The stage, step by step
Set off fully prepared
Carcaboso is the last convenient place to get everything organised. It has a couple of supermarkets —Spar and Covirán Jiménez Verdú, as well as Se disco Alimentacion— and you can have your first coffee at Zapp 2,0. Fuente Tres Cruces is at the exit: it is your last obvious chance to fill your bottles.
The climb through the dehesas
Between km 2.5 and 14.5, the route gains 154 m steadily, with an average gradient of 1.3%. The initial dehesa landscape accompanies a long stretch with few interruptions.
The remote central section
After the first climb comes a 55 m descent between km 19.3 and 25.3. The stage remains very remote, so make sure you have water and food sorted before leaving Carcaboso.
Approaching Aldeanueva
The final section climbs again: a long, gentle ascent that begins around km 27.5 and continues almost all the way to the finish, gaining around 150 m overall at an average gradient of 1.2%. Aldeanueva del Camino brings supermarkets, restaurants, a pharmacy and accommodation once again.
What to see on stage 15
Carcaboso
Carcaboso marks the beginning of one of the longest and most remote days on the Vía de la Plata. It is the right place to shop, eat something and fill your rucksack before entering the open countryside.
Dehesas at the start
The first few hours pass through dehesas, before the landscape gradually draws closer to the mountains of Valle del Ambroz. The initial climb accompanies this change of surroundings.
Valle del Ambroz
Valle del Ambroz appears as you approach Aldeanueva del Camino. The landscape shifts from dehesa to areas of grazing meadow as you near the end of the day.
Aldeanueva del Camino
Aldeanueva del Camino is the destination and has the services you will need at the end. You can restock food, visit the pharmacy and look for somewhere to stay.
Where to sleep in Aldeanueva del Camino
In Carcaboso, you can set off from Albergue turístico y de peregrinos Señora Elena or Albergue Turístico Juvenil y del Peregrino Majalavara. At the end, Aldeanueva del Camino offers Albergue de peregrinos de Aldeanueva del Camino and Albergue Turístico La Casa De Mi Abuela. For such a long day, book before setting off and do not rely on finding a bed on arrival.
Where to eat and refuel
Carcaboso lets you start well: coffee at Zapp 2,0 and shopping at Spar, Covirán Jiménez Verdú or Se disco Alimentacion. After that, food options dry up for many hours; El Dominguín, well into the day, is practically the only place you may find, and it is not always open. In Aldeanueva del Camino, options open up again with Casa Sebas, Restaurante Montesol, Área Ambroz and Churrería El Mercao.
Practical tips for this stage
Treat it as an all-day stage
It is 38.3 km, with an average duration of 8.5 hours. Set off early, plan a proper break and do not delay your start just because the total ascent is low.
Fill your bottles before leaving
fuente Tres Cruces is near the beginning, just after leaving Carcaboso behind. Use it, along with the village’s supermarkets and bar, to start with enough water and food for the whole day.
Do not underestimate the solitude
There is no village to stop at between Carcaboso and Aldeanueva del Camino: this is the most remote stage in this section, and you may go for hours without seeing anyone. Carry the day’s food and do not expect to find anything open in the middle section.
Book in Aldeanueva
You arrive after a second long climb, and the accommodation is at the destination. Confirm your bed, especially if you do not want to walk beyond Aldeanueva.
Frequently asked questions about stage 15
Is it really as long as people say?
Yes. It is 38.3 km and takes around 8.5 hours on average: one of the longest days on the entire Vía de la Plata. Prepare for it as a full day of walking.
Where can I shop before entering the remote section?
In Carcaboso you have Spar, Covirán Jiménez Verdú and Se disco Alimentacion. You can also have something at Zapp 2,0 and fill your bottles at fuente Tres Cruces before continuing.
Is there anywhere to stop for food along the way?
El Dominguín, well into the route, is practically the only stopping option, and it is not always open. Leave Carcaboso with enough food for the whole day.
How much ascent is there?
The stage includes 339 m of ascent and 66 m of descent. The two climbs you will notice are the one from km 2.5 to 14.5 and the long, gentle rise in the final section.