Quick Facts
- Starting point: San Juan de Ortega
- Destination: Burgos
- Distance: 26 km (16 miles)
- Walking time: Around 6 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Special features: UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral in Burgos
Where to Stay in Burgos
(Check our accommodation recommendations in our eBook – Link down below)
What You Need to Know About Stage 12
Today’s gonna be exciting! Your twelfth day on the Camino de Santiago takes you out of tiny San Juan de Ortega and into one of the route’s most significant cities: Burgos.
You’ll be walking through the famous Meseta – the Castilian high plateau that’s been around forever. The path gradually descends over 26 kilometers, making for a pretty pleasant walking day on The French Way.
The big draw: Burgos Cathedral! This isn’t just any church – we’re talking UNESCO World Heritage Site level impressive here. After almost two weeks of small villages and rural landscapes, arriving in a proper city with this stunning Gothic cathedral is quite the contrast.
You definitely want to see the cathedral in person, not just in photos. Trust us, it’s one of those jaw-dropping moments where you realize just how incredible the places along this pilgrimage route really are.
Pro tip: Burgos is a great place to take a rest day if you need one. The city has plenty to explore, great food, and it’s a nice mental break from the daily walking routine.
Wondering which cities are worth spending extra time in? Our eBook „Camino Francés for Beginners“ highlights the best cities along the route, suggests ideal rest day locations, and helps you plan a balanced itinerary with the right mix of walking and exploring.
Bottom line: A solid day of walking rewarded with one of Spain’s most spectacular cathedrals and all the amenities of a major city. Enjoy the urban buzz!
Buen Camino! 🥾
Map of the Stage: