Santiago Plan

Stage 1 of 12 · Camino de Invierno

Ponferrada → Las Médulas

León

Updated on August 16, 2026

Distance
23 km
Time
6 h 23 min
Ascent
+544 m
Descent
−329 m
Difficulty
Hard
Where to sleep in Las Médulas
2

Elevation profile

Ascent

+544 m

Descent

−329 m

Altitude

455–738 m

4135977800 km6 km12 km17 km23 km

Stage map

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Where to get your credential stamped

Places on this stage that usually stamp the pilgrim's credential. Remember: over the last 100 km you need two stamps a day.

Points based on the hostels and parish churches along this stretch (OpenStreetMap data). We can't guarantee that each one stamps at all times: opening hours and availability change. Many bars, cafés and town halls also stamp.

Don't have the credential yet? See where to get one →

Centuries-old chestnut trees, the Templar castle of Cornatel and the Roman gold mines of Las Médulas.

🧭 How to get there

Find out how to travel from your city to Ponferrada by train, bus, car or plane.

See routes and prices
Open in Google Maps →Links to external planners; schedules and prices on their website.

Hostels on this stage

Hostel data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). It does not include beds or price, which are not always in the source; check with the hostel. Is one missing or wrong? Write to us.

Frequently asked questions about this stage

How many kilometres is stage 1?
The stage from Ponferrada to Las Médulas is about 23 km according to our track.
How long does this stage take?
About 6 h 23 min at a moderate pace (23 km and +544 m). This estimate excludes breaks; with rests, photos and meals, add 1-2 hours.
How much elevation does this stage have?
It gains about +544 m of ascent and −329 m of descent, calculated on the real profile of the stage.
Is this stage difficult?
We rate it as hard difficulty, with about 24 m of ascent per kilometre. It is an estimate based on elevation; heat, rain or the surface can make it harder.
Where to sleep at the end of the stage, in Las Médulas?
We list 3 pilgrim hostels in the corridor of this stage (with phone and website when available). You can also book a hotel or guesthouse in Las Médulas.

Xacobeo 2027

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Keep planning

All stages of the Camino de InviernoCompare the routesHow to start the CaminoThe credential and the Compostela
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