Trek from Burgos to León on a third stretch (out of five) of the Camino Frances
This self-guided walking tour of the Camino Frances is the third stage of a five-stage tour that allows walkers to complete the Camino with one or two stages per year. Enjoy completing the complete route from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostella over several years.
This Camino Francés goes from the charming town of Burgos to one of the highlights Northern Spain – León, a bridge between two of the main cities of the Jacobean route. The cathedrals of Burgos and León are both landmarks of Spanish religious architecture.
In general, the French way from Burgos to León is a fairly convenient route with limited ascents. You’ll only find a couple of climbs, although the weather can be a challenge, especially in summer on the Castilian plateau. You can expect low temperatures in winter and especially hot temperatures in summer.
Highlights of this this third stage of the Camino Frances walking tour are a visit the monument to the innkeeper in Villalcázar de Sirga, who was a very important figure in the restoration of the Camino. You will also get to sample delicious gastronomy, and walk part of the old Via Aquitania, the Roman road that connected Astorga with Bordeaux.
Once in León, you must visit the cathedral known as “Pulchra Leonina”, a magnificent Gothic building. You also shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Gaud’s Casa Botines and the San Marcos Hospital, which was a pilgrims’ home. The highlight for many pilgrims is a stroll through the historic center of León, combined with a stop in the Barrio del Húmedo. After eleven days of walking, you’ll deserve to celebrate the end of the Camino with a fine meal of the region’s wonderful gastronomy.
¡BUEN CAMINO!
This tour is part 3 of the 5-section complete Camino Frances:
Highlights of the Camino Francés Stage 3: Burgos to León
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Camino Francés from Burgos to León Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Burgos
Make your way to Burgos, one of the main capitals of the Jacobean tradition, a city that was the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Castilla y León. Arrive early so you have time to visit to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Burgos
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Burgos to Hornillos del Camino
Today’s walk takes you through the Castilian plateau, where temperatures can get very high in summer, with limited shade. If you are walking this in summer, start early, and then you’ll get the opportunity to take a wonderful siesta in the heat of the day in one of the quaint medieval towns scattered along your route. Before you know it you’ll be in Hornillos del Camino.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Hornillos del Camino
Distance: 21km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk to Castrojeriz
Another walk where you’ll need to prepare for the heat and lack of stage, and maybe plan for another siesta in the hottest part of the day. Once in Castrojeriz you can visit the Santa María del Manzano Collegiate Church and its interesting museum of sacred art.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Castrojeriz
Distance: 19.9km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk to Frómista
As you leave Castrojeriz, you’ll find the Mostelares, which after the ascent offers a wonderful view of the entire plateau. The end of the stage will be in one of the capitals of the Jacobean tradition and the capital of the Romanesque Palencia, the city of Frómista.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Frómista
Distance: 24.7km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk to Carrión de los Condes
Today is a very flat stage, where you will walk through the town of Villalcázar de Sirga, where you must visit the monument of Mesonero, which has regained the tradition of the Way of St. James and Jacobean gastronomy, as well as the church of Santa María La Blanca. In Carrión de los Condes, a visit to the San Zoilo monastery is essential.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Carrión de los Condes
Distance: 19km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk the Via Aquitaine to Calzadilla de la Cueza
Today’s walk has the fewest stops of the entire Camino Frances, so bring snacks and a bit of extra water. You’ll be walking on the historical Via Aquitaine, a Roman road that connected this region to Bordeaux in France.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Calzadilla de la Cueza
Distance: 17km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk to Sahagún
There are a few climbs today as you walk through hills and small valleys, eventually crossing the Valderaduey River. You’ll reach the city of Sahagun in Mudéjar, one of the most unique on the Camino de Santiago, where the churches of San Tirso and San Lorenzo stand out.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Sahagún
Distance: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Sahagún to El Burgo Ranero
Leave Sahagún and cross the river Cea towards Bercianos del Camino to finally arrive in El Burgo Ranero. It is a comfortable journey between grain fields.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in El Burgo Ranero
Distance: 17.7km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Walk to Mansilla de las Mulas
Today is a flat walk on comfortable dirt roads and through a forest area that offers a pleasant shade, especially in the summer months. You will hardly find anybody but pilgrims on the walk today. In Mansilla de las Mulas you can relax on the banks of the Esla river.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Mansilla de las Mulas
Distance: 19km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Walk to León
Today you’ll walk into one of the capitals of the Way of St. James, León. The route goes along roads with more traffic than other days. The Portillo hill with its wonderful view will anticipate your arrival in the city. Once in León, a visit to the cathedral, Gaudí's Casa Botines, and the Hospital de San Marcos are a must. A walk through the old town and a stop in the Barrio l Humedo are also highly recommended, in order to fortify yourself with delicious tapas after the hike.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in León
Distance: 18.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 León
¡Buen Camino! See you next time.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,375 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $795 USD*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,495 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $850 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on Camino Francés from Burgos to León Tour
During this trip you will mostly stay in hostels and pensions. These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest. Officially, hostels and guesthouses are 1-star accommodations. However, this rating should not be taken into account when evaluating the level of comfort and quality of their services.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Simple hostels and pensions along the Camino
Stay in basic hostels and pensions along the walking route. These accommodations, although simple, are adequate and are preferred option of a stay for many Camino walkers.
What’s Included in Camino Francés from Burgos to León Tour?
Meals
10 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg per backpack - 1 piece of luggage per person). Airport transfers are not included, but private transfers can be arranged as an optional extra.
Also included
- 24-hour emergency line
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Personal transfers not specifically listed as included
Optional Extras
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfers
- Extra piece of luggage
- Extra nights
Frequently Asked Questions about Camino Francés Stage 3: Burgos to León
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