Left to Castañares or Straight to Vilafria

Camino Frances

Left to Castañares or Straight to Vilafria

Less than 1 km after leaving Orbaneja Riopico, the camino splits into two routes into Burgos.

The River Route (via Castañares) is the strong favorite. It follows the Río Arlanzón into the city through parkland and riverside paths — pleasant walking that avoids the worst of the suburban sprawl. Turn left at the split and follow the path to Castañares.

The Road Route (via Villafría) continues straight ahead along the main road through the industrial suburbs. It's direct and well-marked but the walking is dull — asphalt, commercial zones, and traffic. The only advantage is that it passes the airport, which is useful if you're meeting someone.

Take the river route. The yellow arrows can be confusing because local businesses have been known to vandalize or redirect them to divert pilgrim traffic. When in doubt, follow the river.

City Map

Comments

26. April 2026 - 15:31

All Caminos App User (not verified)

There is no arrow or sign for the turning to the river route (which is definitely much more pleasant).
The turning is at a row of big bins.

1. July 2023 - 16:13

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

There is construction improving the bridge over the motorway before the housing development. This obscures the left hand turn onto the route to Castañares. Unfortunately once you start on the route round the top of the airport, there’s no way to get back to the river route, other than to turn around a retrace your steps. My advice? As soon as you know you’ve gone wrong turn sound. Retracing is SO much more preferable than the ugly and long paved surfaces via Villafria. Why the official route follows such an uninspiring and exhausting path into Burgos is unexplainably bizarre. Persevere to find and follow the river route!

16. July 2021 - 19:36

Camino de Sant…

Walked the main route through the industrial areas in 2017. Such a drag. No water and no place to pee for long stretches. Walked the river today in 2021. So peaceful and shady. Infinitely preferable! And not too hard to find starting from the water fountain next to the bar mentioned above. Definitely follow the river.

20. September 2021 - 21:46

Camino de Sant…

There are no signs or waymarks whatsoever to indicate the left turn to Villavar and Cardeñula, and the left turn to Castañares, and as mentioned in the text picking up the alternative river route to Burgos in Castañares is a little tricky (Bar Pelegrina T. appears to have gone out of business). BUT just keep your eyes and this app's map open, and keep tracking where you are and stick to the green dotted line, and you'll be golden. I had a great walk from Atapuerca to Burgos, and found the routes (including the river route) to be lovely.