SECTION II: Burgos to Ponferrada — September, 2026

Camino de Santiago - The Inner & Outer Journey

Experience time & community for The Work of Byron Katie while walking the world-renowned pilgrim trail from St. Jean Pied de Port to Burgos.

“The Work challenges me to experiment with who I'd be without the thoughts and the turnarounds which provide the opportunity to practice and live from a different perspective.

Honest Heart Journey Camino Sisters hold a safe open environment to discover who I am, which allows me to meet myself and grow."

- Mindy

Trip Overview

The Camino de Santiago is a world-renowned pilgrimage trod by spiritual seekers for more than 1,000 years. With its stunning landscapes, medieval villages, castles and Roman ruins, walking the Way of St. James offers a unique opportunity to connect with ancient culture and meet like-minded people from around the world – all while experiencing a deeply meaningful inner journey.

It is not just a physical journey, but a deeply personal one, offering space for spiritual growth, connection with fellow women, and a renewed sense of self.

For this journey, we hike 172 miles along Section II of the Way of St. James, starting in Burgos and ending in Ponferrada, Spain.

Many embark on the Camino with a question or desire for clarity.

Throughout ‘The Way', you will have the support of the other women on the trip as well as the beautiful framework that ‘The Work’ of Byron Katie gives for inner inquiry and connected conversation with others.

Immerse yourself for 14 days, with a single focus to reach a destination, and you will find your mind has quieted - allowing inner wisdom to surface. It is a time for slower-paced reflection far from the responsibilities of daily life, so we encourage you to walk solo, spend part of each day in silence, and journal what comes to you.

The Camino de Santiago is a beloved route for those seeking clarity of purpose, camaraderie and a special sense of accomplishment!

*Participants should have a moderate level of fitness, as well as some training in long-distance walking to be well-prepared for the physical demands of this pilgrimage. This section is considered to be a ‘medium’ level of challenge as we walk 12 to 15 miles most days.

People of all ages and experience can embrace this journey!

We encourage you to invite a traveling partner, or come alone and meet wonderful new friends along the Way! Join us for this empowering and enriching experience, designed to nourish the body, mind and soul.

Walk the most famous pilgrimage in Spain

Walk ‘The French Way’, starting in the vibrant city of Burgos and ending in Ponferrada, Spain.

Highlights

Incorporate a powerful tool for inquiry

Trip host Aileen Cheatham will offer opportunities to experience the power of The Work of Byron Katie throughout the journey.

Our focus on this Camino will be the body - and any stressful thoughts related to it. Whether you’re concerned about appearance, aging, pain or addictions, you’ll have the chance to work through them. We’ll use The Work to question these thoughts, challenge limiting beliefs, as we embrace our bodies with grace and acceptance.

Experience connection to yourself & others

We invite you to shed the masks and labels you wear in everyday life and to replace them with open, natural, and joyous connection!

Practicing inquiry and journaling are supportive ways to move through whatever is in the way of your inner freedom.

To support you on your journey, an Honest Heart Journeys’ guide will offer regular prompts that invite you into deep reflection as well as optional check-ins.

Read our Itinerary — A Journey Within and Beyond

  • Pre-Trip

    Growth is at the heart of our journey together! We invite you to read this trip's book Loving What Is by Byron Katie. It provides beautiful context for your own reflection and growth along The Way, and encourages thoughtful dialog with others.

    Our group will have a Zoom call two months before we leave to have introductions, trip goals, logistics, and answer any questions. 

    You will also be invited to join Camino trip host Aileen Cheatham for an optional 3-session online workshop on The Work of Byron Katie, included in the cost of your trip. We’ll have the chance to discuss the book, practice the exercises, and mentally prepare.

  • September 15 – Arrival in St. Jean Pied de Port

    Travel through the European city of your choice and catch the train to St. Jean Pied de Port. 

    Our pilgrimage begins in this charming Basque town nestled in the French Pyrenees. Known for its cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and the iconic Porte Saint-Jacques, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this quaint town is the beginning of the “French Way.”

  • September 16 – St. Jean to Oris

    St-Jean - Orisson — 5 km / 3 mi
    We’ll begin the day with a 3-hour workshop to set our intention for the trip and begin our inner journey.  

    In the afternoon, we’ll take a short, but steep walk to the tiny refuge in Orisson, offering stunning views of the Pyrenees. This stage is challenging, but rewarding. If the café is open, you’ll be able to enjoy a coffee, a cold drink or a snack before shuttling back to St. Jean where we’ll enjoy our first hosted group dinner.

  • January 15 – Into Solitude and Strength

    Day 4 – After a peaceful morning in El Chaltén, we head to the Huemel Reserve for a serene hike to Laguna Diablo (4 mi / 6.5 km), ending at our secluded eco-lodge, Puesto Cagliero. Optional add-on: a short climb to Cerro Azul. This is our most remote night — a sacred pause for quiet integration.

  • January 16–17 – Voices of Courage

    Day 5 – After hiking back to the Huemel Reserve, we transfer to the magical Eco Domes. That evening, we’ll be joined by world-renowned climber Patricia Soto — a living testament to bold female leadership.

    Day 6 – A breathtaking hike to Piedra del Fraile and a dip in Lago Electrico (10 mi / 16 km) give us space to explore what courage looks like — on the trail, and in our lives. Patricia will share her personal story around the firelight, offering inspiration that lingers.

  • January 18–19 – Water, Wonder & Wisdom

    Day 7 – After breakfast, we’ll take a short van ride to Laguna del Desierto and hike along its shimmering shores. Swim, pause, picnic — this is soulful travel at its most organic. An optional ferry across the lake leads us back to our suites in El Chaltén.

    Day 8 – Our final full-day trek: the iconic Laguna Torre hike (12 mi / 800’ gain). It’s a bucket list place to travel, and a favorite of our founder. As you walk, feel the full strength of your voice rising — steady, clear, and grounded in truth.

  • January 20 – A Grand Finale

    Day 9 – Say goodbye to El Chaltén and travel to El Calafate for an awe-inspiring visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier. After lunch, you’ll have time to unwind at the hotel and spa before our celebratory farewell dinner. This is your moment to honor the transformation — a new voice, a new year, a new you.

  • January 21 – Departure

    Enjoy a final morning of peace at Imago Hotel before transferring to the airport. Your Honest Heart Journey continues — within you and alongside your new sisters.

  • Continued Community

    Your travel stories don’t end here. We’ll reconnect on Zoom a few weeks post-trip to share insights and laughter — and to remind each other of the friendship trip that changed us.

    For deeper connection, join The Hearth, our private online sisterhood on Mighty Networks. It’s a space to share wisdom, stay inspired, and explore future bucketlist experiences together.

    Because once you say yes to this kind of journey and travel, your life will never be the same.

The Experience

Our Trip Book

You will receive a blank journal and a workbook with everything you need to do ‘The Work’ on the Camino. We will offer daily prompts and exercises to invite you to reflect and journal. Throughout the trip, we gather for optional pre-scheduled meetings to share highlights, insights and realizations. Prior to the trip, we offer a workshop on the trip book and explore how the practice of inquiry can help to identify and question stressful thoughts. Follow-up workshops will also be available during our journey. These workshops, along with the trip workbook and journal, will offer invaluable context for reflection and discussion.

Trip Specific Info

We’ll provide you with accommodations, luggage transfers, and suggestions for your journey, but you have the autonomy to make your own choices. It is our hope that you’ll check in with yourself, picking your own route (when more than one is available), who to walk with, or solo. You get to decide when and where to stop along the way, and have flexibility most evenings to choose where to dine, and with whom. We invite you to plan each stage and choose to do as much or as little as you want, or to not plan at all and experience the freedom and magic of simply following the iconic yellow arrows from stage to stage.

Cuisine

The Spanish love to eat well. Restaurants along the way often offer farm-to-table options and local desserts. You'll find a variety of tapas, fresh seafood and regional classics. Every town offers a simple, hearty, 3-course ‘pilgrim’s fare’ dinner at a reasonable cost. All breakfasts and four dinners are included during the trip. You are free to plan your own lunches and the rest of your dinners. There will be opportunities to pack a sandwich or snack at breakfast to tuck into your day pack. You can also purchase lunch, snacks or coffee in stores along the day. We recommend that you budget between $25-35/day to cover these meals and treats.

Packing Tips

We invite you to pack light. You’ll want hiking boots or supportive trail runners, walking poles (if they work for you), good socks (no cotton!) and a day pack to carry your water, snacks, and your rain gear. Favor quick dry clothing over cotton. Good rain gear (jacket and pants) is essential for walking comfortably during rainy days. You will only need a couple of casual outfits for evening wear. No need to carry your own bag/backpack each day. We have arranged for luggage transfers between lodgings (1 small or medium-size suitcase 45 lbs. max.) We will provide a complete planning guide, including a detailed suggested packing list.

We Host Your Journey

You will receive a blank journal and a workbook with everything you need to do your Work on the Camino. We will offer prompts for daily consideration and practical exercises to invite you to reflect and journal. Throughout the trip, those wanting to join, will gather at specific, pre-scheduled meetings to share highlights, insights and realizations. Prior to the trip, we will offer an workshop (optional) on the book we’ll be reading and will explore how the practice of inquiry can help to identify and question stressful thoughts during our walk, and in our daily lives. Follow-up workshops will also be available during our journey. These workshops, along with the trip workbook and journal, will offer invaluable context for reflection and discussion.

Activities

You should be ready to walk 12-15 miles/day (19 miles 2 of the days). Remember that walking will be your main activity while on the Camino and you have all day to accomplish it. You will be able to plan your stops for lunch, a cafe, or to rest along the way as needed. This trek is a beautiful opportunity to unlimit yourself and feel the freedom and clarity of accomplishing your goal! If you are not able to walk one day, for any reason, it is your responsibility to arrange for your transfer to the next town.

Accommodations

We’ve selected your lodgings with comfort and culture in mind. Depending on availability, we’ll stay in small hotels or country homes. You’ll have the support (in English) of a local operator that will handle any questions or needs that you have. We will provide each traveler an itinerary with information on your specific accommodations so you can arrive and depart in your own time.

Weather

September is one of the best times to walk the Camino de Santiago, as the weather is lovely, downpours are less likely, and temperatures range from the high 60’s to low 80’s F. It’s grape harvest time and you may find local festivities along the way. Autumn is also a bit quieter after the peak summer months with tourists and students on the road, but still active with plenty of pilgrims from around the world.

Your Hosts

Founder & Host

Jennifer Dale

Trip Host - Caminos

Aileen Cheatham

What’s Included?

    • An optional pre-trip workshop on The Work of Byron Katie

    • 14 nights of lodging including a hearty breakfast

    • Four group dinners

    • Luggage transfers between lodging

    • Curriculum workshop booklet

    • HHJ blank journal & pen

    • Pilgrim Passport and certificates

    • Transportation to St. Jean Pied de Port, France

    • Transportation from departure in Burgos, Spain

    • Trip insurance (required)

    • Private facilitation sessions with Aileen

    • All lunches and some dinners (for your flexibility). Please budget $25-35/day for lunch and incidentals

Camino de Santiago - Inner & Outer Journey

Experience time & community for The Work of Byron Katie while walking the world-renowned pilgrim trail from St. Jean Pied de Port to Burgos.

Book your spot, today!

1 Adult - Double Occupancy

3,850 USD

Deposit: 50%

FAQS

  • Single or Double Occupancy

  • Reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 90 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card, check, or Zelle (jen@honestheartjourneys.com). Credit card payments will incur a surcharge. We're happy to work with you to establish a payment plan as well.

    If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time at info@honestheartjourneys.com.

  • A 50% deposit is due at registration. If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded less a $500 per person service charge. Cancellations less than 179 days prior to the departure date will be charged in full.

    Itineraries are subject to change depending on weather, availability of activities, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, etc. It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.

    Notification of cancellation must be received in writing via email to info@honestheartjourneys.com.

  • HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, unexpected medical circumstances, or the need for evacuation. We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. Though we do not recommend specific companies, travel industry colleagues have recommended the following companies: AIG Travel, Alliance, Seven Corners, Travelguard, and WorldNomads. You might also see what your credit card offers, and many airlines now offer travel insurance. Please note that many insurance companies want you to purchase trip insurance within five days of booking.

  • The planning guide that we provide all registered guests who are paid in full includes a full trip itinerary, packing list, supportive travel information, release forms for you to review/sign/return to us, information on our trip curriculum using The Work of Byron Katie, and other supporting materials. There is also a link to a guest survey that collects your important information. 

  • This trip on the French Way begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France and ends in Burgos, Spain. For arrival, fly into your choice of European cities (Paris or Madrid most likely), then take the train to St. Jean Pied de Port (sncfconnect). For your departure, plan to catch the train from Burgos to your departure city (Renfe).

  • Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that is is valid. Your passport must be: 

    • issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue') 

    • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date').