In your travel documents, you will find an emergency assistance telephone number where we are available for you. This way you can travel with peace of mind knowing that we are at your side to help you quickly solve any problem, incident or doubt you may have along your Camino de Santiago.
Together with the telephone helpline we will also provide you with the contact details of different services on the Camino (contracted accommodation, taxis, luggage transport, etc.).
What can you use the helpline for?
If you have become disorientated or lost on any stretch of the Camino
Although it is practically impossible to get lost on the Camino, these things can happen. If you are not sure if you are following the correct route, you can call us, send us your location and we will tell you how to get back on the route. A trick that is often very useful if you think you’ve become disoriented, is to go back to the last yellow arrow you saw and from there get back on the right path.
If you can’t find your accommodation
When you make your reservation we will send you the exact location of your accommodation, with the address and contact telephone number. But in case you have trouble locating it, it is preferable that you call us to help you find it.
If you need a transfer
If you have had any problem on your Camino de Santiago and you need a taxi to move, contact us and we will quickly send you a driver who will pick you up to take you to the place you need.
Any type of incident
If you have any kind of incident and you don’t know how to handle it, call us and we will solve it instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions About On-Route Assistance
Doing the Camino de Santiago with your dog is possible! And also an incredible experience to be able to share such a magical trip with our furry friend. Although there are more and more accommodations on the pilgrimage route that allow pets, we always recommend planning in advance and travel with the accommodation booked.
If you are planning to do the Camino de Santiago with your pet, you should know that there is a special credential for dogs that you can get in the Animal Protection Association of the Camino de Santiago (APACA). With it you will be able to prove once you arrive in Santiago that your dog is also a champion.
To fully enjoy the Camino de Santiago, avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not overload your backpack: Carry only what you need to avoid injuries.
- Don’t wear new shoes: Use tried and tested shoes to avoid blisters.
- Don’t walk without breaks: Make regular stops to rest and avoid exhaustion.
- Don’t neglect hydration: Drink water constantly to prevent dehydration.
- Don’t forget respect: Respect the natural environment (carry your rubbish until you can dispose of it properly), local rules (respect private property and the herds of animals you encounter) and other pilgrims (for example, don’t play loud music while walking).
By following these tips, you will have a safer and more pleasant experience on the Camino.
To relieve different types of pain during the Camino de Santiago, follow these recommendations:
- Headaches, muscle or joint pain: Take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin, according to medical indications.
- Tummy or digestive pains: Take antispasmodics or stomach protectants such as omeprazole with you.
- Allergies: Take antihistamines for mild allergic reactions.
Don’t forget to carry a basic first-aid kit with these medicines, as well as plasters, muscle creams and other products to alleviate physical discomfort. And as always, eat and hydrate well, as well as getting adequate rest.
If the pain persists or worsens, the best thing to do is to call our 24-hour emergency telephone number and, if necessary, call your Travel Medical Insurance or go to a Health Centre.
There are no major dangers on the Camino de Santiago, and it is also very safe. Obviously, you have to be careful not to get injured, taking the necessary precautions, and avoid walking at night. In short, always applying common sense, the Camino de Santiago is safe, as it passes through inhabited places, is well signposted and equipped with services. In addition, you have at your disposal the AlertCops application, in case you want to have more security.
To avoid blisters on the Camino de Santiago, follow these tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes and already used previously in long walks.
- Wear technical anti-blister socks, made of breathable and seamless materials.
- Keep your feet dry by changing socks if necessary.
- Apply petroleum jelly or anti-chafing products before walking.
- Rest and ventilate your feet during stops.
- If you feel chafing, use plasters or preventive bandages before blisters appear.
Preventing blisters and taking care of your feet is essential for a great, blister-free travel experience.
To avoid injuries on the Camino de Santiago, it is important to take into account the following tips:
- Prepare yourself physically with previous walks and on different types of terrain.
- Wear suitable footwear that has already been used.
- Carry a light backpack so as not to overload your body.
- Stretch before and after each stage.
- Listen to your body and rest when necessary.
- Stay hydrated, nourished and well rested throughout the walk.
- Keep a good posture while walking to avoid tensions.
Taking care of your health on the Camino will help you to avoid injuries, and you have to take special care of your feet, avoid excessive weight in your backpack and prevent muscle fatigue.
Yes, the Camino de Santiago is safe for women travelling alone. Thousands of women pilgrims make the Camino every year without incident, like many other women throughout the history of the Camino de Santiago. It is advisable to follow basic precautions such as avoiding walking at night in isolated areas and always maintain communication with family or friends. The hostels and establishments on the Camino are safe and are used to receiving pilgrims from all over the world.
From the beginning of your journey, you will have an emergency number to contact at all times for anything that arises. We love to say that we walk with you, but from the other side of the phone.
So, for anything you need, we are always at your disposal.
Of course! The most important thing is for you to know that we are always available on the other end of the phone to assist you! So, if you can’t walk, just give us a call, and we’ll arrange for a taxi to take you to the next stop.
Before answering this question, it is very important that you consult your doctor. Only a professional will be able to advise you for sure if you can do the Camino de Santiago.
Once your specialist has given you the go-ahead, you’ll need to make sure you’re in good physical condition, as you’ll be walking a considerable number of kilometres a day. Take time to plan your trip (accommodation and daily mileage) or hire the services of a specialized agency to avoid unforeseen events and be on the safe side. Consider the possibility of travelling accompanied and, above all, know your limits and do not overexert yourself in a way that could put your health at risk.
Nowadays the Camino de Santiago can be adapted to almost everyone, and you can choose one route or another, with shorter or shorter stages depending on your needs.
The first and most important thing before doing the Camino de Santiago pregnant is to talk to your doctor or specialist, they are the only ones who have real knowledge to confirm whether or not you can make the trip.
If your doctor has given you the go-ahead and you are determined to do it, we recommend that you follow these tips.
For some, the idea of doing the Camino de Santiago with a baby might seem crazy. However, the truth is that more and more parents are choosing to undertake the Jacobean route with their babies.
If you’re considering doing the Camino with your baby, it’s essential to spend some time preparing for the journey. Here are some important aspects to consider:
- Find a route of a few days with short stages
- Schedule your trip at a time of year with mild temperatures.
- Have a good baby carrier or an all-terrain trolley.
- Hire luggage transport
- Select accommodations with crib
- Support vehicle or taxi
But undoubtedly, to prevent unexpected events and travel with total peace of mind, the best option is to hire the services of a travel agency. Get in touch with us and trust professionals who will provide you with all the logistics to ensure a wonderful experience with your family.
Doing the Camino de Santiago with children is always a fantastic idea. This trip helps to create very special and meaningful bonds between all the members of the family.
But besides being a great experience for the whole family, it is also very enriching for the education of the little ones because of all the values it transmits. Love for nature, companionship, solidarity, empathy, physical exercise, effort, self-improvement… are some of the many things they will learn that they will be able to apply in all areas of their lives.
However, to do the Camino de Santiago with children it is advisable to plan the itinerary well and choose a simple route without much difficulty and in short stages. A good option is the French Way from Sarria or the French Way from O Cebreiro, which you can do in just over a week.
We always emphasize that embarking on the Camino de Santiago alone is one of the most enriching ways to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Living the experience alone is a challenge that can be truly rewarding. While there may be moments when you feel alone, you’ll ultimately find gratitude in the solitude.
They say that the Camino de Santiago acts as the best form of therapy. It allows you to disconnect and dedicate time to what really matters. Reflect on your worries, clarify your thoughts, and begin your journey with the simple task of following the yellow arrows.
Plus, you will never truly be alone. This becomes evident once you set foot on the Camino. Along the stages, you’ll encounter numerous pilgrims with whom you will soon start conversations, share trails, accommodation, tables on terraces, and endless experiences that you will remember with nostalgia when you return home.
On the Camino de Santiago it is practically impossible to get lost or disoriented. Every few meters you will find all kinds of signs and symbols that will show you the way to follow.
If you haven’t seen signs for a long time and you have the feeling that you are not following the right path, our recommendation is that you go back to the last sign you saw to make sure you haven’t made a mistake. It is also not advisable to risk taking alternative routes or shortcuts if you don’t know the route.
Although lockers are becoming more and more common in hostels, some hostels do not have this service and you will have to take extreme precautions.
Generally, crime along the Camino de Santiago is very low, and all pilgrims share the values of solidarity and respect for others. However, since there are always a few bad apples, it’s important to use logic and common sense while traveling.
If you want to avoid unpleasantness experiences, try not to leave money or valuables in sight. We suggest using a fanny pack or a small backpack to keep your belongings with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to put a small padlock on your luggage for added security.
Feeling uncertain or anxious about embarking on a new or unfamiliar journey is normal. However, it’s important to understand that the Camino de Santiago is one of the safest destinations in Spain.
Every year, over 300,000 pilgrims from around the world walk the Camino, with the majority concentrated during the summer months. So, occasional incidents may occur. The key is to stay cautious, apply logic, use common sense and follow these tips.
First of all, it’s important to understand that embarking on the Camino de Santiago doesn’t require being an elite athlete or being accustomed to long daily walking. It’s an achievable journey for everyone, including you.
If you are considering this trip and you are not sure about your physical condition, don’t worry. You are going to walk an average of 20 kilometers a day. If you find yourself unable to do so, you have two options: start training, do shorter stages, or join an organized group trip which has a support vehicle.
If you’re interested in training but unsure where to start, we recommend checking out our article on Training for the Camino de Santiago.
In your travel documents, you’ll find an emergency telephone number where we’re accessible while you’re on the road. This ensures you’ll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.
Although the Camino de Santiago is relatively easy and anyone can do it, it is possible to get injured by overexertion, especially for those unaccustomed to prolonged physical activity. In case you can not continue walking, you will have access to a support vehicle which you can use to reach the end of the stage.
If you require medical assistance, don’t worry. Remember that you have travel insurance, which includes transfers to the nearest medical centre or hospital. In addition, the guide will be attentive to you at all times to help you in everything you need. But let’s be positive and think that you’ll get to Santiago without complications!