The Pilgrim Escape Room. Escape the Way

The article "Escape the Way" presents a recreational and tourism initiative on the Camino de Santiago inspired by escape rooms and scavenger hunts that encourages exploring Jacobean towns by solving puzzles with a mobile app, learning about history and heritage while "symbolically saving" the route through challenges at points such as Sarria and Palas de Rei.

The current Holy Year continues to add novelties to the programming of the Xacobeo 2021. Discover the Way of Santiagoin an innovative way that has been born in a playful format, inspired by the "escape rooms" that have become popular in recent years. Escape the way is a new experience for the pilgrim, who in addition to their authentic journey can also enjoy this game in some of the towns along the French Way, for example, from Sarria. Shall we play?

The project "The Escape Way"

Named as such to be identified as a Jacobean modality, "The Escape Way" is a game project based on the already known "escape rooms", although instead of taking place in a closed space, the game is carried out in the open spaces of towns and cities along the Way of Santiago.

Starting in May 2021, and after approval by the Consello Xacobeo, the game has gradually been presented and is operational in locations of the /enFrench Way that have joined this initiative, and this Saturday, October 23, "The Escape Way" will be available in Sarria (Lugo), although it was already launched in Galicia in Palas de Rei (Lugo) on May 14.

This project was initiated by the Association of Municipalities of the Way of Santiago (AMCS) with the collaboration and funding of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, to revitalize and promote the Way of Santiago and tourism in the towns along the route in a very attractive, modern, and playful manner.

Furthermore, as stated by the mayor of Palas de Reis, Pabo Taboada, "the project is part of a line of work by the AMCS to disseminate and promote the Camino de Santiago among the young sector of the population, also seeking involvement in the future of this sector with the cultural itinerary." This intention is very interesting, as it aims to encourage and ensure generational change among the local population of the Jacobean towns, as well as to deeply introduce them to pilgrims and tourists.

How can I play?

The first thing you need is a mobile device with internet connection, as it will be your gaming tool. Once the game is available in the Jacobean locality, it can be played at any time of the year, although there is one essential requirement: you must be in that locality. For now, several localities from different provinces of the French Way are part of the project, from Arrés, Los Arcos, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Belorado, and Astorga, where it is already functioning, awaiting more to join. Such as the Camino de Santiago from Portugal looking to the future.

Additionally, you will need to download a free application available for Android and iOS and head to the local tourist office to obtain your escape credential "The Escape Way," which will provide you with a necessary code to start the game at the location where you are.

Once these requirements are met, all you have to do is log in, enter the code of the locality where you will play, provided in the "The Escape Way" credential, and follow the instructions that this kind of technological scavenger hunt will give you.

What is the game about?

Indeed, "The Escape Way" is inspired by the well-known "escape rooms," and has much of a scavenger hunt and "geocaching". Players will have to solve tests and puzzles through QR codes, thanks to the clues that will be provided to them, to reach the end. In each locality, there will be different games, although they follow the line set by the concept of the game. Unbeknownst to them, they will learn aspects of History and curiosities about the Camino and the municipality itself, thus enriching the experience.

The objective is to save the Camino de Santiago from a secret sect that threatens to make the pilgrimage disappear.

The game is aimed at the entire population, tourists and pilgrims over 12 years old, although minors can play in the company of an adult. It can be played individually or in teams, and the average duration of the game ranges from 40 to 75 minutes.

As you can see, the Camino de Santiago is full of surprises. If you haven't done it yet, now you have another attraction to do so, with these fun and engaging initiatives that will complete your experience. Now that Sarria and Palas de Rei are part of "The Escape Way", we encourage you to undertake the French Way from Sarria, in about five days filled with the excitement typical of the Jacobean route, enriched with the intrigue offered by this innovative initiative. Get ready to save the Camino de Santiago!