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At Places of Healing, we are always drawn to the stories of individuals who create meaningful and transformative travel experiences. That’s why we are thrilled to sit down with Sonia Cruz Oro, a certified travel coach and the creator of Journeys of Self-Discovery™. Sonia has dedicated her career to guiding people toward clarity, confidence, and personal transformation through travel.

One of her signature experiences is the Santiago Travel Experience, a deeply immersive journey along the famed Camino de Santiago. This ancient pilgrimage route has drawn seekers, adventurers, and spiritual explorers for over a thousand years, offering a path not only across landscapes but into the depths of one’s own soul.

In this interview, Sonia shares her personal connection to the Camino, how she prepares her clients for the mental and emotional aspects of the pilgrimage, and why this journey continues to hold such a profound place in the hearts of those who walk it. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a wellness seeker, or someone considering the Camino for the first time, Sonia’s insights offer a fresh perspective on what it means to embark on a truly transformative journey.

Let’s dive in.

What inspired you to choose the Camino de Santiago as one of your signature tours?

 

My own story and my own background. I am originally from Spain and the Camino de Santiago holds a special place in my heart. From the first time I walked it, I felt the deep energy of this ancient path. And it was after speaking with other pilgrims that I realised that, while many felt an inner calling to walk it, their preparation was often focused solely on the physical challenge—if they prepared at all.

Moreover, time and again, I witnessed how pilgrims arrived at the Cathedral of Santiago feeling fulfilled and, paradoxically, lost once again. They had a clear purpose each day: to keep moving forward. But once they reached their destination, they often wondered, “And now what?”

That’s when I knew I could help. This is why I decided to guide people not only during the walk itself but also before and after—helping them prepare for the experience in a meaningful way and integrate its wisdom into their lives once they return home. Because the true pilgrimage is not just about reaching Santiago; it’s about discovering a new way of walking through life.

 

What is it about the Camino that makes it so special compared to other pilgrimage routes around the world?

 

The Camino de Santiago is uniquely special because it ends in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James the Greater are laid to rest. There is a hierarchy in Christianity, and of course believers want to place their prayers as high as possible in this hierarchy. Jesus Christ holds the highest place. As Jesus ascended to heaven ‘in corpore’, we cannot touch His remains (although pilgrimages to Jerusalem exist to visit the places linked to His life). But just below Jesus are the apostles, and the three closest to Him were James, John, and Peter. The remains of Peter are in the Vatican, those of John are believed to be in Turkey, and those of James rest in Santiago de Compostela. Moreover, James the Greater was known as the thaumaturge or miracle maker, and for centuries, pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago from all corners of the world to physically connect with his tomb, believing that the miraculous energy of his remains would transfer to them through contact with his grave.

Regardless of its religious significance or whether you believe the remains of James are in Santiago de Compostela, the Camino truly holds this living energy. Think about it! For over a thousand years, millions of people from all walks of life have embarked on this journey, carrying their hopes, prayers, and good intentions in their hearts. And this energy is palpable. It is imprinted on the path itself, in the stones, in the landscapes, and in the silent understanding shared between pilgrims.

Regardless of your belief, the Camino is a space for reflection, for healing, for shedding what no longer serves you, and for embracing change. And the encounters along the way create a powerful experience of connection: with yourself, with others, and with something much greater.

 

Can you share a brief history of the Camino de Santiago and its significance?

 

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is one of the most ancient and revered pilgrimage routes in the world. It dates back over a thousand years. According to tradition, after the martyrdom of St. James the Apostle in Jerusalem, his remains were transported to the northwest of Spain, where they were later discovered in the 9th century. This discovery led to the construction of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Christianity, alongside Rome and Jerusalem.

For centuries, millions of pilgrims from all walks of life have journeyed across Spain and beyond, following various Camino routes to reach Santiago. In medieval times, pilgrims sought spiritual redemption, healing, or divine favor, and along the way, they formed a network of shared humanity—staying in monasteries, walking together, and exchanging stories.

Though its religious significance remains strong, the Camino has evolved into something even greater: a universal path of self-discovery, healing, and connection. Today, people walk for countless reasons—seeking clarity, healing from loss, marking a life transition, or simply embracing the simplicity of the journey. The Camino is a metaphor for life itself, teaching us to be present, to embrace the unknown, and to trust the path ahead.

What are some common challenges pilgrims face, both physically and emotionally, during the journey?

 

The physical challenge is the most obvious one. The average pilgrim walks about 25 km (15.5 miles) a day for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the starting point. For most, this far exceeds their usual level of physical activity, so preparation is key. Blisters, muscle fatigue, and exhaustion are common, but what surprises many pilgrims is that the real challenge is often not just physical, but emotional.

One of the biggest emotional obstacles is letting go of the need for control. In our daily lives, we’re used to structure, schedules, and predictability. The Camino invites you to surrender to the unknown. Some days, the challenge might be the weather—rain, intense heat, or strong winds. Other days, it’s the terrain—endless hills, a wrong turn, or not finding a place to eat or sleep as expected. These moments test your patience, resilience, and mindset. 

The Camino teaches you that you can’t control everything, but you can control how you respond. You learn to adapt, to trust, and to accept each moment as it comes. Instead of falling into frustration or “victim mode,” you discover a new strength within yourself. Because the Camino is not just about reaching Santiago; it’s about who you become along the way.

 

How do you prepare your clients mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for such a transformative pilgrimage?

 


I prepare my pilgrims for the Camino through coaching sessions and online group training before the journey begins. These sessions are a beautiful way for the group to connect and get to know each other before setting foot in Spain. This way, when they finally meet in person, they start their pilgrimage on a deeper level from day one, because the ice has already been broken.

But more than just an icebreaker, these pre-trip sessions provide a crucial space for reflection and intentional preparation. The Camino is not just a physical journey; it is an inner journey. Before the trip, I have their full attention, free from the distractions of the road. This is when we explore not only the logistics of the walk, the necessary physical preparation, and what they need to pack, but also the deeper meaning of the Camino. We dive into its history, its culture, while also exploring the personal intentions, aspirations, fears, and outcomes that each participant desires from their experience. Through this process, the pilgrims begin to shift their mindset, preparing body and spirit for the journey ahead. When they take their first step on the path, they are already walking with a clear purpose, with an open mind and heart, and with a willingness to embrace and accept whatever the Camino has in store for them.

Do you have to be religious or spiritual to fully appreciate the Camino experience?

 

Not at all. While the Camino began as a religious pilgrimage to honor the tomb of Saint James the Greater, today it is a journey that welcomes people from all walks of life, regardless of their beliefs.

Some walk for faith, others for personal growth, healing, or self-discovery. Some seek to challenge themselves, to remember that they are stronger than they think they are. Others are drawn to the Camino for the simple joy of walking—embracing the beauty of the Spanish countryside, the rhythm of each step, the meaningful conversations with fellow pilgrims, or even just the food and wine!

The magic of the Camino is that it meets you where you are and gives you what you need. There is no single reason to walk—there are as many reasons as there are pilgrims.

What are some of the most profound moments of transformation that pilgrims often encounter along the route?

 

Every moment of transformation that happens on the Camino is as unique and profound for the pilgrim who experiences it. I have seen people heal physically without quite understanding how it happened. I remember a woman who was run over by a car on her foot the day before traveling to Spain and feared she wouldn’t be able to walk. However, once she started, the pain simply disappeared. Another pilgrim was struggling with intense pain in her foot after several days of walking with blisters, but through a deep practice of gratitude, she realised she didn’t feel pain anymore. Or in my last group, a woman who had been suffering from chronic pain in her left foot, knee, and hip for months realised on the last day of the Camino that she felt no pain at all – she doesn’t know when or how the pain disappeared; she simply forgot about it, and it never came back! I can also tell you incredible stories of pilgrims losing treasured objects along the way, and these objects found their way back to their owners in unexpected and unpredictable ways.

There are also transformations that are less tangible but just as profound: regaining self-confidence, feeling truly proud of oneself for the first time in many years, or feeling a renewed passion for life and a desire to live. Other pilgrims return home with renewed clarity and make bold changes in their lives, such as quitting jobs that no longer satisfy them, starting careers they had always dreamed of, or even finding love.

 

What are some common misconceptions about walking the Camino de Santiago?

 

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Camino is that you need to be extremely fit, young, or have the ‘perfect’ athletic body to complete it. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve walked alongside 80-year-olds, people with disabilities, and those facing health challenges. The Camino is not a race—it’s a personal journey. It’s about listening to your body, resting when needed, and walking at your own pace.

Another common myth is that you have to walk the entire route. In reality, you choose how many days or kilometres you want to walk. To receive the Compostela certificate, you only need to complete the last 100 km (about 62 miles), but there’s no rule about how many days you take to do it. Some pilgrims finish in a few days, while others take their time, savouring each step.

The Camino is for everyone. It’s not about speed, distance, or competition—it’s about embracing the journey in a way that feels right for you.

How do you incorporate your background in psychology and leadership into your coaching for this journey?

 

Thank you for pointing that out! It’s not something I’m often asked, but my degrees in psychology and leadership play a significant role in the experience I offer on my Camino journeys.

I don’t consider myself a conventional guide, as I don’t solely focus on leading the group during the physical walk. I prepare my pilgrims physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the transformation that awaits them.

I combine psychological tools with leadership principles to help pilgrims set clear intentions that help them focus on what they seek from the experience, while also encouraging them to remain open to unexpected ideas along the way. A key part of my approach is empowering pilgrims to guide themselves with resilience and confidence, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. And this support continues after the Camino, when we integrate and incorporate their experiences into their daily lives by co-creating action plans and accountability systems and will ensure that pilgrims don’t return to their status quo after the journey.

 

What advice would you give to someone considering the Camino but feeling uncertain or hesitant about taking the first step?

 

This is one of my favourite questions! In fact, it’s something I often ask pilgrims who have completed the Camino with me. It’s fascinating to see how the vast majority have the same clear piece of advice: “Don’t overthink it—just do it!”

If the Camino is calling you, there’s a reason—one that may be bigger than you can comprehend right now. When you overanalyse it, your mind will find countless reasons to postpone it: “It’s better to wait until next year” or “I’m not in the right physical or financial shape.” This is simply your mind trying to keep you safe in your comfort zone, where nothing new or transformative can happen. It’s a natural survival mechanism—completely predictable and normal.

But when you take action in the direction your heart is guiding you—despite fear or doubt—you’ll begin to understand why your soul has called you to this journey. The Camino is a gift to yourself, a powerful act of self-love.

One of the most common concerns I see (especially among women) is the hesitation to leave their family or children behind for the pilgrimage. They feel guilty or selfish just considering the possibility. But the truth is, we can’t pour into others from an empty cup. We must nourish ourselves first before we can truly be present for those around us. Walking the Camino is an act of self-care that ultimately benefits everyone you love. When you return as your best self, you offer them a fuller, more balanced, and happier version of you. And, of course, you also lead by example, showing the importance of self-care and the courage to follow the call of your soul.

 

Thank you for your time – we hope we can inspire more people to walk and have this beautiful experience.

If you like to join for one of these guided experiences- check out the next guided tour in October 2025 – more info HERE