Atapuerca

Camino Frances

To end of camino
503.8
Altitude
952

Agés

2.40

Atapuerca

4.40

Villalval

Services
Bar
Yes
Grocery
Yes

For the better part of the last 3 decades excavations have been underway to learn more about our prehistory. In the caves outside of town, the remains of early humans have been discovered; some as old as 800,000 years. Most of the discoveries have been transferred to the Museum of Human Evolution in Burgos.

History

Atapuerca, its prolific prehistoric discoveries aside, remains a small outpost. It was here where King Garcia of Nájera-Pamplona lost his life in a battle against his brother Ferdinand I of León on September 1st, 1054. The large stone marker in the field before town that marks his end; the locals refer to it as ‘el fin de rey’, or ‘the end of the king’.

The Road

From Atapuerca, the camino climbs upward into the Atapuerca mountains (actually a modest hill, not much more than 100m in gain) before descending again into Cardeñuela.

Comments

Camino de Sant…

At the end of town, Meson Las Cuevas has an excellent pilgrim menu with great 1st and second choices for 13 euro weekdays.
Good atmosphere and great service. Worth the short walk.

The close restaurant, Comosapians, with the great reviews is closed.

Camino de Sant…

Town shop was open in the morning and evening (not during siesta time). On the main road, on a corner. Not amazing but you can pick up some basics.

Camino de Sant…

Although I didn’t stay here, I enjoyed an excellent pilgrims menu. Decent food and lovely staff.

michael

We stayed the night, had lunch and dinner. The owners are welcoming, the food delicious! The room was comfortable. We enjoyed our stay.

michael

We stayed the night and had dinner at the Hotel Papasol. It’s under new ownership since 2020. The husband and wife are extremely friendly and helpful. The accommodations were clean and comfortable and the home cooked dinner was delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed the one night stay there.

michael

The restaurant Comosapiens was one of the best meals I have had so far on the entire Camino. Cozy atmosphere with a fireplace great music and amazing meal!

michael

The grocery store is no longer in business.

michael

The beds are in little cubes and each cube includes USB outlets to charge devices, a light , and a privacy curtain that blocks the light from other pilgrims arriving late or leaving early. Some cubes have additional storage space. There is a nice kitchen and sitting area. Some things could be improved; the showers were warm but not hot, and the WiFi was weak in the sleeping area. Overall I would stay again if the shower water was warmer. Cheers!

michael

It seems the town tienda is not open this year

michael

Great single room in casa los nomados when everything was sold out in atapuerca. Found it last minute. Reasonable priced at 45 euros for a relaxing, refreshing night. Great hosts!!