Puerto de Ibañeta

The Puerto de Ibañeta (1,057 m) is where the two routes from Saint Jean Pied de Port converge — the Napoleon Route descending from the Collado de Lepoeder through beech forest, and the Valcarlos Route climbing steeply from Gañecoleta.

The modern Ermita de San Salvador marks the site of an older monastery that once received pilgrims at this pass. A stone monument to Roland stands nearby, commemorating the battle of 778. The views south toward the valley of Roncesvalles are a welcome sight after either crossing.

This pass has been an important crossing point since Roman times and was one of the principal routes into the Iberian peninsula. The chapel is usually open and makes for a quiet moment before the final descent.