Route 2 of 5 – Crossing the Spanish Pyrenees from Jaca to Miranda de Ebro and Soncillo.

From Jaca to Soncillo: Untamed nature, curves of emotion and corners for the soul.

The second day of this exciting five-day trek through the Spanish Pyrenees begins where the previous day left us dreaming: in the charming city of Jaca, a Pyrenean gem that exudes history, architecture, and fresh air. From there, we delve into the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, on a route where every curve promises beauty and every kilometer brings us closer to the most authentic essence of northern Spain.

Departure from Jaca: the beginning of a new adventure.

With the freshness of the morning and the mountains still covered in morning mist, we leave Jaca behind, with its walls, its citadel, and its welcoming pace of life. As we continue, the asphalt begins to twist elegantly, rising towards the heights of the Western Valleys Natural Park, a hidden treasure among peaks, where nature speaks without words.

The road winds through charming villages like Borau, Aísa, Jasa, Hecho, and Ansó, names that resonate with mountain history, culture, and tradition. These villages look like something out of a postcard, with stone houses, slate roofs, and flower-adorned balconies. Here, life is measured by the rhythm of the mountains: slow, silent, and profoundly human.

Each stop is a window onto an ancient way of life, and every view offers dreamlike panoramas: endless meadows, dense forests, and the murmur of streams cascading down from the heights. In the background, the peaks rise imposingly, guardians of a landscape seemingly untouched by the passage of time.
From Aragon to Navarre: a leap towards the magic of Roncal.

Leaving Aragon, we enter Navarre, where the transition of landscapes doesn't mean loss, but enrichment. If the Aragonese Pyrenees are majestic, the Navarrese Pyrenees are intimate and mysterious. We enter the legendary Roncal Valley, where the mountains embrace roads that defy logic, twisting with a wild charm.

Here we make an unforgettable stop: the Larra cheese factory, where the senses take center stage. We delight in a tasting of artisan cheeses from the valley, with flavors that evoke the purity of high-altitude pastures. Roncalese cheese, with its firm texture and intense flavor, becomes a souvenir that, fortunately, we can also take with us in our backpacks.

With our palates satisfied, we continue through Burgui, Güesa, and up toward Roncesvalles, where medieval history permeates every stone. This emblematic point on the Camino de Santiago preserves the spirituality of pilgrims, and its tranquil atmosphere invites you to stop and breathe deeply.

The surroundings change with every kilometer: we pass through the Irati Forest, one of the largest beech forests in Europe. A viewpoint worth seeing is the Ariztokia Viewpoint, located in the heart of the Aezkoa Valley. This natural vantage point is perched on some cliffs.

The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint is short and accessible, just a 10-minute walk along an easy natural rock path. There is also a small flight of stairs equipped with handrails to ensure the safety of all visitors, including families with children. Upon arrival, we are rewarded with a spectacular view encompassing the village of Aribe, the summit of Berrendi, and the winding Irati, all framed by the autumn foliage of a lush beech forest that surrounds the viewpoint.

It is the panoramic views from here that make it a must-see stop for those looking to connect with nature,
An enchanted forest where light filters through centuries-old leaves, and the silence is only interrupted by the singing of birds. Driving along these roads is like gliding through a fairy tale, where every curve hides a surprise.

Eugi and the enchanted reservoir.

The next destination is the picturesque village of Eugi, nestled between mountains and embraced by a reservoir that holds a secret beneath its waters: part of the old village is submerged. The view of the water reflecting the peaks and clouds is simply hypnotic. It looks like a lost Swiss corner in Navarre, an image as serene as it is breathtaking.
From there, we take the NA-2520, a secondary road that, far from being less spectacular, offers some of the most authentic views of the day. Further on, we connect with the NA-411, which takes us through the outskirts of Pamplona, skirting the Navarrese capital and bordering the Basque Country.

Estella and Larrion: tradition, flavor and relaxation.

We continue along tree-lined roads, where the intense green of the fields and forests accompanies every curve. We soon arrive in Estella, a city steeped in history on the Camino de Santiago. Its cobblestone streets and monumental heritage deserve a more leisurely visit, but today we continue on our way with a whetted appetite.

Our next stop is the Venta de Larrion restaurant, in the small town of Larrion. It's a hidden gem where the food is as hearty as it is tasty. Typical local dishes, prepared with care, comfort us after so many emotions. It's the kind of place where you feel at home, where the price is fair and the quality is pleasantly surprising. Highly recommended.

The Urederra River and swimming in Artavia.

After lunch, a good plan is to visit the bathing area on the Urederra River, near Artavia. Its crystal-clear waters, which descend from the Urbasa mountain range, form turquoise pools that invite you to take a dip, or at least relax on the banks. It's a hidden paradise for the attentive traveler, where it's not uncommon to see trout swimming peacefully in the riverbed.

This refreshing spot is ideal for a brief pause before continuing on the road, reminding us that on this journey, it's not just the destination that matters, but also knowing when to stop and simply contemplate.
From Navarre to Castile and León: heading for Miranda de Ebro.

With renewed energy, we hit the road again toward Miranda de Ebro, crossing the borders of Navarre, Álava, and Castile and León. This city, the second largest in the province of Burgos, is a natural crossroads, steeped in industrial and railway history, and a strong character that contrasts sharply with the bucolic villages we've left behind.

Although we don't linger long, Miranda marks a turning point: we're leaving the eastern Pyrenees behind and entering a transition toward more Castilian landscapes.

Puentedey: where nature is the architect.

Following a highway dividing the Basque Country and Castile and León, we pass through Medina de Pomar and Villarcayo, and head toward a magical place: Puentedey. This village, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, is literally built on a natural rock bridge carved out by the Nela River.

The image of its houses perched on the rock, with the water flowing beneath, is unique. Puentedey is not just photogenic; it's a testament to how nature and humanity can coexist in perfect harmony. A place that invites wonder and pause, even for a few minutes, to let time pass more slowly.

Final destination of the day: Simple and well-deserved rest.

The final leg of this journey takes us to Soncillo, where a well-deserved rest awaits us at the Hotel-Restaurant El Capricho de Clemente. This rustic and cozy accommodation is the perfect finishing touch to an intense yet deeply rewarding day. Here, among forests and mountains, you can breathe the peace of a day well spent.

The hospitality of the place, combined with the silence of the Castilian night, allows you to relax and prepare your body and mind for the third stage of this journey, which undoubtedly continues to promise excitement.


The Conclusion.
This second of five stages through the Spanish Pyrenees is, without a doubt, one of the most comprehensive. It combines picture-postcard landscapes, villages with soul, local cuisine, history, and roads full of character. From Jaca to Soncillo, we cross five autonomous communities, traveling not only through space, but also through time, flavors, and sensations.
An authentic and unique route, not because of its difficulty, but because of the intensity with which it is experienced. The traveler not only advances, but is transformed, discovering and connecting with a part of Spain that remains alive, proud, and profoundly beautiful.