The stage, step by step
Leaving Hinojosa del Duque
It is worth leaving Hinojosa with water and some food, as you will not pass through another settlement before reaching your destination. The first noticeable descent comes between km 2.9 and km 5, with 40 m of descent and an average gradient of 1.9%.
The central section
The stage continues over a rolling profile. Between km 9 and km 12.3, you tackle a 37 m climb, then lose height again between km 12.3 and km 15, before entering the longest downhill section.
Towards La Serena
Between km 15.5 and km 20.7, the path descends steadily by 77 m. It is a comfortable section for maintaining your pace, but it is also quite exposed: do not expect to find a village where you can buy water or food.
The final climb to Monterrubio
The long climb begins at km 23.1 and continues almost all the way to Monterrubio de la Serena. Close to the finish, you will find Dia and Farmacia Antonio Collado; once in the village, you can recover your strength at Bar Cinema or Tienda - Bar Zujar Oil.
What to see on stage 13
Hinojosa del Duque
This is the starting point for the day and the last place with a wide range of services before a long rural section. Take the opportunity to have breakfast, buy provisions and deal with any minor problems before setting off.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolación
The parish church of Monterrubio de la Serena is a 16th-century building. Its stone doorways and ribbed vaults are the highlights, making it well worth a visit at the end of the stage.
Casa del Cordón
This Renaissance building retains a distinctive ornamental doorway. It is in Monterrubio and can be visited while walking around the town centre.
Dehesa and olive groves of La Serena
The landscape near the finish combines dehesa and olive groves, a highly representative image of this part of Extremadura. It is a clear change from the Córdoba surroundings at the start.
Where to sleep in Monterrubio de la Serena
In Hinojosa del Duque, you can start the stage from the Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal. If you walk all the way to the end, the main option is the Albergue Municipal Monterrubio in Monterrubio de la Serena. There is no intermediate albergue where you can split the stage, so if you plan to sleep at your destination, it is best to arrange it before setting off.
Where to eat and refuel
Hinojosa del Duque is the best place for breakfast and to buy food to carry: you have Restaurante Bar Avenida, Restaurante El Cazador, Café Bar Sesión Continua, Bar Manila, El Trébol and Café Bar Benito, as well as Super Merca, Autoservicio Pizarro and Supermercado Olleros. In Monterrubio, at the end, you can rely on Bar Cinema and Tienda - Bar Zujar Oil. Do not plan on finding an improvised meal between the two villages.
Practical tips for this stage
Carry water from the start
There is no marked fountain along the way. Leave Hinojosa with enough water for a 33.8 km day and do not count on replenishing your supply until you reach Monterrubio.
Set off early
The distance matters more than the elevation gain. With an average duration of 7.5 hours, an early start gives you time to tackle the final climb without rushing and arrive in daylight.
Book in Monterrubio
Accommodation is concentrated in Hinojosa and Monterrubio. If you plan to finish the stage, confirm your place at the Albergue Municipal Monterrubio before starting.
Save energy for the end
The climb between km 23.1 and km 31.9 is not particularly steep, but it is very long. Keep a comfortable pace from halfway onwards and avoid using too much energy in the first few kilometres.
Frequently asked questions about stage 13
How long does this stage take?
The average duration is 7.5 hours for the 33.8 km between Hinojosa del Duque and Monterrubio de la Serena.
Which section is the most demanding?
The final climb, between km 23.1 and km 31.9, gains 104 m. The average gradient is 1.2%, but its length makes it noticeable at the end of the day.
Are there villages along the way where I can buy food?
No. The settlements on this stage are Hinojosa del Duque and Monterrubio de la Serena, so you should leave with enough water and food.
Where can I sleep when I arrive?
In Monterrubio de la Serena, you can try to find a place at the Albergue Municipal Monterrubio. You can also start the stage from the Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal in Hinojosa del Duque.