The stage, step by step
Leaving Alcaracejos
Alcaracejos is a good place to have breakfast and set off prepared: you have Taxi-Burger, El control and Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal. There is also an Albergue de peregrinos shortly after leaving the village.
Rural section to km 8
The first kilometres follow gentle terrain, with no climb strong enough to set the pace. Around km 8.7, you will find Farmacia Lucía Romero López, a useful reference if you need to sort something out before continuing.
The central descent and climb
Between km 8 and 11, you descend 52 m at an average gradient of 1.7%. The profile then regains those metres between km 11 and 14.4, with a gentle climb averaging 1.5%.
Arrival in Hinojosa del Duque
The final section leads into Hinojosa del Duque, where food, shopping and accommodation options are concentrated. If you still have the energy, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is an easy visit at the end of the day.
What to see on stage 12
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
Hinojosa del Duque’s church is a 16th-century building and one of the main points of interest on arrival. It is an appropriate place to finish a restorative stage.
Hinojosa del Duque
The destination lies in the hills of Córdoba, although the terrain on this stage is gentler. Its current name was adopted in 1533 and is linked to the marriage of the local count to the Duchess of Béjar.
Alcaracejos
The start gives you the chance to say goodbye to Alcaracejos, the gateway to the Los Pedroches landscape. After the demanding previous stage, make the most of its services before setting off.
Where to sleep in Hinojosa del Duque
In Alcaracejos, you can set off from Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal or the Albergue de peregrinos. If you finish in Hinojosa del Duque, there is also an Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal; book ahead if you are walking during a busy period.
Where to eat and refuel
Alcaracejos offers Taxi-Burger and El control for breakfast or buying something before setting off. Do not count on finding bars during the rural section. In Hinojosa del Duque, the choice is much better: you can eat at Mesón La Dehesa, Restaurante Bar Avenida, Restaurante El Cazador, Café Bar Hinojosa or Mesón Brigadier El Condesito, and shop at Super Merca, Autoservicio Pizarro or Mercadona.
Practical tips for this stage
Use this stage to recover
At 21.6 km and only 79 m of ascent, this is a gentler day after Villaharta–Alcaracejos. Keep a comfortable pace and do not turn recovery into another race.
Set off from Alcaracejos with water
There is no reliable fountain during the rural section. Fill your water bottle before leaving, and do not wait until Hinojosa del Duque to sort out your water supply.
A gentle profile does not mean a short stage
The climb and descent are moderate, but the stage is still 21.6 km. The central section between km 8 and 14.4 contains the changes in elevation and may feel monotonous if you are tired.
Plan your arrival
Hinojosa del Duque has food, supermarkets, pharmacies and accommodation. If you need to shop or deal with anything, leave enough time to do so before the shops close.
Frequently asked questions about stage 12
Is this a recovery stage?
Yes. After the previous day’s 33.7 km, this stage is 21.6 km, with 79 m of ascent and 135 m of descent, and a considerably gentler profile.
Where are the changes in elevation?
The main descent runs from km 8 to 11 and loses 52 m. You then climb those 52 m again between km 11 and 14.4, with moderate average gradients.
Are there services during the walk?
Most services are concentrated in Alcaracejos and Hinojosa del Duque. During the rural section, carry water and food; Farmacia Lucía Romero López is around km 9.
Where can I sleep at the end?
Hinojosa del Duque has Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal. If you prefer to set off from Alcaracejos, that village also has Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal and the Albergue de peregrinos.