The Ruta Xacobea AC Hotels celebrates a new edition traveling the French Way from Corella to Santiago de Compostela, from June 5 to 11.
This year, the AC Hotels Xacobean Route celebrates its 36th edition, consolidating its position as one of the most historic and representative initiatives linked to the Camino de Santiago and the universe of ACHM Hotels by Marriott.
Created more than three decades ago by Antonio Catalán, President of ACHM Hotels by Marriott, the route will once again bring together 75 participants in an experience that combines sport, camaraderie, hospitality, and connection with the territory. The 2026 edition will cross some of the major towns and cities along the French Way before arriving in Santiago de Compostela, passing through destinations such as Logroño, Burgos, León, and Ponferrada.
Over the course of six consecutive stages, participants from different backgrounds — Marriott International executives, business leaders, professionals, athletes, and ACHM Hotels by Marriott employees — will share an experience marked by effort, togetherness, and the spirit of the Camino.
Ruta Xacobea AC Hotels
More than 30 years of history linked to the Camino de Santiago
The AC Hotels Xacobean Route was born more than 30 years ago at the initiative of Antonio Catalán, with the idea of sharing through sport and fellowship some of the values most closely associated with the Camino de Santiago, such as camaraderie, perseverance, and the spirit of self-improvement.
Over the years, the route has become a firmly established tradition within the company, maintaining its original essence while strengthening the historic bond between AC Hotels and some of the major destinations in northern Spain.
Antonio Catalán, President of ACHM Hotels by Marriott and creator of the initiative, highlights the human element as one of the greatest values of the experience:
“This route has always represented values with which I deeply identify: perseverance, camaraderie, and the spirit of self-improvement. Year after year, it continues to be a special experience because it brings together people, stories, and a way of understanding the journey, both in sport and in life.”
A journey through some of the great landscapes of the French Way
The 36th AC Hotels Xacobean Route begins today, June 5, with a welcome dinner at AC Hotel Ciudad de Tudela, the meeting point before the start of the route.
Starting tomorrow, the six consecutive stages that make up this year’s edition will begin.
Ruta Xacobea AC Hotels
Stage 1 | Corella – Logroño
The opening stage will connect Corella and Logroño, passing through some of the most representative landscapes of Navarra and La Rioja.
The route will follow roads historically linked to the Camino de Santiago, crossing vineyards and small towns shaped by the Jacobean tradition. After completing the stage, participants will stay at AC Hotel La Rioja.
Stage 2 | Logroño – Burgos
The second stage will continue towards Burgos, one of the most emblematic cities on the French Way and one of the great cultural heritage landmarks of northern Spain.
During the route, participants will cross several historic sections of the Camino before arriving in Burgos, where the group will stay at AC Hotel Burgos.
Stage 3 | Burgos – León
The third stage will connect Burgos and León through the open landscapes of the Castilian plateau, one of the most recognizable settings of the Camino de Santiago.
This is a particularly symbolic stage within the Jacobean tradition, marked by long straight roads and towns historically linked to the passage of pilgrims. After completing this third section, participants will spend the night at AC Hotel León San Antonio.
Stage 4 | León – Ponferrada
The route will continue from León to Ponferrada, gradually approaching the mountainous landscapes of El Bierzo and some of the most demanding stretches of the journey.
At the end of the stage, participants will recover at AC Hotel Ponferrada before entering Galicia.
Stage 5 | Ponferrada – Portomarín
The fifth stage will represent one of the most special moments of the experience with the arrival in Galicia. During this section, participants will travel from Ponferrada to Portomarín.
The route will cross forests, small rural villages, and some of the most iconic landscapes of the Camino de Santiago, reinforcing the connection between nature, sport, and territory.
Stage 6 | Portomarín – Santiago de Compostela
The final stage will end in Santiago de Compostela, the finishing point of this 36th edition of the Ruta Xacobea AC Hotels.
Arrival at Plaza del Obradoiro will once again represent one of the most emotional moments of the journey, culminating six days marked by camaraderie and the spirit of the Camino. The experience will conclude with the traditional Pilgrim’s Mass and a closing dinner at Palacio del Carmen, Autograph Collection.
Ruta Xacobea AC Hotels
Hospitality and experience throughout the journey
One of the distinguishing elements of the AC Hotels Xacobean Route is the connection between sport, destinations, and hospitality. Throughout the journey, participants will stay at different hotels within the ACHM Hotels by Marriott portfolio, turning each stage into an experience also connected to rest, gastronomy, and shared moments.
From Corella to Santiago de Compostela, the route offers the opportunity to discover some of the main cultural and heritage landmarks of northern Spain while strengthening the historic bond between the company and the Camino de Santiago.
An initiative linked to the identity of ACHM Hotels by Marriott
After 36 editions, the AC Hotels Xacobean Route continues to form part of the historic identity of ACHM Hotels by Marriott and of a way of understanding hospitality based on people, authenticity, and shared experiences.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the initiative also reflects the value of travel as a way of connecting with destinations, traditions, and the people who are part of the Camino.
Ruta Xacobea AC Hotels
