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Valcarlos accommodation question

K

KayVee

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (2017)
We are considering taking the valcarlos route from StJPdP in mid-August. We haven't yet decided whether to go all the way to roncesvalles or stay overnight in valcarlos. Do we need to book ahead in Valcarlos or could we just show up? Also I understand that the albergue in Roncesvalles requires reservations - but if we push ahead to say Burguete, do we still need to book ahead?

Thank you!
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
The Valcarlos municipal albergue has few beds so a reservation is safest. You can book via either of theses email addresses.
Luzaide-Valcarlos@wanadoo.es.
or
turismo@luzaide-valcarlos.net

Do be aware that from Valcarlos upto Roncesvalles monastery there are no services nor potabile water. Buy any trail snacks that you might need walking when you arrive in Valcarlos so that you can leave early from Valcarlos before the shops are open. Be prepared!

Good luck and Buen camino!
 
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I took mspath's advise and have stayed at the municipal albergue in Valcarlos twice with no regrets in mid April. The first time I was one of only four persons staying and had no reservation. The 2nd time was Holy week so I emailed in a reservation as she has suggested here. I was surprised you could do that since it is not a private albergue.

Two reasons why I've liked staying in Valcarlos. It breaks up the walk to Roncevalles in to two days, which is great for easing into the walking as the 2nd day especially has lots of elevation gain. Secondly, most everyone stays in the large converted monestary in Roncevalles and you can relax and be sure of arriving early enough to get a bed as you've walked fewer kilometers that day. A win, win in my opinion.
 
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Hi, if you start walking to Valcarlos on a fine, clear day, everyone else will be taking the Napolean route, so the albergue in Valcarlos will be quite empty. That’s what happened to me. The following day I reached Roncesvalles quite early, and it was very quiet, as all the pilgrims had left, and the next lot hadn’t yet arrived. I had a leisurely cold beer, and then wandered on to Viskarret, about 24kms from Valcarlos. I hadn't made any bookings.
Jill
 
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Felipe said:
A formal water fountain (with a shell), a modern faucet, and a "no potable" sign. This is when you walk a short distance by the paved road, after Gainekoleta.
Click to expand...
I walked the Valcarlos route last year and remember that fountain. As I recall the "non-potable" sign is because the water is not routinely tested and therefore cannot be officially certified safe. Not quite the same as saying it is poor quality. With no very likely sources of pollution obvious I and two other very thirsty walkers that day decided to take our chances and had no ill effects.
 
I thought you can not pre book municipal albergue. Perhaps its a private albergue. Appricate information as i have a fews frieds droping in there in early septembet ?
 
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as gaillimh said:
I thought you can not pre book municipal albergue. Perhaps its a private albergue. Appricate information as i have a fews frieds droping in there in early septembet ?
Click to expand...
The Valcarlos albergue is indeed a municipal albergue with the distinction of accepting reservations.
 
as gaillimh said:
I thought you can not pre book municipal albergue. Perhaps its a private albergue. Appricate information as i have a fews frieds droping in there in early septembet ?
Click to expand...
I thought the same thing and it is "usually" true. I was surprised you could book ahead at this municipal, but mspath knows what she is talking about!
 
Thanks. E mail gone out and as they will walk from sjpdep without stoping good idea to book bed
 
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The Valcarlos albergue is fantastic! Clean, comfortable, free laundry, in a lovely town with friendly residents. The hospi is a really nice fellow who also is part of the rescue crew that goes out when pilgrims are in trouble/lost. He has some interesting stories. The view upon waking is spectacular (the windows face the mountains; all you can see of houses, farms are little pixie sized places and at night, their lights look like fairie lights!)
 
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All so very true!
 
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