Pilgrims on the road and friends along the way send me changes every day, and they go out the same day. The Camino de Invierno app carries all of it offline, and it's still being built — new features arrive routinely.
Get the app500 meters beyond the Monasterio de Irache, the camino splits. The camino turns right, but the natural inclination is to continue going straight along the alternate route via Luquin.
via Luquin - 17.8 KM
If you continue straight you will be rewarded with a more diverse hike with better views. The drawback is a lack of dependable services along this stretch of trail at the base of the Montejurra mountain. Luquin is the only town with a bar, and it is open irregularly. If you plan to go this way be sure to include extra food and drink. This lesser traveled route is the more scenic and peaceful option. Outside of Luquin it passes back under the A-12 and rejoins the first option during its zigging and zagging.
via Villamayor de Monjardín - 18.2 KM
Following the camino to the right will take you past the campgrounds of Irache, Azqueta, and Villamayor de Monjardin, before zig-zagging through the broad countryside that surrounds Los Arcos.
1. October 2026 - 7:39
I took alternative route and turned back. It's through bush 7am dark. Solo woman. Main route felt safer
16. April 2024 - 10:49
The forest walk to Luquin is peaceful, well shaded and very well marked.
13. June 2023 - 19:53
The alternative route is a real forest (luniquin)
You'll hear 20/30% of your time the highway, the rest is peace
You have a short overview of the valley which is a blast
What you dont get in shops, you get it in nature & silence
Can be slippery and muddy (fun right ?) If rainy before
22. April 2023 - 23:03
We left Estella and Irache early and in the dark. We went straight and didn't know the Camino went right! It was a long hike to Luquin, through a park with lots of other trails, and a lot of climbs! It was beautiful, but we guessed we took the more difficult route and we were happy to get there just as the cafe/bar was opening. We didn't see as many pilgrims until we joined the main Camino.
29. May 2022 - 6:44
The path to Los Arcos via Luquin is absolutely beautiful, first going through a lovely forest then coming to some amazing views of Navarra, mountains, cliffs and fields. The town of Luquin is small and more peaceful, and the auberge is excellent and affordable.
14. September 2021 - 9:58
I took the alternative route, and was glad I did. It was a hot sunny day, but there were long stretches through woods and otherwise where there was plenty of shade.
:I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."
15. April 2021 - 16:03
A more scenic option
Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.