The stage, step by step
From Burgos to Tardajos
You soon leave Burgos behind and the surroundings change from an urban setting to the open paths of the plateau. Tardajos is the first obvious place to organise your day; you can count on the Albergue de peregrinos Municipal de Tardajos and the Albergue de Peregrinos de Tardajos there.
Tardajos and Rabé de las Calzadas
From Tardajos you continue towards Rabé de las Calzadas, the last intermediate settlement before the day's longest sustained section. It is a good place to check your water, food and pace before carrying on.
The final climb
The most notable climb begins at km 12: between km 12 and km 17.3, you gain 95 m at an average gradient of 1.8%. It is not a wall, but it comes after several exposed kilometres and can feel long if you have set off late.
Descent towards Hornillos
At km 17.3, a 95 m descent begins and continues to the end of the profile at km 20.5. Hornillos del Camino appears at the bottom, with the Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal as the main accommodation reference.
What to see on stage 13
Burgos
The stage begins in Burgos, one of the great cities on the Camino Francés. Use your departure from the city to sort out shopping, breakfast and any last-minute errands before entering the plateau.
Tardajos
Tardajos is the first intermediate settlement of the day and a natural place to rest. You can pause here before the route becomes more open and services become scarcer.
Rabé de las Calzadas
Rabé de las Calzadas marks the transition into the Castilian plains and comes just before the final climb. It is a useful reference point: there is still some ground to cover before Hornillos.
Hornillos del Camino
Hornillos is the destination and one of the first plateau villages where pilgrims really notice the scale of the Castilian landscape. You arrive after the final descent.
Where to sleep in Hornillos del Camino
Burgos has plenty of options, including the Albergue Municipal Casa del Cubo and the Albergue Casa de Peregrinos de Emaús. Tardajos offers the Albergue de peregrinos Municipal de Tardajos and the Albergue de Peregrinos de Tardajos. If you continue to the destination, you can book the Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal in Hornillos del Camino. Accommodation is concentrated in Burgos, Tardajos and Hornillos; do not expect to find somewhere to sleep by improvising between these points.
Where to eat and refuel
Buy what you need in Burgos and leave with enough food. The choice of places to eat along this stage is very limited, so do not walk from Rabé de las Calzadas to Hornillos expecting to find a convenient stop halfway. Plan your evening meal directly in Hornillos.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with water and food
Services become less frequent as you move away from Burgos. Carry enough water from the start and take something solid to eat; Tardajos is the obvious place for a break, but do not plan the day as a succession of refreshment stops.
Save energy for the end
The climb between km 12 and km 17.3 gains 95 m at an average gradient of 1.8%. Start conservatively, as you still have the descent to Hornillos afterwards.
Keep an eye on the time
Although the average walking time is 4.5 hours, setting off late can make the exposed section and final climb feel heavy. If you want to sleep in Hornillos, confirm your bed before leaving Burgos.
Do not underestimate the open terrain
The profile has few ups and downs, but the real change is the exposure: from Rabé onwards you walk in the open, with no shade and potentially a headwind. A hat, sun cream and a light layer are essential.
Frequently asked questions about stage 13
How many kilometres is the stage from Burgos to Hornillos del Camino?
The stage is 20.3 km and takes an average of 4.5 hours. It includes 98 m of ascent and 146 m of descent.
Where is the best place for the first break?
Tardajos is the first clear intermediate settlement after Burgos. Rabé de las Calzadas comes later, before the main climb at the end of the stage.
When does the hardest section come?
The most notable climb is between km 12 and km 17.3: 95 m of ascent at an average gradient of 1.8%. The descent towards Hornillos begins afterwards.
What are the stage's altitudes?
The lowest point is at 821 m and the highest at 919 m.