Search

Stage of the Camino

Adhesion of Third to Pajares

From Poladura de la Tercia To Pajares

Plan your Camino

Destination

Pajares

Distance

13.50 km

Duration

3.38 h

Difficulty

Alta

Descent

170 m

Stage of the Camino

Stage Description

This is the queen stage of the Camino del Salvador, a high mountain day that culminates with crossing the historic Puerto de Pajares. The route is an alpine spectacular beauty, but also of great difficulty. The ascent is continuous through a landscape of meadows and summits in a very solitary environment. It's an stage that requires excellent physical preparation and checking the weather forecast.
The stage that links Poladura of the Third with Pajares is the heart of the Way of St. James, the traverse of the Cantabrian Mountains. It's a high mountain journey, short in distance but very demanding in terms of elevation and conditions. The path starts from Poladura and begins the ascent to the Puerto de Pajares, a historic climb that has been the main route of communication between Asturias and the Meseta for centuries. The route runs through an alpine landscape of breathtaking beauty, with high mountain meadows, views of the summits, and a sense of vastness. It is essential to tackle this stage with good weather, as fog and snow can make it very dangerous. The climb is hard and sustained. The summit of the port, at almost 1,400 meters in altitude, marks the border between León and Asturias. From there on, the descent begins towards the Asturian side. The arrival in the small village of Pajares, the first town of Asturias, is the end of the stage. It's a place with a marked mountain atmosphere that offers the pilgrim the refuge and rest needed after having overcome the great challenge of the Cantabrian Mountains.

Last updated: 12/08/2025

Where to Sleep

Accommodations in this Stage

Find the perfect place for your rest in Poladura de la Tercia o Pajares.

Start your adventure

Ready to walk this stage?

We design your personalised Camino de Santiago experience.

Plan your Camino

Latest Blog Entries