Walk the Winter Way on a slower pace with plenty of time to explore
Historically, the Camino Invierno (also known as the Winter Way Camino) served as the preferred route for medieval pilgrims during the coldest months, earning its name for this reason. Originally conceived as an alternative to the French Way, it has evolved into a path that presents certain challenges and is particularly recommended during milder winter months.
This route is ideally suited for seasoned pilgrims, given the rugged terrain encountered at various points, the lengthy stages, and the limited services available along the journey. However, the difficulty of the route is offset by the breathtaking landscapes it offers, making it one of the most spectacular options available.
The Camino Invierno is also unique, with greatly reduced pilgrims, a significant change from the busy summer months.
This Camino is designed for pilgrims seeking a more manageable experience. This self-guided tour divides some of the longer stages into two, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable path. The allure of traversing vineyards, canyons, and the untamed beauty of the Galicia region serves as a compelling reason to opt for this special itinerary.
Highlights of the Camino Invierno Shorter Days Tour
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Camino Invierno Shorter Days Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Check in
Arriving in Ponferrada marks the commencement of the Winter Way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponferrada
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ponferrada – Las Médulas
The journey along the Winter Way initiates in Ponferrada, a significant starting point that is also a notable stop on the French Way. This stage will guide us through the picturesque region of Las Médulas.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Las Médulas
Distance: 27km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Las Médulas – O Barco de Valdeorras
During our stage to O Barco de Valdeorras, we will traverse an ancient Roman path. This region is renowned for its exceptional wines.
Overnight Location: Hotel in O Barco de Valdeorras
Distance: 27km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 O Barco de Valdeorras – A Rua de Valdeorras
The journey from O Barco to A Rúa de Valdeorras encompasses a shorter stage compared to the preceding ones. This allows for a leisurely appreciation of the landscapes and provides the opportunity to visit some of its charming chapels along the way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in A Rua de Valdeorras
Distance: 14km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 A Rua de Valdeorras – Quiroga
This stage presents awe-inspiring views of the Sil River and its renowned canyons. Recognized as the Ribeira Sacra region, it is famed for its wine production and captivating terraced vineyards.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quiroga
Distance: 26km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Quiroga – Barxa de Lor
Initially, this stage would be the longest, spanning from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos, covering almost 34 kilometers. However, there is the option to divide it into two, allowing pilgrims to spend the night in either Barxa de Lor or Pobra de Brollón. This alternative offers flexibility and a more comfortable pace for the journey.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Barxa de Lor
Distance: 14km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Barxa de Lor - Monforte de Lemos
Dividing the extensive stage from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos into two sections makes this walking day more manageable. The route takes pilgrims through the captivating heart of the Ribeira Sacra region, enhancing the experience with its scenic beauty.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monforte de Lemos
Distance: 19km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Monforte de Lemos - Vilariño
Opting to split the second significant stage of the Winter Way, originally spanning from Monforte de Lemos to Chantada (covering about 30 kilometers), offers pilgrims the opportunity to savor the views of the River Miño and its picturesque terraces. This decision contributes to a more enjoyable and leisurely pilgrimage experience.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vilariño
Distance: 14km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Vilariño - Chantada
A tranquil day awaits, still in the enchanting landscapes of the Ribeira Sacra, covering a gentle distance of only 15 kilometers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chantada
Distance: 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Chantada - Rodeiro
Chantada is a notable halt with rich medieval heritage, deserving of exploration. The most challenging segment of the day? The ascent to Monte Faro.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rodeiro
Distance: 26km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Rodeiro - Lalín
This marks the final stage of the Winter Way, as the route, starting from Lalín, converges with the Vía de la Plata.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lalín
Distance: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Lalín - Silleda
Embarking from Lalín, you may encounter a higher number of pilgrims on the route compared to the preceding days, as others join from the Vía de la Plata. The journey from Lalín to Silleda winds through rural landscapes, quiet roads, and small forests.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Silleda
Distance: 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Silleda - Ponte Ulla
The concluding stage of both the Winter Way and the Vía de la Plata unfolds from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela. Commencing with a steep ascent toward the Pico Sacro, the route meanders through small rural communities before culminating on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. Upon reaching Santiago, pilgrims have several options: attend the Pilgrim's Mass in the Cathedral, visit the Pilgrim's Office to request their Compostela, or extend their adventure to Finisterre, known as the End of the World.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponte Ulla
Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela
The final leg of the Winter Way and the Vía de la Plata unfolds from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela. Commencing with a challenging ascent towards the Pico Sacro, the path winds through small rural communities before reaching the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. Once in Santiago, pilgrims have several options: attend the Pilgrim’s Mass in the Cathedral, visit the Pilgrim’s Office to request their Compostela, or extend their adventure to Finisterre, known as the End of the World.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 25km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Check out
Check out Santiago de Compostela.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Camino Invierno Shorter Days Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
- Single room: from $1,325 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $975 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on Camino Invierno Shorter Days 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 the Camino Invierno Shorter Days Tour?
Meals
14 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 14 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included, however, you are in charge of any other personal transfers.
Also included
- Detailed route description and maps
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Any personal transport
- Guide services
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Tourist Tax
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, tips, extra transfers, etc.
Optional Extras
- Accommodation upgrades
- Single occupancy upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about Camino Invierno Shorter Days Tour
Galiwonders is a specialist tour operator, focusing on pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal as well as the Via Francigena in Italy. They offer adaptable tours to suit a variety of client needs and focus on truly taking care of their guests.
The tour guides are local experts, living and working right along the Camino. They have visited each hotel and restaurant they recommend, ensuring each is up to standard.
Galiwonders offers constant contact with their guests, ensuring all concerns or questions are addressed immediately so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
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Margot is a new guide with Galiwonders, and loves sharing her pride in her home region of Galicia with visitors. She enjoys sharing the history, stories, legends, and unknown information with tourists to connect them deeply with the region they’re in.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead and why?
- A: Any trip around Galicia. Fortunately, I have had the chance to travel far and wide, I’ve visited many counties, many cities, all beautiful and with something special, but I guess the saying "the heart is where home is" is applicable to me.
- Q: What are guests most surprised about in visiting your country?
- A: Tourists usually have a preconceived idea of what Spain is like, and when they are here they are surprised to see that how they thought it was had no similarity to that notion. I find this is especially true with Galicia. The most common ide they have is that it’s all Flamenco, bulls and polka dot dresses. That is just in Andalucia, and in Madrid, for tourists. Each region has its own unique traditions and folk culture.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should do?
- A: El Camino de Santiago. It does not matter what religion you belong to. It is the sentiment, the relaxation, the feeling of wholeness one senses while on the Way. It’s the goal of accomplishing a pilgrimage for whatever the reason one may have, reaching the end of the road where all roads meet. Along the way you make friends with people from all over the world, the group gets larger and larger, some speak Spanish, others French, others English, even Chinese. It’s a wonderful multiracial group, and once you all reach Plaza do Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela, you all embrace. Everyone’s jumping and laughing with sore, bruised feet and sweaty clothes for having accomplished the challenge, feeling so good and wondering why the rest of the world does not embrace this experience.