Camino Ignaciano
In short: Camino Ignaciano: from Loyola to Manresa. Length: around 650 km, duration: about 4 weeks. Best time: Spring and autumn.
Overview
The Camino Ignaciano follows the route Ignatius of Loyola took in 1522 from his birthplace in the Basque Country to Manresa. After his conversion, the man who later founded the Jesuit order wanted to travel to the Holy Land.
The route runs through La Rioja and the Ebro valley to Catalonia, in the opposite direction to many Santiago pilgrims. Shortly before the end you reach Montserrat Abbey. The way is much lonelier than the main route to Santiago, and the sections across the plain of Aragon are very hot in summer.
If you already know the Way of St James and are looking for a quiet route in Spain, this one is a good choice. There is a separate pilgrim booklet with stamps for the way.
Main stops: Loyola, Arantzazu, Logroño, Zaragoza, Montserrat, Manresa.
The pilgrimage of St Ignatius
From Loyola you cross the mountains of the Basque Country to the Marian shrine of Arantzazu. The route then moves into La Rioja and the Ebro valley. The days before Zaragoza are dry and often lonely. The goal is the cave in Manresa where Ignatius spent a long time in prayer.
Spiritual Exercises on the way
This route was deliberately designed as a spiritual one. For each stage there are reflections from the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, which you can use if you like. The Jesuits offer their own pilgrim passport. Because of the heat in the Ebro valley, spring is the best time.
Planning your stages
How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 650 kilometres, with one rest day a week.
| Per day | Walking days | With rest days |
|---|---|---|
| 15 km | 44 | 51 |
| 20 km | 33 | 38 |
| 25 km | 26 | 30 |
Who is this route for?
With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.
What does the route cost?
With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 40 to 50 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 38 days that comes to roughly 1,500 to 1,900 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.
You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Spain, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Camino Ignaciano?
around 650 km, about 4 weeks.
When is the best time to walk Camino Ignaciano?
Spring and autumn.
Is Camino Ignaciano suitable for beginners?
With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.
What does Camino Ignaciano cost?
Budget about 40 to 50 euros a day, so 1,500 to 1,900 euros for about 38 days, without travel and gear.
