Extra Information

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Daily Breakfast Buffet

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Food and Drinks

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Running of the Bulls Frequently Asked Questions:

How did this tradition of running with bulls begin?
There are many theories as to the origins of this tradition but no clear answers. The origins of the running date back to the 1300's. According to popular belief the tradition began when cattle ranchers where transporting their cattle to sell them at local towns and markets.During this transportation, the ranchers would attempt to speed the process by hurrying their cattle using tactics of fear and excitement. (having bulls chase them). After years of this practice, the transportation and hurrying began to turn into a competition, as young adults would attempt to race in front of the bulls and make it safely to their pens without being overtaken.When the popularity of this practice increased and was noticed more and more by the expanding population of Spanish cities, a tradition was created and stands to this day.

Where do the bulls run to?
The purpose of this event is the transport of the bulls from the off-site corrals where they
have spent the night, to the bullring where they would will be killed during the afternoon's bullfights.

How long is the course?
The course is about 1/2 a mile long and winds through the old city streets.

How long does the running last?
The running lasts only a few minutes early in the morning starting at 8:00am
when the bulls are let loose.

How many people run with the bulls each day?
This depends on the day but over 1000 runners will run on big days.

Is there a cost to run or any requirements?
Running is free but you must be 18 and non intoxicated.(not a joke!)

Do I have to run with the bulls to see this experience?
No. You can either chose to run with the bulls (at your own risk) or you can also watch from the sidelines by sitting on fences or you can try to get a VIP balcony where you can see the running in relative comfort. If you choose to see the event from the barricades/fences you probably will have to be up all night and wait at least three hours before the event (5am) in order to get any sort of spot. We suggest balconies as it is more comfortable and practical than waiting all night to get a spot. Additionally, balconies provide a very unique way and a bird's eye view of the size of the event.

What is there to do in Pamplona if you don't want to run with the bulls?
The actual running of the bulls (the endcierro as it is known) is very brief and is a minor part of the festivities even though the entire point of the festivites is to watch the "Encierros". In addition to watching the actual encierro, there are ample parties going on throughout the city day and night. Many people party on the streets and in the own town square drinking sangria day and night. Additionally, bars, clubs and restaurants are open and there are dozens upon dozens of bars/clubs to party at and "barhop."

How long should I stay in Pamplona?
You can stay anywhere between two two seven nights. Most people are good with 3 days if they are visiting Pamplona as a "side trip" or "add on" to one of our Greece of Ibiza packages while others choose to stay 5 nights. In our opinion more than 5 nights is OVERKILL.

When should I book my package for Pamplona?
Because hotels are very few (there are less then 3000 hotel rooms and over 1 million visitors) hotels are a big problem and booking early (6 months before) is a must!!! Hotels are not cheap and sell out quickly!! We recommend booking as soon as you can and setting up a payment plan with us.

Is running with the bulls really dangerous or it is all hype?
It is dangerous! As recently as July 2009, a 27 year old Spaniard who had his jugular vein ripped open by an angry bull! This is no joke!! Overall about 20 people have died in the past 60 years. This number is not large considering the thousands of runners that run the course yearly, but ultimately the biggest risk is in getting trampled, tripping over another person who has fallen or having someone trip and fall in front of you. Additionally bulls can run astray and get aggressive, and there are also dangerous bottlenecks in the course in the sometimes very narrow streets. Many people are injured each year. Ultimately the danger lies in being at the wrong place at the wrong time so running is at your own risk!!!