Path of Presence: Pilgrimage and Meditation on the Camino de Santiago

For thousands of years, people have embarked on pilgrimage, the ancient ritual of sacred travel. Join us as we hike the Camino de Santiago, practicing meditation and exploring the teachings of the Buddha within a small group of fellow pilgrims.

Pilgrimage: A Spiritual Reset

The Outer Journey
Your pilgrimage begins in Pamplona, a vibrant town in Spain’s Navarra region known for the Running of the Bulls festival. You’ll continue on, crossing the iconic 11th century Puente de la Reina, the six-arched stone bridge that has welcomed countless pilgrims over centuries. From there, we’ll soak in the slow pace of the Spanish countryside, passing vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages. With the majority of our days spent outside, you’ll be able to reconnect with yourself and nature in a deeper way: taking in sunrises, appreciating bird song, watching the clouds turn from deep blue to pink and orange as the sun sets.

You'll end your Camino in Logroño, La Rioja region’s wine and tapas capital. Logroño has a rich history with historic landmarks and celebrated local cuisine. In Logroño, we’ll partake in a city walking tour and celebratory final dinner.

As our pilgrimage ends, you’ll have the option to continue walking the entire French route to Santiago de Compostela (approx 21 additional days) using the mindfulness practices you’ve developed. Alternatively, you may choose to continue your adventures in Europe or return home carrying new insights and connections from your pilgrimage.

Quick Facts
- We’ll hike 10-25 kilometers (kms) each day, which is an average of 4-5 hrs walking per day.
- We’ll hike a total of 94 kms, or 58 miles from Pamplona - Logroño in Spain along the Camino Francés.

The Inner Journey
As we walk, we’ll engage with meditation as a moving, contemplative practice. Throughout the pilgrimage you’ll be invited to explore the body, heart, and mind through the four elements—earth, water, fire, and air. Guided by these elements, we’ll deepen our awareness and connect with the natural world as it comes alive in our practice.

Our time together will include periods of silent and guided meditation, Dharma talks, and space for reflection within our Camino sangha, balancing moments of personal insight with relational connection and community sharing. Your time on the trail is self-paced with the first two hours in silence.

The Sangha
Sangha, a Pāli word from Buddhist tradition, refers to a community that comes together with a shared purpose. During this pilgrimage, you will be a co-creator of our sangha, a supportive community bound by the shared journey of pilgrimage.

Due to the physical and emotionally challenging nature of this trip, please apply only if you are in good physical condition and mental health, willing to physically train for the pilgrimage and fully participate in the mandatory daily sangha gatherings.

Gina, past Lotus Compass pilgrimage participant

“The experience was better than I imagined, and I think my time on this pilgrimage will continue to impact me positively for a long time.”
Elizabeth, past Lotus Compass pilgrimage participant

“It was an enriching, challenging, and truly amazing experience from the start until the end, and beyond.” Read More