Itinerary

Day 0

May 11th: Arrive in Burgos

Starting Point: On the Camino de Santiago, Burgos is a significant stop, offering pilgrims a rich blend of spiritual and cultural experiences. Pilgrims are often awed by the grandeur of Burgos Cathedral and find respite in the city's welcoming atmosphere, which has catered to travelers for centuries. We will meet here on May 11th to prepare to start our trek together. This section has longer miles and is best for people who are continuing from the previous section as they will already be well-seasoned in walking long distances.

Day 1

May 12th: Burgos to Hontanas (31 km / 19 miles)

• Terrain: A mix of urban and rural paths, mostly flat terrain with some gentle hills. The path leads into the start of the Meseta, with open landscapes and vast fields.

• Highlights:

  • Burgos: Depart from the majestic Gothic Cathedral and explore the historical city one last time.

  • Hornillos del Camino: A small village with a traditional Castilian atmosphere, offering a peaceful stop.

  • Hontanas: A tiny, picturesque village that seems to appear suddenly in the landscape, known for its cozy albergues and the remains of the San Antón convent nearby.

Day 2

May 13th: Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino (28 km / 17.5 miles)

• Terrain: Mostly flat with long stretches of the Meseta, offering expansive views of farmland and sky. The trail follows old Roman roads and dirt paths.

• Highlights:

  • San Antón: Pass by the ruins of the Convent of San Antón, where pilgrims can still receive blessings under the ancient arches.

  • Castrojeriz: A historic village with a castle ruin on a hilltop, offering a beautiful detour and panoramic views.

  • Boadilla del Camino: A small, welcoming village with a unique 15th-century Gothic rollo, or jurisdictional pillar, in the town square.

Day 3

May 14th: Boadilla del Camino to Carrión de los Condes (24 km / 15 miles)

• Terrain: Flat and easy terrain, following the Canal de Castilla for part of the way. The path is a mix of dirt tracks and gravel roads.

• Highlights:

  • Frómista: Visit the Iglesia de San Martín, a perfectly preserved Romanesque church, and enjoy the tranquil scenery along the canal.

  • Villalcázar de Sirga: Home to the impressive 13th-century Templar church, Santa María la Blanca, a significant stop for pilgrims.

  • Carrión de los Condes: A vibrant town with deep religious roots, featuring several historic churches and monasteries, including the beautiful Monastery of San Zoilo.

Day 4

May 15th: Carrión de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios (26 km / 16 miles)

• Terrain: A flat, straight route across the Meseta, with long stretches of unchanging landscape. The day is marked by solitude and reflection.

• Highlights:

  • Calzadilla de la Cueza: A small village offering a brief respite on the long, open path.

  • Terradillos de los Templarios: Named after the Knights Templar, this village has historical significance and provides a quiet, reflective atmosphere.

Day 5

May 16th: Terradillos de los Templarios to El Burgo Ranero (30 km / 18.5 miles)

• Terrain: Flat and easy terrain through the Meseta, with long stretches of rural paths and few villages.

• Highlights:

  • Sahagún: A town rich in Mudejar architecture, with landmarks like the Church of San Tirso and the Arco de San Benito.

  • El Burgo Ranero: A small, quiet village with traditional adobe houses and a serene atmosphere, perfect for rest and reflection.

Day 6

May 17th: El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas (19 km / 12 miles)

• Terrain: Flat terrain, following well-maintained paths through the Meseta. The route is straightforward with little elevation change.

• Highlights:

  • Calzadilla de los Hermanillos: An optional detour offering a more secluded path, with a Roman road route.

  • Mansilla de las Mulas: A historic walled town with medieval origins, known for its lively atmosphere and the ancient bridge over the Esla River.

Day 7

May 18th: Mansilla de las Mulas to León (19 km / 12 miles)

• Terrain: The path gradually transitions from rural to urban, with flat terrain until reaching the city. The final approach into León passes through suburban areas.

• Highlights:

  • Puente Villarente: Cross the historic bridge over the Porma River, entering the León province.

  • León: Arrive at the magnificent city of León, known for its stunning Gothic Cathedral, the Basilica of San Isidoro, and the Casa Botines designed by Gaudí.