Laza to Xunqueira de Ambía
A long, demanding stage due to the elevation gain of Monte Talariño, with the option to split it at Vilar de Barrio if the distance proves too much.
Best season: Spring and autumn; at over 33 km, it's best to avoid the extreme heat of Ourense summers
Map
- Laza
- Xunqueira de Ambía
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 Laza to Xunqueira de Ambía is 33 km along the Vía de la Plata. It's stage 31, with 650 m of ascent and 550 m of descent, completed in about 8 h. Difficulty: Hard.
The climb to Monte Talariño
Right after leaving Laza, the path passes through Soutelo Verde, a perfect spot for breakfast and gathering strength before the day's most demanding stretch. At 7 km you reach Tamicelas, with its hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
From there begins the stage's big climb: from Tamicelas to the cross atop Monte Talariño (965 m), passing through Alberguería, you gain 425 meters of elevation in just under 6 kilometers. In Alberguería, hospitalero Luis Sande runs a 24-bed hostel and a bar decorated with scallop shells signed by pilgrims from all over the world, known as El Rincón del Peregrino.
For those who prefer to split the stage, Vilar de Barrio is an excellent midway option, with all the services needed for an overnight stay. The stage ends in Xunqueira de Ambía, at approximately kilometer 32.7.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
A climb of 425 m over 6 km between Tamicelas and Monte Talariño (965 m), the day's big elevation gain.
Landscape
Ourense mountain landscape, with wide views from the cross atop Monte Talariño.
Path type
Well-marked mountain tracks on the climb, rural paths for the rest of the route.
Villages
Soutelo Verde, Tamicelas, Alberguería, and Vilar de Barrio before reaching Xunqueira de Ambía.
Water points
Available in the villages along the route.
Shade
Variable, with good coverage on some mountain stretches.
Traffic
Generally low, typical of rural and mountain tracks.
Key fact
It's a long stage (33 km) with a considerable elevation gain: consider splitting it at Vilar de Barrio for a more comfortable day.
Staying in Xunqueira de Ambía
Xunqueira de Ambía has both public and private lodging, both verified.
Xunqueira de Ambía pilgrim hostel (Xunta)
24 beds, 300 m before the town, right on the Camino, next to the sports complex. Open 12:30-22:00, year-round, no booking, pilgrim credential required.
Albergue Casa Tomás
Right in the center, bookable, bar-restaurant with a set menu. Not on Booking, direct contact (637 580 772).
Eating in Xunqueira de Ambía
The bar-restaurant at Casa Tomás is the town's dining reference.
Bar-restaurant Casa Tomás
Pilgrim menu for €11, a good option after a long, demanding stage.
Historic stops on this stage
Soutelo Verde
The perfect spot for breakfast and gathering strength right after leaving Laza.
Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
A small hermitage in the village located 7 km from the start of the stage.
El Rincón del Peregrino
A bar decorated with scallop shells signed by pilgrims from all over the world, run by hospitalero Luis Sande.
Cross of Monte Talariño
At 965 meters of altitude, it crowns the stage's main climb with views over the Ourense landscape.
Don't miss El Rincón del Peregrino in Alberguería: its walls decorated with scallop shells from pilgrims around the world are one of the most cherished corners of the entire Camino Sanabrés.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Laza has bus connections to Verín and Ourense.
If you need to return from Xunqueira de Ambía: the most practical option is to head to Ourense, with good train and bus connections.
What you should know before this stage
Have a relaxed breakfast in Soutelo Verde
It's the best spot to gather strength before the day's big climb.
Consider splitting the stage at Vilar de Barrio
With all the services you need, it's an excellent option if you prefer to spread the 33 km over two days.
Stop in Alberguería
El Rincón del Peregrino is a charming stop, and also a good place to recover strength.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the climb to Monte Talariño
It's 425 m of elevation gain in just under 6 km: not a stretch to take lightly after already walking several kilometers.
Not planning well for such a long stage
At 33 km, it's best to leave early and seriously consider splitting it at Vilar de Barrio if you're not in top shape.
Walking past El Rincón del Peregrino
It's one of the most singular and photographed stops on the entire Camino Sanabrés.
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 kilometers are there from Laza to Xunqueira de Ambía?
Can this stage be split?
What is El Rincón del Peregrino?
What is the highest point of the stage?
Is this stage difficult?
Browse the stages
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Walking tour of the old town
Small-group walking tour of Santiago’s old town with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional Galician flambéed drink, explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Fisterra, Muxía and the Costa da Morte
The three unmissable stops of the "end of the world" in a full-day trip from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You still have stages ahead, but once you reach Santiago you will have earned a good breakfast. Bonsai Café is right in the city centre, with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.
Map
- Bonsai Café
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