The stage, step by step
Leaving Mérida
You leave Mérida with a long stage ahead. The first kilometres already include a climb between km 1.3 and km 4.8, where you gain 75 m at an average gradient of 2.1%.
The first undulations
After that climb comes a descent between km 4.8 and km 7, losing 57 m. Further on, there is another climb between km 7 and km 12.8, with 73 m of ascent.
Passing through El Carrascalejo
El Carrascalejo lies around halfway through the stage and is the main inhabited landmark before Alcuéscar. If you need to shorten the day or rest, you have Albergue El Carrascalejo and Albergue Municipal here.
The climb that defines the day
From km 17.3 to km 33 comes the longest climb: 232 m of elevation gain over 15.8 km. It is not an extreme gradient, but it is a sustained effort after many kilometres.
Entering Alcuéscar
The final kilometres bring you towards Alcuéscar, with the stage’s maximum altitude of 482 m. There you will find accommodation and services to round off a day with an average walking time of 8 hours.
What to see on stage 10
Pantano de Proserpina
This Roman reservoir forms part of the historical heritage around Mérida. It is one of the places that best sums up the relationship between Roman infrastructure and the Extremaduran landscape.
Parque Natural de Cornalvo
The stage passes through the surroundings of Parque Natural de Cornalvo, an area with archaeological heritage. Its presence breaks up the long day and adds interest before reaching Alcuéscar.
El Carrascalejo
The stage’s intermediate settlement and a useful point for gauging your progress. It can also give you a chance to rest before tackling the long climb that begins later.
Alcuéscar
Arrival in Alcuéscar brings rest, food and accommodation after a 35.9 km stage. Give yourself time to recover before continuing with a look around the village.
Where to sleep in Alcuéscar
Mérida offers several options for starting well rested, including Emeritae, Albergue de peregrinos Molino de Pancaliente, Hostal Salud and Las Abadías. In El Carrascalejo, you can stop at Albergue El Carrascalejo or Albergue Municipal. In Alcuéscar, you have Albergue de los Esclavos de Alcuéscar and Hostal Los Olivos.
Where to eat and refuel
The easiest place to arrange food is Alcuéscar, at the end of the stage: there you have Marqués arroces y brasas and Alta Cuesta, as well as Los Ángeles, Bar El Cortijo, El Peral and El Rincón de Paco. Do not plan the day as though you will find a continuous choice of places between Mérida and your destination.
Practical tips for this stage
Treat it as a tough stage
It is 35.9 km, with an average walking time of 8 hours and 396 m of ascent. The long climb between km 17.3 and km 33 comes when you already have much of the day in your legs.
Consider staying in El Carrascalejo
If you do not want to tackle the full distance, El Carrascalejo lies roughly halfway and has Albergue El Carrascalejo and Albergue Municipal. It is a sensible split, avoiding a race against the clock on the final climb.
Set off with your pack prepared
Do not rely on finding food or water regularly along the way. Take what you need for a long day from Mérida, and plan your main resupply for El Carrascalejo or Alcuéscar.
Book if you are going all the way
After a 35.9 km stage, having a bed waiting matters. Confirm a place at Albergue de los Esclavos de Alcuéscar or Hostal Los Olivos before setting off.
Frequently asked questions about stage 10
How long does it take to walk from Mérida to Alcuéscar?
The average walking time is 8 hours for the 35.9 km.
Where can the stage be split?
El Carrascalejo is the intermediate settlement, with Albergue El Carrascalejo and Albergue Municipal.
Where is the longest climb?
The main climb runs from km 17.3 to km 33, gaining 232 m at an average gradient of 1.5%.