Camino de Santiago Burgos section
Walk the historic Camino de Santiago from Burgos, embracing the vast Meseta and its spiritual challenges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Camino de Santiago Burgos section
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk the historic Camino de Santiago from Burgos, embracing the vast Meseta and its spiritual challenges.
"You must love Burgos and if you visit while doing the Camino, it's a really special experience."
🎯 Book Burgos Accommodation ASAP
Municipal albergues fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead or consider nearby villages. :bed:
☀️ Meseta: Pack for Sun
The Meseta offers little shade. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat for long, exposed stretches. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Burgos Cathedral
Burgos
A breathtaking Gothic masterpiece, this cathedral is a must-see before starting your pilgrimage.

The Meseta's Big Skies
Between Burgos and Astorga
Experience expansive, arid landscapes and dramatic skies that define this challenging yet rewarding section.
Unexpected Fiesta Fun
Villages near Burgos
You might stumble upon local fiestas, complete with lively music and welcoming locals, adding a unique cultural twist.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead in Burgos
Embrace the Meseta's Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Burgos Accommodation ASAP
Municipal albergues fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead or consider nearby villages.
:bed:☀️ Meseta: Pack for Sun
The Meseta offers little shade. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat for long, exposed stretches.
:sunwithface:🚶♀️ Embrace the Silence
This section is perfect for reflection and spiritual connection amidst serene, open landscapes.
:pray:🎉 Enjoy Local Festivities
If you encounter a village fiesta, join in! Locals are often welcoming and add to the Camino experience.
:tada:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Burgos Accommodation ASAP
Municipal albergues fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead or consider nearby villages.
:bed:☀️ Meseta: Pack for Sun
The Meseta offers little shade. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat for long, exposed stretches.
:sunwithface:🚶♀️ Embrace the Silence
This section is perfect for reflection and spiritual connection amidst serene, open landscapes.
:pray:🎉 Enjoy Local Festivities
If you encounter a village fiesta, join in! Locals are often welcoming and add to the Camino experience.
:tada:💧 Watch for Mud
Recent rain can create muddy patches, especially after leaving Burgos. Be prepared for slippery conditions.
:droplet:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for accommodations on the Burgos section highlight modern facilities and cleanliness, though some note inconsistent Wi-Fi. The city of Burgos itself is highly praised for its beauty and the unique experience it offers pilgrims. The Camino itself is described as a spiritual and challenging journey, with the Meseta being a particular highlight for its vastness and reflective qualities.
"This albergue is modern than the one in front, but the wifi sucks, maybe a lots people connecting it."
Deki
"You must love Burgos and if you visit while doing the Camino, it's a really special experience."
Viktor Kaposi
"One of my top three Albergue’s on the Camino. Excellent in every respect."
David Bryant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Burgos is a well-connected city. You can reach it by bus or train from major Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Once in Burgos, the starting point for the Camino is usually well-marked, often near the cathedral.
Yes, Burgos has a bus station with services to many towns in the region. If you need to bypass a section or are looking for alternative starting points, the bus system is a reliable option.
Most pilgrims walk between villages. However, for shorter distances or if you need to skip a section, local buses are available. Taxis can also be an option, though more expensive.
The main challenge is the distance between services in the Meseta. While walking is the primary mode, be aware that some stretches can be long with limited options for short hops.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to experience the Camino. The Burgos section, particularly the Meseta, is generally suitable for cycling, though some paths might be rough.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Camino de Santiago itself is a public path and does not require tickets to walk. You only need to pay for accommodation and food along the way.
Accommodation costs vary. Municipal albergues are the most affordable, often around €6-€10. Private albergues and hotels will be more expensive, with beds in Burgos potentially costing €80+ on busy weekends.
Albergues typically open in the afternoon, often around 1 PM or 2 PM, and close in the morning. Some may have earlier closing times or turn people away if full.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Burgos Cathedral. It's recommended to check their official website for current prices and opening hours.
Yes, you can usually obtain a pilgrim passport (Credencial del Peregrino) in Burgos, often at the cathedral or local albergues, which is needed to stay in municipal albergues and get your Compostela at the end.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The terrain varies. You'll find flatter sections as you leave Burgos and enter the Meseta, which is known for its expansive, relatively flat plateaus. However, there can be some gentle inclines and declines.
The Meseta section has fewer villages and services compared to other parts of the Camino. It's crucial to plan your stops for water and food, as they can be spaced out.
Pack light but be prepared. Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, a basic first-aid kit, and rain gear.
The section from Burgos to Astorga is approximately 180 km (112 miles). Most pilgrims take about 7-10 days to complete this stretch, depending on their daily mileage.
The Meseta's vastness and perceived monotony can be mentally taxing. The lack of shade and long distances require mental fortitude and a focus on the journey's spiritual aspect.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find traditional Spanish cuisine. Look for 'Menu del Peregrino' (pilgrim's menu) at restaurants, offering a hearty and affordable meal. Expect tapas, stews, and local specialties.
Services can be limited in the Meseta. While some villages have bars or small restaurants, it's wise to carry snacks and water, especially for longer stretches between towns.
Larger towns like Burgos will have supermarkets. Smaller villages may have a small tienda (shop) selling basic necessities, but options become scarcer in the Meseta.
Pilgrims generally eat lunch between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM and dinner from 8:00 PM onwards. Many albergues offer communal dinners, which are a great way to socialize.
While traditional Spanish food can be meat-heavy, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable soups, salads, and pasta. Vegan options might require more specific requests.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of Burgos Cathedral, the vast, open landscapes of the Meseta with its dramatic skies, and the charming architecture of the small villages you pass through.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for the Meseta's expansive skies. Midday can be harsh due to the strong sun and lack of shade.
Drone regulations vary by region in Spain. It's essential to research and comply with local laws regarding drone usage to avoid fines.
A lightweight, versatile camera is ideal. Consider a good wide-angle lens for landscapes and a compact camera or smartphone for everyday shots. A sturdy tripod can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots.
Focus on candid shots of pilgrims, the iconic yellow arrows, the scallop shells, and the interactions between people. The human element is key to conveying the Camino's spirit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations for families:
* Break up the days: Don't aim for long daily distances. Focus on shorter, manageable walks between villages with good amenities.
* Pack essentials: Ensure you have plenty of snacks, water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for everyone.
* Engage with locals: Encourage children to interact with locals and other pilgrims. The welcoming atmosphere can make the journey more enjoyable.
* Consider alternatives: If the full Meseta seems too daunting, you can always use buses to bypass longer or more exposed sections.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving money:
* Prioritize municipal albergues: They are the cheapest option. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially in popular areas like Burgos.
* Cook your own meals: If your albergue has a kitchen, buying groceries from local supermarkets and cooking can save money.
* Carry water: Refill your water bottles whenever possible to avoid buying expensive bottled water on the go.
* Walk as much as possible: While buses are an option, walking is free and the core of the Camino experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Despite the solitude, you'll find a strong sense of camaraderie in the albergues. Sharing experiences with fellow pilgrims from around the world is a significant part of the Camino's appeal. [^Review] Don't be surprised if you find yourself joining impromptu groups for meals or walks. The welcoming nature of locals in the villages also adds to the positive experience, making solo travel feel safe and enriching.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Meseta
Key considerations for the Meseta:
* Water and Food: Plan your stops meticulously. Carry ample water (at least 2-3 liters per person) and snacks, as services can be scarce.
* Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, high SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential. Consider a lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirt for sun protection.
* Footwear: While the terrain is generally flat, comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or boots are crucial. Be prepared for potential muddy sections after rain.
Despite its challenges, the Meseta offers a profound experience. The uninterrupted horizons and the quietude can be incredibly meditative, allowing for deep introspection and a focus on the journey itself.
The Burgos Experience
However, it's crucial to be aware of accommodation challenges in Burgos. The city can become overwhelmed with pilgrims, leading to albergues filling up early, sometimes before 2 PM. This has led to situations where municipal accommodations turn people away, and private beds become exceptionally expensive. Therefore, booking your accommodation in Burgos well in advance, especially if arriving on a weekend, is highly recommended. Alternatively, consider staying in nearby villages like Cardeñuela Riopico or Orbaneja Riopico, or walking a few kilometers past Burgos to Tarjados or Rabé to secure a bed.
Beyond the practicalities, Burgos offers a unique cultural experience. You might even encounter local fiestas, where the community warmly welcomes pilgrims with music and celebration, adding an unexpected and joyful dimension to the journey.
Community and Camaraderie
In villages along the route, you might experience the warm hospitality of locals. Some travelers have shared heartwarming encounters, like being welcomed with music during local festivals, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable memory. This blend of fellow pilgrim support and local kindness is a hallmark of the Camino experience, making even the toughest days feel more manageable and rewarding.
While the Meseta can feel isolating at times, remember that you are part of a long tradition. The shared experience, even in silence, connects you to countless pilgrims who have walked this path before. The modern amenities in some albergues, like good Wi-Fi (though sometimes unreliable due to many users), also facilitate connection with the outside world, allowing you to share your journey. [^Review]
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