Stage of the Camino
Stage Pamplona to Puente la Reina
From Pamplona To Puente la Reina
Plan your CaminoOrigin
Destination
Distance
23.90 km
Duration
5.75 h
Difficulty
Moderate
Descent
105 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This stage is one of the most iconic in Navarre, marked by the ascent to Alto del Perdón. From Pamplona, the route passes through the university area and villages such as Cizur Menor. The ascent to the Sierra del Perdón is demanding but progressive, culminating at 770 meters where the famous pilgrim monument awaits and panoramic views of 360 degrees are offered. The subsequent descent is technical and rocky, requiring much caution. Once this obstacle has been overcome, the route becomes smoother and passes through fields until reaching Puente la Reina, the medieval town where the Navarre and Aragonese routes converge, a place heavy with Jacobean symbolism.
Leaving Pamplona to venture into the stage towards Puente la Reina is to face one of the most iconic landmarks on the French Way in Navarre: the Alto del Perdón. The 23.9 km journey begins with a comfortable exit from the city, passing by the University of Navarra and residential towns like Zizur Mayor. Soon, asphalt gives way to dirt tracks that initiate the progressive ascent towards the Sierra del Perdón.
The climb, although not excessively long, is constant and exposed to the sun and wind, which usually blows with force in this area. As altitude is gained, views of the Pamplona Basin become spectacular. The summit, at 770 meters, is a magical place, not only for its vistas, but also for the famous iron monument representing a group of pilgrims from different eras, accompanied by the inspiring phrase: "Where the road of wind meets the road of stars".
The descent from the Alto del Perdón is one of the most technical stages on the Camino in Navarra. The path, covered with loose stone, requires maximum concentration to avoid falls and puts the knees and ankles to the test. After this demanding section, the landscape softens. Towns like Uterga and Muruzábal are crossed, and it is possible to take a small detour to visit the enigmatic octagonal church of Santa María de Eunate. The final stage leads to Puente la Reina, a village born for and by the Camino, where the pilgrim is received by its majestic Romanesque bridge over the Arga River, symbolizing the union of paths.
The climb, although not excessively long, is constant and exposed to the sun and wind, which usually blows with force in this area. As altitude is gained, views of the Pamplona Basin become spectacular. The summit, at 770 meters, is a magical place, not only for its vistas, but also for the famous iron monument representing a group of pilgrims from different eras, accompanied by the inspiring phrase: "Where the road of wind meets the road of stars".
The descent from the Alto del Perdón is one of the most technical stages on the Camino in Navarra. The path, covered with loose stone, requires maximum concentration to avoid falls and puts the knees and ankles to the test. After this demanding section, the landscape softens. Towns like Uterga and Muruzábal are crossed, and it is possible to take a small detour to visit the enigmatic octagonal church of Santa María de Eunate. The final stage leads to Puente la Reina, a village born for and by the Camino, where the pilgrim is received by its majestic Romanesque bridge over the Arga River, symbolizing the union of paths.
Last updated: 18/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Pamplona o Puente la Reina.
Start your adventure
Ready to walk this stage?
We design your personalised Camino de Santiago experience.
Plan your CaminoWalk this route with us
We take care of every detail
Accommodation booked stage by stage, your backpack waiting when you arrive and someone on the phone if anything goes wrong.
