Zariquiegui on the Camino Francés

Zariquiegui lies on the northern slope of the Sierra del Perdón. The village is closely associated with the Camino de Santiago Francés: the route reaches it after two kilometres of steady ascent. At the same time, grain fields and the wind turbines of the Parque Eólico del Perdón shape the way towards Zariquiegui. In the village, the Church of San Andrés and two old manor houses add historic buildings to the picture. Zariquiegui can thus be discovered through the course of the Camino de Santiago, the landscape on the northern slope and its architecture.

The Camino Francés and its route

The section of the Camino de Santiago Francés from Pamplona to Puente la Reina is 23.75 kilometres long. It is a moderately difficult, linear hiking route. The details describe different features: the kilometre figure gives the length of the section, while “linear” distinguishes the route from a circular one. Together with the moderate difficulty rating, they provide factual guidance for anyone considering the Camino as a hike.

After two kilometres of steady ascent, the Camino reaches Zariquiegui. This refers to the ascent to the village; by contrast, the 23.75 kilometres measure the section from Pamplona to Puente la Reina. These are two different measures: the specific climb to Zariquiegui and the total length of the longer route section. When assessing the route, you can consider both details separately without equating the climb with the length of the entire stage.

Landscape on the northern slope

On the Camino towards Zariquiegui, the route passes through grain fields. The wind turbines of the Parque Eólico del Perdón also shape this section. Both the fields and the turbines are therefore part of the landscape along the route. Zariquiegui’s location on the northern slope of the Sierra del Perdón places the village within this setting.

From Zariquiegui, there are wide-ranging views over the Pamplona Basin and the city of Pamplona. This adds another perspective to the landscape along the route: grain fields and wind turbines shape the section along the way, while from the village the view extends over the basin and the city. Those interested in the Camino will find not only details about the route but also specific points of reference for the landscape accompanying the section to Zariquiegui.

Church and historic houses

The parish church of San Andrés in Zariquiegui dates from the 13th century. Its date of construction places the building in the Middle Ages and provides a specific point of reference for the village’s history. For travellers wishing to explore historic buildings as well as the Camino de Santiago, the church adds a cultural dimension to the village’s landscape and walking routes.

Two old manor houses stand out for their façades: they feature Baroque coats of arms between lions holding shields, as well as windows with surrounds. The houses are examples of the historical power of the nobility in the Pamplona Basin. Their façades thus combine specific architectural details with a regional historical context. When looking at them, you can examine the coats of arms, lions and framed windows as distinct features of the same façades, without reducing the two houses to a single characteristic.

A practical tip for pilgrims

A self-cleaning toilet has been installed beside the Camino in Zariquiegui as a rest and service point for pilgrims. It is designed so pilgrims do not have to leave their route to use it. A report dated 20 March 2026 said that the facility had been in operation since 17 March. Check before your visit whether the toilet is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Zubieta, Abaurrepea / Abaurrea Baja, Gartzain, Arróniz, San Martín De Unx, Estella, Burguete, Arce.

Go to the main travel overview: Navarra.