Camino Frances – Day 21 – Hospital de Orbigo

Leon to Hospital de Orbigo

Leaving the bustling city of Leon behind, our path stretches toward Hospital de Orbigo, covering a lengthy distance of about 20.5 miles (33 km). The journey begins at an altitude of 2,756 feet (840 m), gradually ascending to 2,979 feet (908 m) in La Virgen del Camino before descending to a final altitude of 2,690 feet (820 m). Along the way, we pass through several quaint villages, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rural life. From Trabajo del Camino to San Martin del Camino, the landscape unfolds before us, guiding our steps toward our next destination amidst the Spanish countryside.

Trobajo del Camino

Leaving Leon and Crossing the Rio Bernesga
Leaving Leon and Crossing the Rio Bernesga

Trobajo del Camino, a suburb of Leon, boasts approximately 20,000 residents. Notably, the area is home to bodegas, historically used for wine storage, adding to its cultural charm.

La Virgen del Camino

Pilgrims on the Camino between La Virgen del Camino and Valverde de la Virgen
Pilgrims on the Camino between La Virgen del Camino and Valverde de la Virgen

Virgen del Camino originated over 500 years ago with the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a shepherd, leading to the construction of a chapel and subsequent development of the town around it. A pilgrimage church still stands here today, constructed approximately 60 years ago as a modern, functional building on the site of the historic chapel. Presently, the town boasts a population of around 5,000 residents, and its proximity to the Leon airport adds to its significance.

Valverde de la Virgen

Stork´s Nests on the Tower of Iglesia de Santa Engracia in Valverde de la Virgen
Stork´s Nests on the Tower of Iglesia de Santa Engracia in Valverde de la Virgen

The Iglesia de Santa Engracia greets visitors at the town’s entrance, its tower now a habitat for storks. Despite its small population of just 200 residents, Valverde de la Virgen serves as the municipal seat rather than the much larger La Virgen del Camino.

Villadangos del Paramo

Villadangos del Paramo
Camino in Villadangos del Paramo

Villadangos del Paramo is a town boasting approximately 500 residents, while its municipality hosts around 1,200 inhabitants. At La Praderia Restaurant, guests can enjoy a diverse selection of cold and warm dishes on its spacious outdoor terrace.

San Martin del Camino

Camino between La Virgen del Camino and Valverde de la Virgen
Camino between La Virgen del Camino and Valverde de la Virgen

With approximately 340 inhabitants, San Martin del Camino features five hostels to accommodate pilgrims. Additionally, for self-caterers, La Tiendina de Laura is available every day except Sundays.

Hospital de Orbigo

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in Hospital de Orbigo
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in Hospital de Orbigo

With a population of 960 people, Hospital de Orbigo is divided into two districts, with 200 residents living in the associated Puente de Orbigo. The Rio Orbigo separates these districts, connected by a medieval stone bridge dating back to the 13th century. This bridge gained fame in 1434 due to the knightly duels held here.

Trobajo del Camino – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Trobajo del Camino - Bodegas
Trobajo del Camino – Bodegas

Hostal Alfageme Trobajo del Camino

Private Hotel – 31 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Hostal El Abuelo Trobajo del Camino

Private Hotel – 12 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

La Virgen del Camino – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

La Virgen del Camino
La Virgen del Camino

Albergue Municipal La Virgen del Camino

Municipal Hostel – 40 Beds in 2 Rooms – No Reservation – Registration begins at 12:00 PM.

Hotel Villapaloma La Virgen del Camino

Private Hotel– 44 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Hostal Soto La Virgen del Camino

Private Hotel– 28 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Hostal Central La Virgen del Camino

Private Hotel– 25 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Valverde de la Virgen – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Valverde de la Virgen
Valverde de la Virgen

Albergue la Casa del Camino Valverde de la Virgen

Private Hostel – 20 Beds in 1 Room – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 10:00 PM.

Villadangos del Paramo – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Villadangos del Paramo
Villadangos del Paramo

Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal Villadangos del Paramo

Municipal Hostel – 48 Beds in 7 Rooms – No Reservation – Registration begins at 1:00 PM.

Hotel Avenida III Villadangos del Paramo

Private Hotel – 65 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

San Martin del Camino – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

San Martin del Camino
San Martin del Camino

Albergue Municipal San Martin del Camino

Municipal Hostel – 46 Beds in 2 Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 659283916 – Registration begins at 11:00 AM.

Albergue La Huella San Martin del Camino

Private Hostel – 24 Beds in 3 Rooms – 9 Private Rooms – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 1:00 PM.

Albergue Santa Ana San Martin del Camino

Private Hostel – 40 Beds in 2 Rooms – 12 Private Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 654381646

Albergue Vieira San Martin del Camino

Private Hostel – 36 Beds in 6 Rooms – 2 Private Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 620671864 – Registration begins at 11:00 AM.

Albergue La Casa Verde San Martin del Camino

Private Hostel – 8 Beds in 1 Room – 1 Private Room – Reservations by phone at 0034 646879437 – Registration begins at 12:00 PM.

Hospital de Orbigo – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Albergue Parroquial Karl Leisner in Hospital de Orbigo
Albergue Parroquial Karl Leisner in Hospital de Orbigo

Albergue Parroquial Karl Leisner Hospital de Orbigo

Parochial Hostel – 75 Beds in 8 Rooms – No Reservation – Registration begins at 11:00 AM.

Albergue San Miguel Hospital de Orbigo

Private Hostel – 18 Beds in 1 Room – 12 Beds in 3 Rooms – 1 Private Room – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 12:00 PM.

Albergue Casa de los Hidalgos

Private Hostel – 18 Beds in 1 Room – 4 Private Rooms – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 12:00 PM.

Albergue Verde Hospital de Orbigo

Private Hostel – 26 Beds in 2 Rooms – 1 Private Room – Reservations by phone at 0034 689927926 – Registration begins at 10:00 AM.

Albergue La Enchina Hospital de Orbigo

Private Hostel – 16 Beds in 4 Rooms -3 Private Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 987361087

Hostal Don Suero de Quinones

Private Hotel – 10 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Hostal El Caminero Hospital de Orbigo

Private Hotel – 5 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Hostal Canton Plaza Hospital de Orbigo

Private Hotel – 5 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

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