The Way of Saint James through Geira and Arrieiros, 12 stages
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Etapa 8: Pazos de Arenteiro – Beariz (20 km)
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Etapa 9: Beariz – O Cachafeiro (18 km)
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Etapa 10: O Cachafeiro – A Estrada (25 km)
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Etapa 11: A Estrada – Raxó (21 km)
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Etapa 12: Raxó – Santiago de Compostela (9 km)
Discover one of the most unexplored Caminos de Santiago, the Geira and Arrieiros Path, which connects Braga a Santiago de Compostela. An epic journey of 223 kmIt is divided into 12 stages (usually one per month over the course of a year), inviting you to travel a unique route, full of history, faith and natural beauty. 🌿✨
O Geira and Arrieiros PathThe route, recently recognized as the official route to Santiago, takes us through landscapes that are a true historical and natural treasure. Along this route, you will be guided by traces of the Geira Romanathe monumental archaeological complex that remains almost intact, and by the breathtaking surroundings of the Gerês-Xurés Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve and Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG). 🌳🏛️
12 Stages of Faith and Discovery:
Step 1: Caldelas - Terras de Bouro (15 km)Stage 2: Terras de Bouro - Campo do Gerês (17 km)Stage 3: Campo do Gerês - Lobios (23 km)Step 4: Lobios - Castro Laboreiro (20 km)Step 5: Castro Laboreiro - Cortegada (27 km)Step 6: Cortegada - Ribadavia (14 km)Step 7: Ribadavia - Pazos de Arenteiro (18 km)- Step 8: Pazos de Arenteiro - Beariz (20 km)
- Step 9: Beariz - O Cachafeiro (18 km)
- Step 10: O Cachafeiro - The Road (25 km)
- Step 11: The Road - Raxó (21 km)
- Step 12: Raxó - Santiago de Compostela (9 km)
Walk through mystical mountains, timeless villages and silent valleys, where every step is an immersion in history and nature. This is more than just a pilgrimage; it's an invitation to discover the spirit of unity between spirituality and culture, walking one of the most authentic and little-explored trails to Santiago. 🚶♂️✨
Get ready for a good road!
🎁 Special Offer: When you purchase the complete 12-step package, the last stage will be free and includes a special lunch in Santiago de Compostela! 🎉 This is the perfect opportunity to complete the entire route from Braga to Santiago, culminating your epic journey with a memorable day in the company of your fellow travelers. 🙌✨
The Essentials in a Few Words
Geira Romana: Walk among Roman archaeological remains, passing bridges, sidewalks and milestones that bear witness to centuries of history. 🏛️
Breathtaking Natural Landscapes: It crosses the heart of the Gerês-Xurés Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve and the Peneda-Gerês National Park, with mountainous scenery and valleys of singular beauty. 🌄
Picturesque Villages and Local Authenticity: Immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of villages that preserve the charm and simplicity of rural life. 🏡
Spirituality and Contemplation: Experience a pilgrimage that combines inner discovery with immersion in the millenary traditions of the roads to Santiago de Compostela. 🙏
Diverse stages: Enjoy a varied route that takes you through forests, rivers, villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Each stage is a new adventure, with the promise of unforgettable discoveries. 🚶♂️
Stage by stage
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Etapa 1: Caldelas – Terras de Bouro
We started our adventure in Caldelasa spa town surrounded by greenery, following serene trails to Terras de Bourowhere mountains and rivers meet in perfect harmony. Along this route, we pass through authentic rural landscapes, where nature and tranquillity envelop us.
Distance: 15 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 543 m
Ascendente acumulado: 652 m
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Etapa 2: Terras de Bouro – Campo do Gerês
From Terras de Bourowe continued towards Gerês countrysidepenetrating more and more into the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park. This stretch offers impressive panoramic views, passing through typical villages and forest trails.
Distance: 17 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 672 m
Ascendente acumulado: 904 m
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Stage 3: Campo do Gerês - Lobios
This stage takes us across the border to the Spain. We start from Gerês countryside and follow paths that cross hills and valleys until we reach Lobios. We cross the Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés Natural Park, stopping at the ancient Roman baths.
Distance: 23 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 752 m
Ascendente acumulado: 415 m
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Etapa 4: Lobios – Castro Laboreiro
From Lobioswe headed towards the charming village of Castro LaboreiroThis is a place marked by history and its stone buildings. We walk through mountainous landscapes and past old country lanes and typical villages.
Distance: 20 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 949 m
Ascendente acumulado: 950 m
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Etapa 5: Castro Laboreiro – Cortegada
One of the longest stages of our journey, crossing deep valleys and dense forests from Castro Laboreiro until Cutfamous for its thermal waters. A route full of contrasts between natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Distance: 27 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 1059 m
Ascendente acumulado: 716 m
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Etapa 6: Cortegada – Ribadavia
Today we went down to RibadaviaThis is a medieval town known for its Jewish history and charming cobbled streets. A shorter stage, but full of moments of contemplation and discovery.
Distance: 14 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 291 m
Ascendente acumulado: 439 m
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Etapa 7: Ribadavia – Pazos de Arenteiro
We start from Ribadavia towards Arenteiro tentsThe route takes us through forests and small villages that offer us the serenity of deep Galicia. This is a route full of natural beauty, where streams and old bridges accompany us.
Distance: 18 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 338 m
Ascendente acumulado: 474 m
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Etapa 8: Pazos de Arenteiro – Beariz
We walked to BearizThe route winds through mountain paths and green valleys. Picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes mark this peaceful and revitalizing journey.
Distance: 20 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 803 m
Ascendente acumulado: 1103 m
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Etapa 9: Beariz – O Cachafeiro
From Beariz until The CachafeiroThe route takes us through rural trails, oak and chestnut forests and open fields that reveal the beauty of the Galician countryside. A stage that connects us to the simplicity of country life.
Distance: 18 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 803 m
Ascendente acumulado: 408 m
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Etapa 10: O Cachafeiro – A Estrada
One of the most demanding stages, but also one of the most rewarding. We walked from The Cachafeiro until The Roadthrough diverse landscapes with rolling hills and charming villages.
Distance: 25 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 708 m
Ascendente acumulado: 516 m
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Etapa 11: A Estrada – Raxó
We left The Road towards RaxóThe route continues along quiet paths and through dense forests, passing through typical Galician villages. This stage offers moments of reflection and connection with nature.
Distance: 21 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Maximum altitude: 301 m
Ascendente acumulado: 299 m
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Etapa 12: Raxó – Santiago de Compostela
Stage 12: A Raxo - Santiago de Compostela (9 km)
In the last stage, we set off from Raxó towards Santiago de Compostelawhere we will arrive at lunchtime. We cross the streets of the old town to the Santiago CathedralThis is a moment of celebration and closure to this incredible journey. The day culminates with a group lunch to celebrate the arrival and share the experiences lived along the way. 🥂
The price includes:
And it doesn't:
Everything you need to know
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What are the meeting points for this bus trip?
The planned meeting points for this bus trip are as follows:
- Porto, no Hospital de S. João (em frente à estação de metro do Hospital de S. João, junto à Circunvalação) - localização google maps
- Braga, no Hipermercado E.Leclerc do Via Nova Shopping (junto ao parque de estacionamento e posto de combustível) - localização google maps
- Ponte de Lima, na rotunda de acesso à A3 (junto ao Centro Educativo da Ribeira), a partir da etapa 5 - localização google maps
Boarding times at the scheduled locations will be communicated in advance via e-mail to the group of registered participants.
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What equipment do I need for the trip? What should I bring?
On our trips you should bring clothes and shoes that are suitable for the program, and a small 20L backpack to carry with you at all times. It's also very important to always have valid identity document (citizen's card or equivalent).
In terms of footwearyou should always opt for trekking bootsWaterproof, hard-soled shoes for nature walks and lighter, more flexible shoes for city walks.
In terms of clothesyou should opt for comfortable clothes and suitable for the climate, always including a waterproof jacket in your day pack. Clothes should be worn in layers to ensure thermal comfort.
You should always have a small backpack with, among other things: personal documentation, food and reinforcements, water bottle, flashlight, mug of tea/coffee, sunscreen, preventive medication, extra or regular bag and a change of clothes (including extra socks). Trekking equipment may be recommended depending on the route and the weather, such as trekking poles.
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What do I have to take into account when traveling by bus?
Some rules must be respected:
- In terms of luggage, one small item is allowed inside the coach, which can be stowed in the designated areas. Larger items of luggage will be stowed in the hold, limited to 1 item/person. Trekking poles must be identified and carried in the hold (objects considered dangerous to carry inside the bus).
- Deve ocupar um lugar sentado e permanecer nesse mesmo lugar durante toda a viagem, independentemente das paragens intermédias. Utilizar o cinto de segurança é obrigatório.
- You can't eat, smoke or put your feet on the seats.
- Check-in and boarding always takes a few minutes, so you should be at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
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If it rains, is the trip canceled?
No, the trip remains confirmed. If the safety of the trip itinerary is in question, the trip coordinator will come up with a plan B, an alternative itinerary, which will be just as fun and memorable.
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Can I cancel my reservation free of charge? What are the deadlines?
Don't panic. At Borealis we have a flexible cancellation policy, where you can withdraw from your booking free of charge, with 100% refund of the amount paid, up to 8 days (or more) for trips without organized transport and/or accommodation or up to 28 days (or more) for trips with organized transport and/or accommodation. After this period, you will not be entitled to any refund, however, you may alternatively appoint a substitute person, provided that they meet the profile of the booking in question and that you notify Borealis back-office support in good time.