular and feared stages on the Plateau. Its main characteristic is that, during 13 of those 17 kilometers, the pilgrim walks along a almost perfect straight line following the route of the Via Aquitania, an ancient Roman road, without finding a single village, a single spring or a single shadow.

This stage is the embodiment of solitude and introspection on the Camino. The landscape is pure Castilian plateau: an endless plain of land and sky. The path invites meditation but also demands good mental and physical preparation. It's essential to leave Carrión with enough water and food, as well as sun protection, since exposure is total.

Advancing along this endless straight line is an experience that many pilgrims describe as hypnotic. The rhythm of the steps, the immovable horizon and the silence broken only by the wind create a unique atmosphere. Halfway through this long stretch, there's a small copse of spruces offering a welcome shade, an ideal place for a brief rest.

After overcoming this challenge, the path finally arrives at Calzadilla de la Cueza, a small town that, despite its size, offers essential services to the pilgrim. The arrival in this small oasis after traversing the plateau feels like a great reward, providing a restorative break and the satisfaction of having overcome one of the most authentic stages on the Plateau.