From Mérida to Alcuéscar

Today we will depart from Mérida to have a stage that is a bit more interesting, taking us to the town of Alcuéscar. In terms of difficulty, it presents a more appealing challenge than the previous stages, with an almost constant ascent from the town of Aljucén (where some pilgrims choose to shorten the stage). We will pass near the Proserpina reservoir, and walk among Mediterranean forests and scrubland.

We leave behind the town of Mérida from the co-cathedral of Santa María la Mayor, to head towards Ferrocarril Street, where we will cross the train tracks. A little further ahead, we will cross a stream and divert to the Roman aqueduct of Los Milagros. We continue straight, ignoring the roundabouts, to reach the road to the Proserpina Reservoir, which we follow until we cross the A-5 via a bridge and continue towards the reservoir.

We skirt the dam and leave behind the Proserpina urbanization to head towards a dirt path in the direction of Carrascalejo. It is important to pay attention, as this exit is easy to overlook. We leave Carrascalejo behind and follow a path to the right that takes us to cross the A-66 to reach Aljucén.

We leave Aljucén via the N-630, cross the Aljucén River, and begin a gradual ascent. Before reaching an abandoned service area, we divert onto a path through dehesas that crosses the Cornalvo Natural Park. Upon exiting the park, we enter the province of Cáceres and continue to the Arco de Cáparra. In this area, it is important to closely follow the yellow arrows. We continue to the Cruz de San Juan, from where we take a pass and turn right to cover the last 5 kilometers to Alcuéscar.

Things to consider

This stage is long and somewhat more demanding than the previous ones, although also more varied and entertaining. Some pilgrims choose to shorten it by staying overnight in Aljucén, but we recommend, if possible, to continue to Alcuéscar.

Places of interest

• Hermitage of Our Lady of the Assumption – Alcuéscar
• Hermitage of Our Lady of Fátima – Alcuéscar
• Church of San Andrés – Aljucén
• Church of Santa Lucía del Trampal – Alcuéscar

Typical dishes

• Calderetas
• Marinated broad beans and tench
• Iberian cold cuts
• Migas
• Pitarra wine