The stage, step by step
Leaving Cáceres
Before leaving Cáceres, you can visit the Iglesia de Santiago and get your pack ready. The first kilometres are the most demanding: between km 1.5 and km 2.8, you climb 73 m at an average gradient of 5.8%.
Descent after the first climb
Once over that rise, a 116 m descent begins between km 2.8 and km 6.8. The average gradient is 2.9%, so control your pace even though the descent may tempt you to move quickly.
Passing through Casar de Cáceres
Casar de Cáceres, in the first half of the stage, is the only village on the route. It is the main place to check your water, food and rest before continuing towards the reservoir.
The final climb
Between km 12.5 and km 14.5, there is a 38 m climb at an average gradient of 1.9%. It is not long, but it interrupts the descent and is best tackled without having spent all your energy.
Descent towards Embalse de Alcántara
From km 14.5 to the end, a gentle 93 m descent predominates. The final 12.9 km have an average gradient of 0.7% and lead you to Embalse de Alcántara.
What to see on stage 12
Iglesia de Santiago de Cáceres
This monumental church was built on the Vía de la Plata, outside the medieval walls. It is a particularly fitting place to begin a stage that follows the historic route northwards.
Cáceres
The stage starts in a historic city declared a World Heritage Site. If you did not visit it the previous day, set aside time to explore it before setting off.
Casar de Cáceres
The only village between Cáceres and the reservoir. As well as helping you organise the day, it marks the point where you leave the urban start behind.
Embalse de Alcántara
The reservoir is the destination of the stage and appears at the end of a prolonged descent. Reaching it completely changes the atmosphere compared with the monumental starting point in Cáceres.
Where to sleep in Embalse de Alcántara
In Cáceres, you can choose between Neptuno, Albergue Turístico Las Veletas, Pensión El Cesar and Albergue Municipal. On the way to the reservoir, you have Albergue Turistico Ruta de la Plata Casar and Albergue de peregrinos de Casar de Cáceres. If you want to sleep near the destination, confirm availability first, as accommodation is more concentrated in Cáceres and Casar.
Where to eat and refuel
Shop for food in Cáceres before setting out: supermarkets include Spar, Dia, Tambo, Carrefour Express, UNIDE Supermercado and Multitienda Las 4 Esquinas. For breakfast or a meal, you can use Trinidad 21, El 13 de San Antón, Restaurante La Morocha, Café Bar Miche or Bar San Francisco. After Casar de Cáceres, do not expect anything to be open until the reservoir.
Practical tips for this stage
Take the initial climb seriously
Between km 1.5 and km 2.8, you face 73 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 5.8%. Set off steadily and keep some strength in reserve for the second half.
Stock up in Cáceres
Cáceres is the best place to buy food and drink. Although Casar de Cáceres lies halfway, it is unwise to rely on finding everything you need there.
Control the descent
The stage includes 268 m of descent and ends with a 93 m drop from km 14.5. The terrain may look easy, but continuous descending can be hard on your feet and knees.
Book if you are staying in Casar
If you want to split the day or sleep before the reservoir, confirm a place at Albergue Turistico Ruta de la Plata Casar or Albergue de peregrinos de Casar de Cáceres.
Frequently asked questions about stage 12
How long does it take to walk from Cáceres to Embalse de Alcántara?
The stage is 27.4 km, with an average walking time of 7.7 hours.
Where is the steepest climb?
The most pronounced climb is between km 1.5 and km 2.8: 73 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 5.8%.
Is there an intermediate settlement?
Yes, Casar de Cáceres, in the first half of the route. It is the only one.