There’s something humbling about being in Iceland’s Highlands.
No matter how accomplished, confident, or well-prepared you are—once you set foot on the Laugavegur Trail, you’re at the mercy of nature’s rhythm. Four days of steady walking from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk will take you through rainbow rhyolite mountains, black obsidian fields, glacial rivers, steaming vents, mossy valleys, and everything in between. It’s like walking through the making of Earth itself.
The terrain is raw, otherworldly, and sometimes a bit brutal—but the reward is clarity. Fewer distractions. More connection. And a deep sense of satisfaction that comes not from ticking off a destination, but from taking yourself a little further than you thought possible.
That’s why we were drawn to this trip in the first place. And it’s exactly why we want to introduce you to
João Perre Viana, the founder of Walking Mentorship—and one of our Remarkable Transformers.
Meet João: The Man Who Believes We Walk Ourselves into Insight
João doesn’t just plan walking trips. He designs space for growth.
For over a decade, João has guided individuals and groups through carefully curated walking experiences—each one built around structured reflection, purposeful dialogue, and a strong connection to nature. You won’t find Wi-Fi or PowerPoints. But you will find yourself asking questions you didn’t know you needed answers to.
Every Walking Mentorship journey is designed with intention: the distance, the pace, the locations, and even the timing of the conversations. Whether you’re walking solo, with a partner, or as part of a group, the goal is simple but powerful:
step away from daily noise and make space for clarity, decision-making, and renewal.
A Few Journeys to Get You Started
Here are three journeys hosted by João and his team that we think are worth exploring if you’re ready to move forward—literally and metaphorically.
Classic Program (Camino de Santiago)
This is João’s flagship program, held on the Portuguese Coastal Way of the Camino de Santiago. Over eight days and 120km, you’ll walk from Baiona to Santiago in the company of others who are also looking for clarity, connection, and a fresh perspective.
Solo Program (Via Francigena, Italy)
For those craving solitude, the Solo Program offers a chance to walk alone—but not without guidance. You’ll follow a route through Italy’s historic Via Francigena, with João’s structured mentorship framework supporting your journey before, during, and after your walk. Ideal if you’re seeking deeper reflection or navigating personal transition.
Start Program (Young Adults, Portugal)
Designed specifically for young adults facing big decisions—university, career, relationships—the Start Program is an unforgettable 5-day walk through Portugal’s mountains and coast. It blends walking with group mentorship, helping participants gain confidence, direction, and life tools for the path ahead.
Whether it’s Iceland’s glaciers or Portugal’s coastal cliffs, these journeys remind us that transformation doesn’t need to be dramatic. It just needs space—and a few thousand steps.
In fact, I’m joining João in Sardinia this weekend for a beautiful walk and to finally meet him in person.
If you’re curious how it all goes, follow me on Instagram and come along for the walk.