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As of mid-2026 the historic route is open again.
This is the traditional route that the Camino followed up to the pass before the construction of the AVE. It has been blocked for several years by a security fence on one side and a dangerous river on the other. The good news is that in 2026 a rope bridge has been built across the river and this route is over again open for business. From the valley to the pass is a steep climb through a beautiful shady forest. It should be passable with care in all weather conditions however after rain some parts of it will be flooded.
Veer left to walk for a few hundred metres underneath the viaduct crossing a small wooden bridge (with caution because it is in bad repair). Continue on a clear path for ?m until you come to a clearing to the right of the AVE tracks with a derelict building in front of you. Veer to the right of this building up a walking path to the rope bridge in 200m.
The path from here leads uphill through the forest. It is sparsely waymarked with wooden posts with a yellow top. The path itself is mostly clear and easy to follow, if somewhat overgrown. It zigzags several times as it ascends. Where it arrives near the road you will see slag heaps to your right which afford a beautiful view back over the valley.
Continue uphill (you'll see the road to your right) to the pass.
Requejo de Sanabria
Municipal (20, 12€) Albergue Municipal, past the roundabout there's a pharmacy to the right, the albergue is behind that. Basic. Contact information on the door. Tel 647 948 186
Private (22, 15€, April to September) Albergue Casa Cerviño, on the left beside the main road, after the roundabout. Kitchen, laundry facilities. Private rooms, 25€ per person. Tel 686 024 213 Open 12:00
Hotel Mar Rojo next door to Casa Cerviño. Comfortable singles/doubles 60€. Café / restaurant. Tel 980 622 446
Cafés, pharmacy, all on the Camino.
The café / restaurant in Hotel Mar Rojo is good and opens in the morning at 07:30.
Restaurante Tu Casa, about 800m up the main road (Avenida Juan Seisdedos / Johnny Sixfingers) west of the village, has a good value traditional Menú del Día in an old fashioned ambiance, lunchtime and evening.
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About the Vía de la Plata Guide
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The Vía de la Plata Guide is also available as an app. It contains all the great information as this online guide plus:
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The full Walking Guide to the Vía de la Plata has the following:
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