El Perdon – Puente La Reina
The hike today starts in Pamplona and arrives at the medieval village of Puente la Reina. A Templar Church is found in this village. The exit of Pamplona is slightly confusing. Watch those yellow arrows. The neighborhoods along the way are Cizur and a few other villages after crossing the mountain. The hike up the hilltop of El Perdon is challenging. For some pilgrims it is difficult, so the alternative is to take the bus at Pamplona to reach Puente la Reina. The mid portion of the hilltop is steep.
The hilltop has a monument and marks a limit of a new terrain. In Pamplona the terrain is a lush green. The terrain after the hilltop is less green and slightly drier. The hike down the hilltop is rocky, so watch your step. After you reach the bottom of the hilltop the terrain is mostly flat. There are three small villages on the way which are Uterga, Maruzubal & Obanos before you reach Puente la Reina. Puente la Reina has a good Albergue managed by a religious order with a school close by. There are several other good private albergues. Puente la Reina is named after a stone bridge constructed in the 15th century. A nice quiet town.
Pamplona to Puente la Reina ~ 26 kms. Steep climb on the second third of the hike to the hilltop and flat the last third of the hike. Difficulty of the hike 7/10.
Elevation
