All our trips offer optional transport of backpacks and luggage. This service allows you to do the Camino de Santiago comfortably without carrying your backpack or suitcase, minimizing the risk of injury.
When you make your reservation, we will send you a welcome envelope to your home or your first accommodation, where you will also find the sticker that we will use for the transport of your luggage, together with your pilgrim’s credential. You only have to follow the steps indicated in it. Easy and convenient!
Recommendations when transporting rucksacks and luggage
The fact of not having to carry your backpack, allows you to be less strict when preparing your luggage to do the Camino de Santiago. We always recommend that if you hesitate to carry something or not, carry it, as you won’t have to carry it.
However, to make proper use of baggage transport you should follow the following recommendations:
Each reservation includes only one package per person
Backpacks may not have any hanging objects or improperly closed pockets and all backpacks must be properly labeled.
It is recommended that the weight of the backpack does not exceed 15 kg.
All luggage must be deposited at the reception of the accommodation before 08: 30 in the morning.
How does the backpack and luggage transport service work?
Receive the sticker and identify your backpack
Before starting your Camino de Santiago, we will send you to your home or your first accommodation the stickers to make use of the luggage transport. You should cover it with your personal details, contact telephone number and the names of the accommodation you have booked and stick it in a visible place in your luggage.
Leave your luggage
In the morning, once you have your luggage ready, you should ask the hospitalero where you can leave your backpack so that we can pick it up. All the accommodations have a space in the reception for it, you only have to leave it where they indicate you, always before 8:30 in the morning.
Go for a walk
Now you just have to enjoy the stage to the next village. While you walk quietly, we will pick up your luggage and transfer it to your next accommodation, so that when you arrive you will find it at the reception. Remember that your luggage can be delivered until 14:30 in the afternoon.
Benefits of using the backpack and luggage transport system
Helping everyone to do the Camino
For many people, using luggage transport is the only way to be able to do the Camino de Santiago. Whether because of age, physical handicaps, or because they are traveling with small children or pets, it is even an excellent option for cyclists who wish to avoid carrying panniers.
You will be able to carry everything you need
Using backpacking allows you to be less strict when it comes to preparing your luggage; you will be able to put more weight in your backpack and have everything you need to make your stay in each accommodation more comfortable.
Prevent injuries
A “compelling” reason to use backpacking is to prevent lower back discomfort caused by carrying a heavy backpack for so many days. As you put on more kilometres, your neck, shoulders and back become sore, leading to injuries. Getting rid of the weight of your backpack can greatly improve your experience as a pilgrim.
Better cope with the hardest stages
Some stages of the Camino de Santiago are especially hard due to their length or the orography of the terrain, with steep slopes and very demanding stretches. A difficulty that is multiplied when carrying a backpack on your back. In these cases, the luggage transport service will help you to face the stages in a different mood.
Protect yourself from the rain
It is not uncommon in Galicia to be surprised by inclement weather. If you carry your backpack, you should be well equipped with a waterproof cover and raincoat, otherwise your belongings are at risk of getting soaked. Using the luggage transport will allow you to do the stage comfortably without worries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Transport
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Where can I pick up and drop off my luggage on the Camino de Santiago?
Generally, luggage is delivered where it is picked up (and vice versa), which is usually at the reception of the accommodation. However, always confirm with the accommodation where to leave your luggage. -
What should I carry in my backpack for the Camino de Santiago?
For the Camino de Santiago, make sure to pack weather-appropriate clothing, including quick-drying pants, a technical t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and suitable footwear.
Also, bring a sleeping bag for hostels, extra clothes, waterproof layers, comfortable shoes for resting, toiletries, sunscreen, a basic first aid kit, your phone charger, an extra battery, important documents like your health card, and the pilgrim's credential. Keep your backpack weight under 10% of your body weight.
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What type of backpack should I bring to the Camino de Santiago?
If you are going to carry your luggage all along the Camino de Santiago, it is important that you have a good backpack as an ally. These are, broadly speaking, the keys to choose it:- Lightweight: the lighter the better.
- Strong seams
- Padded shoulder pads and lumbar reinforcement
- Adjustable waist and chest straps
- Can be adjusted to your height
- Waterproof rain cover
- Preferably with separate compartments
- Top and side pockets
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How many litres should my backpack have for the Camino de Santiago?
The capacity of your backpack may be larger or smaller depending on the length of your trip, the weather conditions and the amount of things you need to carry. The perfect size for the spring and summer months is 45 liters, with capacity more than enough to carry everything you need without back pain. In winter, clothes take up more space and you will need a slightly larger backpack. For short trips, a 50 litre rucksack is perfe. However, if you are going to be walking for more than 15 days, 55 - 60 litre rucksacks have ideal capacity for the colder months. -
Can I do the Camino de Santiago without luggage?
Many believe that by doing the Camino de Santiago without luggage we are taking away the essence of the journey, that we are not "authentic pilgrims". While all opinions are respectable, there is no denying that avoiding the burden of backpacking allows many more people to enjoy the experience. Nowadays, you can hire luggage transport on all the routes of the Camino de Santiago. This allows you to walk comfortably and with total peace of mind, knowing that your backpack or suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation when you arrive. Luggage transport is included in our group trips, trips with a dog and VIP trips; on all other trips you can add it as an optional service when booking. -
How does luggage transport work on the Camino de Santiago?
It is included in all our trips:
- Every morning, leave your suitcase at reception before 8:00 AM.
- We will take it to the next accommodation and you will have it there between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Includes 1 piece of luggage per person of up to 15 kg (suitcase or backpack, clearly labeled).
- If you need another additional piece of luggage, let us know and we will add it.