The stage, step by step
Setting off from Arzúa
Take advantage of Arzúa to have breakfast and buy water before leaving. Fonte da Quenlla appears in the first few kilometres, and the route descends 66 m between km 0.8 and km 3.3 before climbing 59 m to km 4.8.
Boavista and Salceda
After the first climb, you pass through meadows and scattered villages, with Boavista and Salceda as landmarks along the route. Café-Bar Preguntoño and Abaceria Galega appear in this section, useful options if you do not want to rely solely on the food you are carrying.
Towards San Miguel de Cerceda and Santa Irene
The route continues through the area around San Miguel de Cerceda and Astrar. Between km 8 and km 9.3, the profile descends 45 m; the last convenient cafés in this section, such as Café Bar Lino and Casa do Hórreo, are around here. A gentler climb follows between km 15 and km 16.8.
The final descent to O Pedrouzo
From km 16.8, the route begins its longest descent, losing 147 m before entering O Pedrouzo. Santa Irene comes before this descent and offers Albergue de Peregrinos de Santa Irene and Albergue Municipal de Santa Irene. O Pedrouzo concentrates the accommodation and services at the end of the stage.
What to see on stage 13
Arzúa
Arzúa is a historic stopping and welcoming place for pilgrims, as well as the home of Arzúa-Ulloa cheese. It is the last substantial settlement of the stage and the best place to set off well supplied.
Salceda
Salceda appears among villages and meadows where the Camino keeps a peaceful rhythm. It is a useful landmark showing that there is still some distance to cover before the final section of the day.
Santa Irene
Santa Irene, in O Pino, is one of the last stopping points before Santiago. Its position is useful if you want to shorten the stage or prefer to stay overnight before tackling the final section to O Pedrouzo.
O Pedrouzo
O Pedrouzo marks the beginning of the final phase of the Camino and is 19.4 km from Santiago. It is a practical village with plenty of options for resting and preparing for the arrival in Compostela.
Where to sleep in O Pedrouzo
Arzúa has a very wide choice, including Albergue de Peregrinos de Arzúa, Albergue Municipal de Arzúa, O Albergue de Selmo and Albergue Pensión Cima do Lugar. If you prefer to stop earlier, Santa Irene has Albergue de Peregrinos de Santa Irene and Albergue Municipal de Santa Irene. In O Pedrouzo, you have Albergue Xunta de Arca do Pino and Albergue de Peregrinos de Arca, as well as plenty of private accommodation along the main road. There is plenty of choice, but demand is high too: book ahead, especially in summer.
Where to eat and refuel
In Arzúa, you can sort out food before setting off: options include Restaurante Casa Teodora, Il Fornaccio, Pulpería Encontro and Pulpería Parrillada Europa, as well as supermarkets such as Froiz, Eroski and Covirán. In the middle section, food options are more scattered; you will find Café-Bar Preguntoño, Taberna Nova, Casa Calzada and Café Bar Lino. O Pedrouzo once again has a good concentration of restaurants, cafés and shops, including Restaurante O Acivro, Bar Mirás and supermarkets such as Eroski City and Todo para el peregrino.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your bottle before leaving
Fonte da Quenlla is in the first section, still close to Arzúa. Do not expect regular water points later on: set off with enough to walk to the next village with services.
Book before reaching Santa Irene
This stage coincides with a substantial flow of pilgrims on the French Way, including those starting in Sarria. Santa Irene and O Pedrouzo have beds, but availability can change quickly; book ahead or set off very early.
Take the final descent seriously
The route is generally flat, but from km 16.8 to the end it loses 147 m at an average gradient of 4.9%. If you arrive carrying a heavy pack or with tired legs, descend slowly and take care with your footing.
Choose where you want to finish
Santa Irene allows you to shorten the day, while O Pedrouzo offers more services. If you want to break away from the main groups, staying in Santa Irene can be a useful strategy; if you prefer convenience, continue to O Pedrouzo with your bed secured.
Frequently asked questions about stage 13
How long does the stage from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo take?
It is 19.3 km and the average walking time is 4.8 hours. The total ascent is 213 m and the descent is 307 m, with generally flat terrain.
Where can I stop before O Pedrouzo?
Santa Irene is the clearest reference point and has Albergue de Peregrinos de Santa Irene and Albergue Municipal de Santa Irene. You will also pass places such as Salceda and San Miguel de Cerceda.
Are there services along the way?
Arzúa and O Pedrouzo have the most complete range of services. Between them, there are a few cafés and restaurants, such as Café-Bar Preguntoño, Taberna Nova and Casa Calzada, but it is best to leave Arzúa with water and some food.
Is the arrival in O Pedrouzo difficult?
The stage is generally flat, but the final section descends 147 m from km 16.8, with an average gradient of 4.9%. It is not a huge change in elevation, but it can put strain on your knees at the end of the day.
