{"id":3174,"date":"2024-07-20T08:39:59","date_gmt":"2024-07-20T08:39:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/?page_id=3174"},"modified":"2026-02-23T07:31:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T07:31:25","slug":"camino-de-invierno","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/camino-invierno\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Way"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Winter Way (Camino de Invierno) \u2013 Complete Guide, Stages, Planning and Tips<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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Winter Way Stages<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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<\/h3>\n

1.Ponferrada-Las Medulas<\/a><\/h3>\n

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2.Las Medulas-Puente de Domingo Florez<\/a><\/h3>\n

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3.Puente-O Barco de Valdeorras<\/a><\/h3>\n

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4.O Barco-A Rua<\/a><\/h3>\n

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5.A Rua-Quiroga<\/a><\/h3>\n

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6.Quiroga-Monforte<\/a><\/h3>\n

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7.Monforte-Chantada<\/a><\/h3>\n

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8.Chantada-Rodeiro<\/a><\/h3>\n

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9.Rodeiro-A Laxe<\/a><\/h3>\n

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Winter Way - Sanabres Way<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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18.A Laxe-Ponte Ulla<\/a><\/h3>\n

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19.Ponte Ulla-Santiago<\/a><\/h3>\n

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Complete Guide to the Winter Way<\/h2>\n

The Camino de Invierno<\/strong> is one of the lesser-known historic routes of the Camino de Santiago<\/strong>. It emerged as an alternative to the Camino Franc\u00e9s<\/strong> during the coldest months of the year, when pilgrims avoided the harsh weather conditions and snow in the mountain passes of O Cebreiro<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This route runs mainly through the interior of Galicia, crossing regions of great scenic, wine-producing and heritage value, such as El Bierzo<\/strong>, the Ribeira Sacra<\/strong> and the Mi\u00f1o river valley. It is a longer, more solitary and demanding route than other Jacobean paths, ideal for experienced pilgrims or for those seeking an authentic, peaceful experience deeply connected to the land.<\/p>\n

The Camino de Invierno offers a different experience: less crowding, greater contact with nature and a strong historical and rural character.<\/p>\n

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Where does the Winter Way start from?<\/h2>\n

Camino de Invierno from Ponferrada<\/h3>\n
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  • Approximate distance:<\/strong> 260 km<\/li>\n
  • Number of stages:<\/strong> 10\u201312<\/li>\n
  • Right to Compostela:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n
  • Type of route:<\/strong> interior, rural and mountainous<\/li>\n
  • Profile:<\/strong> pilgrims with time and experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    Winter Way Stages<\/h2>\n

    The Camino de Invierno from Ponferrada<\/strong> has an approximate length of 260 kilometers<\/strong> and is usually organized into 10 to 12 stages<\/strong>, depending on the pilgrim's pace and route planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Stage<\/th>\nSection<\/th>\nApprox. distance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    1<\/td>\n
    \nPonferrada \u2013 Las M\u00e9dulas
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		27.9 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2<\/td>\n
    \nLas M\u00e9dulas \u2013 Puente de Domingo Fl\u00f3rez
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		10.0 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    3<\/td>\n
    \nPuente de Domingo Fl\u00f3rez \u2013 O Barco de Valdeorras
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		17.6 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    4<\/td>\n
    \nO Barco de Valdeorras \u2013 A R\u00faa
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		14.2 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    5<\/td>\n
    \nA R\u00faa \u2013 Quiroga
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		25.9 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    6<\/td>\n
    \nQuiroga \u2013 Monforte de Lemos
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		35.5 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    7<\/td>\n
    \nMonforte de Lemos \u2013 Chantada
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		29.3 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    8<\/td>\n
    \nChantada \u2013 Rodeiro
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		25.6 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    9<\/td>\n
    \nRodeiro \u2013 A Laxe
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		27.7 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    10<\/td>\n
    \nA Laxe \u2013 Ponte Ulla
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		29.9 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    11<\/td>\n
    \nPonte Ulla \u2013 Santiago de Compostela
    \n<\/a><\/td>\n    		20.5 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Total Camino de Invierno distance<\/strong><\/td>\n264.1 km<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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    Frequently Asked Questions about the Winter Way<\/h2>\n

    How many kilometers is the Camino de Invierno?<\/h3>\n

    The Camino de Invierno has an approximate distance of 250 to 270 kilometers<\/strong>, depending on variants and detours.<\/p>\n

    How many days does it take to complete the Camino de Invierno?<\/h3>\n

    The most common is to complete it in 10 to 12 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Is the Camino de Invierno difficult?<\/h3>\n

    It is considered medium-high difficulty<\/strong>, with significant elevation changes, long stages and mountain sections.<\/p>\n

    Can you obtain the Compostela?<\/h3>\n

    Yes. It far exceeds the minimum 100 km<\/strong> required.<\/p>\n

    What is the best time to do it?<\/h3>\n

    Spring and autumn. Winter is possible, but requires good planning and experience.<\/p>\n

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    Camino de Invierno Statistics<\/h2>\n

    The Camino de Invierno<\/strong> is one of the most recent routes of the Camino de Santiago<\/strong>. Its recovery and modern signposting began in 2009<\/strong> and, although its growth has been progressive, in recent years it has experienced a constant increase in the number of pilgrims.<\/p>\n

    In 2025<\/strong>, a total of 2,750 pilgrims<\/strong> walked the Camino de Invierno. Although this figure is still small compared to other more established Jacobean routes, it represents a very significant increase<\/strong> compared to the approximately 1,000 pilgrims registered in 2019<\/strong>, confirming the growing interest in this less crowded alternative.<\/p>\n

    Origin of Camino de Invierno pilgrims<\/h3>\n

    Regarding origin, 66% of the pilgrims who completed the Camino de Invierno in 2025 were Spanish<\/strong>. This clear national predominance is largely explained by the fact that it is still a route little known abroad<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Among the most present international nationalities, far behind the Spanish, are Portugal, Italy, the United States, Poland and Germany<\/strong>, reflecting potential for future growth at the international level.<\/p>\n

    Starting points of the Camino de Invierno<\/h3>\n

    The vast majority of pilgrims started the Camino de Invierno in Ponferrada<\/strong>. Specifically, more than 1,500 people<\/strong> began their pilgrimage there, representing more than 67% of the total<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The second most important starting point is Monforte de Lemos<\/strong>, with more than 850 pilgrims<\/strong>. Since Monforte is approximately 130 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela<\/strong>, it allows meeting the minimum distance requirement to obtain the Compostela<\/strong>. The remaining starting locations have clearly minority numbers.<\/p>\n

    Months with highest pilgrim flow<\/h3>\n

    The months with highest pilgrim flow on the Camino de Invierno<\/strong> are May, June and July<\/strong>, with an average of approximately between 400 and 500 pilgrims per month<\/strong>. This higher concentration coincides with more favorable weather conditions and holiday periods.<\/p>\n

    Pilgrimage mode<\/h3>\n

    Virtually all pilgrims complete the Camino de Invierno on foot<\/strong>. However, in 2025<\/strong>, approximately 100 pilgrims<\/strong> completed the route by bicycle<\/strong>, representing approximately 4% of the total<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    How to get to Ponferrada<\/h2>\n

    Ponferrada is the traditional starting point of the Camino de Invierno.<\/p>\n

    By train<\/h3>\n

    It has a train station with connections from Le\u00f3n, Galicia and Madrid.<\/p>\n

    By bus<\/h3>\n

    Regular bus lines connect Ponferrada with the main cities of the northwest.<\/p>\n

    By car<\/h3>\n

    Good road access from Le\u00f3n, Galicia and Asturias.<\/p>\n

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    Planning the Camino de Invierno<\/h2>\n

    Days needed<\/h3>\n

    Between 10 and 14 days.<\/p>\n

    Difficulty level<\/h3>\n

    Medium-high.<\/p>\n

    Infrastructure<\/h3>\n
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    • Limited hostels<\/li>\n
    • Irregular services<\/li>\n
    • Long sections without towns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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      Pilgrim preparation<\/h2>\n
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      • Good physical condition<\/li>\n
      • Technical mountain footwear<\/li>\n
      • Light but complete backpack<\/li>\n
      • Thermal and rain clothing<\/li>\n
      • Pilgrim's credential<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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        Who is the Camino de Invierno ideal for?<\/h2>\n
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        • Experienced pilgrims<\/li>\n
        • Mountain and nature lovers<\/li>\n
        • Those seeking solitude and authenticity<\/li>\n
        • Pilgrims who avoid crowded routes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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          Advantages of the Camino de Invierno<\/h2>\n
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          • Very low crowding<\/li>\n
          • High scenic richness<\/li>\n
          • Historical and cultural value<\/li>\n
          • Direct contact with the rural environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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            The Camino de Invierno within the Camino de Santiago<\/h2>\n

            The Camino de Invierno is part of the official network of Jacobean routes. It is a historic alternative to the Camino Franc\u00e9s and one of the most authentic and demanding routes of the Camino de Santiago.<\/p>\n

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            The Camino de Invierno in images<\/h2>\n
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            \"Ponferrada,
            Ponferrada, start of the Camino de Invierno<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
            \"Cornatel
            Cornatel Castle near Las M\u00e9dulas on the Camino de Invierno<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
            \"Official
            Official Camino de Invierno signage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
            \"Pilgrim
            Pilgrim near the border with Galicia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
            \"Mi\u00f1o
            Mi\u00f1o River near Quiroga<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
            \"Mi\u00f1o
            Monforte de Lemos, key hub of the Camino de Invierno<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
            \"Rural
            Rural landscape of the Camino de Invierno between Chantada and Rodeiro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
            \"A
            A Laxe, connection point with the Camino Sanabr\u00e9s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Winter Way (Camino de Invierno) \u2013 Complete Guide, Stages, Planning and Tips Winter Way Stages 1.Ponferrada-Las Medulas 2.Las Medulas-Puente de Domingo Florez 3.Puente-O Barco de Valdeorras<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3174","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3174"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3174\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peregrino.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}