Pamplona to Puente la Reina
The iconic climb up the Sierra del Perdón, crowned by its famous pilgrim sculpture, and the descent into Puente la Reina, where two Jacobean routes converge.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Pamplona
- Puente la Reina
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Pamplona to Puente la Reina is 23.9 km along the French Way (Camino Francés). It's stage 4, with 414 m of ascent and 507 m of descent, completed in about 5 h 45 min. Difficulty: Easy.
From Pamplona to El Perdón, and El Perdón to the Navarrese plain
After leaving Pamplona through Cizur Menor, the Sierra del Perdón, topped with a wind farm, sets the tone for the stage. The climb, just 260 m of elevation gain, is very gradual except for a steeper final stretch; the descent, by contrast, is steep and rocky.
The Alto del Perdón is a magnificent viewpoint: "behind us, Pamplona and the Pyrenees; ahead, the vast Navarrese plain." It's home to the famous sculpture of pilgrim silhouettes, and an old legend that gives the pass its name.
Near the end of the stage, after passing through Uterga and Muruzábal, there's the option of a detour to visit the magnificent hermitage of Santa María de Eunate. The arrival in Puente la Reina comes via Obanos, at the town where the route from Roncesvalles meets the one entering Navarre via Somport.
What the terrain looks like, step by step
Terrain
A gradual 260 m climb up the Sierra del Perdón, steeper on the final stretch, followed by a rocky, steep descent.
Scenery
Magnificent views from the Alto del Perdón: Pamplona and the Pyrenees behind, the vast Navarrese plain ahead.
Trail type
Rural tracks and trails, with the descent from the Alto del Perdón being especially rocky.
Villages
Cizur Menor, Zariquiegui, Uterga, Muruzábal, and Obanos before reaching Puente la Reina.
Water points
Good, with fountains in the various villages passed along the stage.
Shade
Scarce on the climb up the Sierra del Perdón, somewhat better on the final stretch to Puente la Reina.
Traffic
Generally light, typical of rural tracks with the occasional road crossing.
Key tip
The descent from the Alto del Perdón is rocky and slippery: take extra care, especially in the rain.
Staying in Puente la Reina
Puente la Reina, the meeting point of two Jacobean routes, has several albergues.
Albergues in Puente la Reina
Several municipal and private albergues in the town centre, near the Romanesque bridge and the Church of the Crucifix.
Good options in Puente la Reina
As the meeting point of two Camino routes, Puente la Reina has a well-established food scene.
Bars and restaurants in the old town
Numerous places offering a pilgrim menu near the Romanesque bridge and Calle Mayor.
Stops with history on this stage
Alto del Perdón pilgrim sculpture
A sculptural ensemble of walking and riding pilgrim silhouettes, at the viewpoint marking the highest point of the stage.
Hermitage of Santa María de Eunate
A magnificent octagonal Romanesque hermitage, one of the most singular and mysterious buildings on the whole Camino Francés, reachable with a short detour.
Romanesque bridge over the Arga
Built in the 11th century by order of Queen Doña Mayor of Navarre to ease pilgrims' crossing. It has 7 semicircular arches and is 110 m long.
Church of the Crucifix
Founded by the Templars around 1146, it combines a Romanesque nave with a Gothic one. It houses an exceptional Y-shaped crucified Christ, one of the finest Gothic carvings in Spain.
If time allows, don't skip the detour to the Eunate hermitage — one of the most singular spots on the whole Camino Francés.
How to arrive and how to get back
If you're starting here: Pamplona has its own airport plus a train and bus station with connections across Spain.
If you need to get back from Puente la Reina: there's a bus to Pamplona, with good onward connections.
Good to know before this stage
Get ready for wind
The Sierra del Perdón hosts a wind farm: the pass can be very windy, even in summer.
Take care on the descent
The rocky stretch after the Alto del Perdón demands attention, especially with worn footwear or wet ground.
Save time for the sculpture
The Alto del Perdón's sculptural ensemble is one of the most photographed spots on the whole Camino.
Consider the Eunate detour
It adds a few kilometres, but the octagonal hermitage is one of the route's lesser-known gems.
Don't ruin this stage
Descending the Alto del Perdón carelessly
The descent is rocky and steep: don't rush it.
Underestimating the wind up top
The wind farm is there for a reason: the Alto del Perdón can be very windy even in good weather.
Skipping Eunate
Even though it means a short detour, it's one of the most singular hermitages on the whole Camino Francés.
Not visiting the Church of the Crucifix
Its Y-shaped Gothic carving is one of the finest pieces of medieval religious art preserved in Spain.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Pamplona to Puente la Reina?
Is this stage hard?
What is the Alto del Perdón?
Is the Eunate detour worth it?
Why is Puente la Reina important?
What can you see in Puente la Reina?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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