Day 13 San Juan de Ortega – Burgos – 23km
If you have an older map of the Camino Frances it will illustrate three routes to Burgos, in reality there is only one. As time has went on only the main route is generally marked on modern maps and it is the same with the Camino’s yellow arrows – they will only show the main routes, rarely is there more than one each day.
The first half of this day is pleasant walking with one short steep up and down at Matagrande, the rest of the day wanders down towards Burgos. Today it is apparent that we are nearing a major town, you will pass an army base, old mines, and communications masts. As usual there are small villages for food and coffee every 3 – 4km.
The last part of the walk into Burgos is through an industrial area for about 10kms, it is an unpleasant walk. Many pilgrims get the bus at the start of the industrial area; there is a timetable at the bus stop and café nearby. It is worthwhile getting the bus and spending the extra time in Burgos, it is a beautiful city with a lot to see and it is also worth taking a rest day here, if you have plans for one.
What to see:
- Burgos Cathedral – a must
- Church of San Nicolas Burgos
- Convent of Las Huelgas