Pilgrim Questions

We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage.   The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us.

Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available.

We do not recommend hiring a private guide unless you are a very large group, as it will make the price of the trip much more expensive. In case you need it you can contact us and we will send you a quote that suits your needs.

If you are interested in a trip on our website but want to make a change, let us know. You can remove or add all the services you consider appropriate: meals, transfers, extra nights, luggage transport, or modify a stage to make it shorter as long as there is availability of accommodation. To modify an itinerary simply contact us and tell us what you need.

In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience.

The Way of Saint James on your own includes the following services

• Accommodation
• Luggage transport
• Dossier with information about the stages
• Pilgrim's credential
• 24-hour helpline
• Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services

• Breakfast or half board
• Private transfers to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela or from the airport.
• Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage

Unlike the group trips, no bus service, guide or support vehicle is included between stages. But you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.

If you don't know how to get to the beginning or end of your Camino, you can contact us and we will advise you on how to get there in the fastest and most economical way. We also put at your disposal our private transfer service that you can hire directly on the web or by contacting us directly.

When you make your reservation, we ask you to indicate your home address so that we can send you the credentials. If you live outside the peninsula, abroad or make your reservation at short notice you will receive them at your first accommodation.

The group trips are itineraries in which you will do a section of the Camino de Santiago as part of a group with other people, who like you, are looking for an unforgettable experience. We have a wide range of departure dates throughout the year, with the option of hiring a return bus from different cities (only on certain dates). You will be able to choose the type of accommodation you want and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying.

The Camino de Santiago in group includes the following services.

• 7 days / 6 nights in the chosen accommodation
• Support vehicle between stages
• 24 hour accompanying monitor
• Luggage transfer during the stages
• Complete documentation with practical information about the trip
• Pilgrim's credential
• Scallop and T-shirt
• Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services

• Breakfast or half board
• Private transfers to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela or from the airport.
• Round trip bus from different cities
• Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage

Of course, you can add as many meals to your booking as you wish. However, we never recommend doing the Camino de Santiago with hired meals. Carrying a closed meal package often takes away from the freedom of the trip and does not save any money. We will always advise you what we would like to be told, so we believe that eating what you like, where you like and when you like always adds to the experience. In addition, in the dossier that we send you when you make your reservation, you will find the best recommendations of bars and restaurants where you can have a great meal at very cheap prices.

You can add breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner) to your reservation without any problem.   We always advise against hiring meals, especially if we are going to do the Camino de Santiago in a group. As you know, in Galicia you can eat very well and very cheaply, so it won't be a big saving on your reservation. Our guide will be recommending spectacular places to eat and make stops throughout the trip, so if you take your meals with you, in our opinion, you will reduce the freedom of your trip.

The Camino de Santiago is neither a race nor a competition, and everyone must experience it at their own pace. If you don't want to get injured, forget about rushing and don't obsess about getting there first. The Camino invites you to go slowly, to contemplate the landscape, to enjoy the company and solitude. Because no matter how slowly you walk, we assure you that you will never feel lost or helpless, you will always find people to share the road with.   In addition, the guide will be watching the group at all times, suggesting stops for those who want to wait for the others.

On important dates we have buses departing from different cities. The price of the trip includes a return trip and it is not possible to book only one way.   This service is exclusive for the members of the group, that is to say, you will travel only with the guide and your companions on the Camino. Together with your booking information, we will send you the place and time of departure and the guide will be waiting to welcome you and to take you to the start of the stage.   In addition, it is necessary to cover a minimum number of seats to guarantee the departure of the bus, otherwise we will notify you at least one month in advance and we will advise you on how to get to the start of the stage.

This is the person who will be with you during the whole trip, from the moment of the reception of the group in Sarria until the arrival in Santiago de Compostela. It will be one more of the group and will be at your disposal to help you with anything you may need, solve problems, solve all your doubts and help to make pineapple and union of the group.   Our guides know every stage of the Camino de Santiago to the millimeter and have done it many times. They will give you the best recommendations on what to see, what to visit and where to eat so that you don't miss anything. In addition, once the stage is over, he will be able to propose a plan for those who want to join in.

Our groups are made up of very different people of all ages. There is no specific profile. You may find groups of friends, couples, families with children, retired people and many people travelling alone.   The important thing is to do the Camino de Santiago with an open mind, willing to meet people, to learn from others and help them if they need it. You're sure to find many like-minded people and end up making lifelong friendships!

This is the question you ask us the most, and our answer is always the same: Joining our groups if you are travelling alone is the best thing to do! As we said in the previous question, in our groups there is no specific profile, but we can assure you that there are always a lot of people who travel alone. So take away your fears, at all times you will be supported by our guides, you will meet incredible people and you will have fun like little boys and girls.

The operation of the Camino de Santiago in group is very simple. Imagine an incredible trip among friends, well, the same.   Approximately one month before the trip we will close the group and send you the documentation of your trip with all the detailed information (bus / names of the accommodations / welcome meeting / dossier with recommendations / insurance policy).   Once the whole group has arrived in Sarria, the guides will meet you in a welcome meeting to get to know each other, to inform you about the dynamics of the trip and to solve all your doubts. They will also provide you with credentials, stickers for the transport of luggage and will give you a T-shirt and a pilgrim's scallop. This first day we do not walk, we can take the opportunity to have a drink, get to know each other better and make a small visit to the village.   During one week we will cover the 110 kilometers that separate Sarria from Santiago de Compostela. We will walk an average of 20 kilometers a day in 5 stages. Of course everyone at their own pace. We will also create a Whatsapp group in which the guide will be proposing stops to rest and wait for the others as well as places of interest that we can visit. Once we arrive at the end of the stage our luggage will be waiting for us at the reception of our assigned hotel. After showering and resting for a while, the guide will suggest a place to have lunch and those who want to can join in and exchange experiences. Only if it is possible, we will organize some activity such as concerts or queimadas to liven up the afternoon with our companions on the Camino.   It is a trip of coexistence in which always end up creating very strong bonds between the members of the group. We love to see how once we arrive in Santiago, those people who a week ago were strangers, end up being in many cases friends for life.

We currently have three payment methods available:

• Credit or debit card
• Bank transfer
• Paypal

If you have any doubts about cancelling or modifying your reservation. We recommend you to visit our General Booking Conditions.

It is not possible to change the itinerary once you have started your Camino de Santiago. If the reason is due to force majeure you can contact us and we will try to find the best solution.   A change of itinerary once the trip has begun may cause the rest of the logistics to be affected, especially accommodation bookings, which would lead to a considerable increase in the price of your trip.

It will depend on the contracted modality:   If you are going to do the Camino de Santiago on your own, you will receive the documentation by email a few days after making your reservation. If you make your reservation well in advance, it may take us a little longer to send it to you in high season, as we give priority to reservations made with less time in advance.   If it has been a few weeks since you made your booking and you have not received your documentation, you can contact us.   If you are going to do the Camino de Santiago in a group, you will receive your documentation approximately one month before the start of the trip, when we close the group.

It is not compulsory to print it, but it is advisable as this way you will be able to consult it whenever you need it. You can also carry the downloaded documentation on your phone.

Depending on the chosen route, we accept reservations up to 24 hours before the start of your trip. If you wait until the last minute you should be aware that we may not be able to accommodate your request due to lack of logistics or accommodations on the route you desire. In this case, we will reject your booking and refund you the full amount you have paid. However, we always recommend booking as far in advance as possible as availability in the accommodation is limited and we need time to organise your Camino so that you have an amazing experience in every way.

No, this option is not possible. If you are travelling alone our recommendation is to book a hostel, which apart from being much cheaper, is also the best option to meet people and get the most out of the experience. If you prefer to have privacy and stay in private rooms in hostels or hotels, you will have to select a single occupancy room for a small supplement.

Although the Camino de Santiago is relatively easy and anyone can do it, it is possible that we get injured by overexertion to which we are not accustomed. In case you can not continue walking you will have a support vehicle that you can use to reach the end of the stage.   If you require medical assistance, don't worry. Remember that you have travel insurance that 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!

The support vehicle is at your disposal during the whole trip and you will be able to use it in case you get injured or are unable to continue walking for any reason. As a general rule, the support vehicle will not be able to pick you up anywhere along the route, as the Camino de Santiago runs through forests, forest tracks and narrow paths where it is difficult to access vehicles, especially buses. We will place the support vehicle halfway through the stage and we will send you its exact location. This means that in case you are injured and want to walk, you must be sure that you are able to walk at least 10 kilometers.

If you have booked meals on your trip, you should check with your accommodation about the restaurant opening hours at the time of check-in, as they may vary from day to day depending on the restaurant's occupancy. But in most cases breakfasts start to be served very early, around 7 am. Dinners are usually available between 20:30 and 23:00 in most establishments.

Many pilgrims wish to stay in hostels or guesthouses during their journey and, on arrival in Santiago, upgrade to a higher quality hotel. If this is your case, just let us know and we will send you a personalised quote by email that suits what you are looking for.

Unless we specify it, it is not necessary to give notice of your arrival and departure time. Just in case your stage takes longer than expected and you plan to arrive later than 19:00, you should contact your accommodation to let them know. Remember that not all of them have 24-hour reception.   Rooms are usually ready after 13:00, so if you arrive too early you may not find your room ready and have to wait.

In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location.   As a general rule, all accommodation is located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns.   For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning.   In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking.

Normally it is not possible to know the names of the accommodations before booking, as we cannot guarantee their availability for your dates. But if you wish, we can send you a list of accommodations that possibly coincide with the ones you have finally assigned. You simply have to apply.

We will send you the names of the accommodations along with your travel documents.   If you are going to do the Camino de Santiago on your own, you will receive the documentation by email a few days after making your reservation. If you make your reservation well in advance, it may take us a little longer to send it to you in high season, as we give priority to reservations made with less time in advance.   If it has been a few weeks since you made your booking and you have not received your documentation, you can contact us.   If you are going to do the Camino de Santiago in a group, you will receive your documentation approximately one month before the start of the trip, when we close the group.

Except in private hostels, where bathrooms are shared and separated by gender, in the rest of the accommodation you will always have a private bathroom.

Nowadays almost all the accommodations have Wifi internet connection. However, we cannot guarantee that this will always be the case. Depending on the chosen route, some accommodations are located in rural areas where the connection is non-existent or of poor quality. You may not even have mobile data.   Remember that the Camino de Santiago is an incredible experience at all levels. You will find the real connection on the Camino itself, so forget about your phone for a few days and use it only as much as you need to. Talking to others or reading a good book are alternatives that will surely bring you much more.

Although many accommodations have laundry facilities (for a fee), we cannot guarantee this. But don't worry, there are coin-operated self-service laundromats in every town where you can do your laundry.

Towels: If you have chosen the option of hostels our recommendation is that you bring your own towel, as the vast majority do not offer this service or will only give you the option of renting one. But if you stay in private rooms in hostels, hotels, rural houses etc. you will have towels in the room as well as a small courtesy kit with shampoo and shower gel.   Hairdryer: The vast majority of hostels, hotels and rural houses have a hairdryer in the room. In hostels the answer is not so certain, they may not have it or you may have to ask for it at reception. However, you can always take a small travel hairdryer with you, or ask a hostel mate to bring one. The Camino is also about sharing!

Once you have contracted the service, we will send you the telephone number of the assigned taxi driver so that you can contact him and arrange the time and place of pick-up.   In case you arrive at the airport, we will ask you for your flight number and arrival time beforehand. Once you have disembarked, the taxi driver will be waiting for you at the exit with a sign with your name on it.

We include a compulsory insurance with each trip that will cover you for any inconveniences that may arise during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy together with your travel documents.

The basic travel insurance included in our packages has a wide coverage against unforeseen events, with which you will also have guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits that you can consult in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.

It is not necessary to hire the transfer service at the time of booking, you can arrange it later without any problem. If it is advisable that you let us know in advance to give notice to the taxi driver of the pick up.

Normally your luggage will be at your accommodation between 13:00 and 14:00 noon. If for some reason you arrive at your accommodation and can't find your luggage, don't worry.   In high season we move a large number of suitcases, so it is possible that the carrier has not yet arrived at your accommodation. We recommend you to be patient and give yourself a little time before becoming alarmed.   It doesn't usually happen, but in case it's too late and you still haven't received your luggage, you have at your disposal an emergency phone number where you can contact us. We assure you that we find 100% of lost suitcases in perfect condition.

Of course it is! You must tell us about your allergies or food intolerances when you make your reservation so that we can pass a note to the restaurant and they can prepare a special menu for you. If you are celiac or gluten intolerant, we recommend that you buy your own bread at any bakery, as many restaurants do not have it.

Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You will be able to do the Camino de Santiago without your luggage on your back with the peace of mind that your suitcase will be at your next accommodation on your arrival.   Along with your credential you will also receive stickers, which you must cover with the requested information and stick it in a visible place on your suitcase.   Once you have arrived at your accommodation, we recommend that you ask at reception where you can leave your luggage. You will have to leave your luggage at the indicated place first thing in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This way, when you arrive at your next accommodation your luggage will already be there.

We are not Ryanair. But remember that carriers carry a large number of suitcases every day, so we recommend that the maximum weight does not exceed 15 kg.

Your trip includes only one piece of luggage per person, but you can hire as many pieces of luggage as you wish by paying the corresponding amount. Just let us know.

In case you do not need the luggage transport service and you want to carry your backpack for the whole Camino, it is important that you let us know so that we can notify the carrier.

You can do the Camino de Santiago in the following ways:   On foot: This is the most traditional way to walk the Camino de Santiago. You can do it in a group or alone. Most pilgrims decide to do it on foot, either for comfort, to feel the essence of the pilgrimage or because they are unaware of other ways of doing it.   By bicycle: On the Way of St. James there are stages specially designed for cyclists. In addition, most of the routes are very well signposted with some sections running along the road.   On horseback: If you have a horse and you want to do the Camino de Santiago, it is possible. But it is important to keep in mind that it requires a lot of preparations in terms of veterinarians, accommodation, food for the animal, authorizations, etc. You can also do the Camino de Santiago on horseback by hiring a specialized agency.   By boat: This is undoubtedly the most original way to do the Camino de Santiago. You can do it in your own boat or hire the trip in a specialized agency.

It is very difficult to say how many stages the Camino de Santiago has as it depends on several factors. If you go by bike you will be able to cover longer distances than if you walk. It is usual to walk 20 to 30 kilometres a day and cycle 50 to 80 kilometres a day.   But you should know that the division of the stages does not only depend on your means of transport. As a general rule, all the stages begin and end in cities, towns or small villages that have services for pilgrims (hostels, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, etc.).   In addition, the orography of the route also influences the length of the stages. In some routes we will cross mountain passes, mountain ranges, natural parks etc. that will make us travel longer distances to reach a village.   Generally all the stages are more or less delimited taking into account their difficulty and places to stay. But you should know that there is no pre-established rule that prevents you from doing more or less kilometres, it will depend on your physical condition.

Each Jacobean itinerary has its starting point in a different place. The French Way starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port (France), the Northern Way in Irun, the Primitive Way starts in Oviedo, the English Way starts in Ferrol. The Silver Route starts from Seville, the Central Portuguese Route from Lisbon and the Portuguese Coastal Route from Oporto.   The Way of St. James ends in Santiago de Compostela, with the obligatory visit to the Cathedral and the tomb of St. James the Apostle. But there is a Jacobean route in which Santiago is the beginning and not the goal, it is the Camino a Finisterre, whose goal is to reach the "End of the World", located in the lighthouse of Finisterre.

In case you don't have the necessary time or you can't do a complete route of the Camino de Santiago, you always have the option of joining at any point of the Camino. The most common is to do the so-called "last 100 kilometers". This way you can do any of the routes and reach Santiago de Compostela in about a week. These are the last 100 most popular kilometers of the Camino de Santiago.

• French Way from Sarria (110 km)
• Portuguese Way from Tui (120 km)
• Primitive Way from Lugo (102 km)
• North Road from Villalba (120 km)
• English Way from Ferrol (122 km)
• Vía de la Plata from Ourense (110 km)

 

As you know, there is no single Way of St. James, but a huge network of pilgrimage routes over vast distances. Therefore each route of the Camino de Santiago has a different mileage. In the peninsula, the longest Way of Saint James is the Via de la Plata with 960 km, followed by the Camino del Norte with 833 km. The French Way is 763 km long and the Primitive Way 316 km long. The shortest Way of Saint James is the English Way, which covers a distance of 122 km. In the case of the Portuguese Way we must distinguish between the two variants. The Central Portuguese Way has 682 km and the Portuguese Way along the Coast 265 km.

The history of the Way of St. James begins with the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle St. James and passes through important historical periods until it became what we know today. More information - History of the Camino de Santiago.

It is said that "all roads lead to Rome", but it could also be said "all roads lead to Santiago de Compostela".   The Camino de Santiago is not a single road, but a network of many roads that start from the peninsula and from all over Europe.   Routes currently recognized as official by the S.A.M.M.I Cathedral of Santiago are: the French Way, the TheNorth Road, the Primitive Way, the English Way, the TheRoad to Finisterre and Muxía, El Portuguese inlandroute and the Portuguese Way along the coast, The Via de la Plata, the Winter Road and recently the Route of the Sea of Arousa and river Ulla.   But in addition to these Jacobean routes recognized as official by the Cathedral of Santiago, there are also many other long-established Pilgrims' Routes to Santiago that cross the entire peninsula. These are the Mozarabic Way, the Aragonese Way, the Southern Way, the Ebro Way, the Levante Way, the Manchego Way, the Madrid Way, or the Catalonia Way.   There are also a large number of routes of the Camino de Santiago that depart from many countries in Europe. The most famous are the Tavira-Quintanilha Way, the Paris Way (France), Vézelay Way (France), Via Podiensis (France), Arles Way or Via Tolosana (France), Via Francigena (Italy), the Austrian Way (Austria) and the Via Baltica (Central Europe).

In the event that you need to report any incident or unforeseen event to the insurance company, you can do so directly on the telephone number that appears on your policy. You can also call us and we will help you in any way we can.

In your travel documents you will find an emergency telephone number where we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This way you will travel with peace of mind knowing that one of our companions will help you to quickly solve any problem, incident or doubt that you may have along your Camino de Santiago.

Everyone can do the Camino de Santiago regardless of their beliefs. With the passing of the centuries, the Camino ceased to be a fundamentally religious pilgrimage and became a cultural event as well. Many pilgrims have motivations related to faith and spirituality, but also a desire for adventure, to meet people, to find themselves and to overcome personal challenges. No one is going to judge you by your motivations.

The Pilgrim's Credential is a kind of "passport" carried by all pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. It is only for walkers travelling on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or sailing and is intended to identify the pilgrim, although it does not generate any rights. It has two practical purposes: access to the public hostels on the Camino and to serve as certification of passage to apply for the Compostela, which is the certification of having completed the pilgrimage. You can get it at the following places:

• From Brotherhoods of the Apostle St. James
• From Authorized Associations in Spain
• From Authorized Associations in other countries
• In Spain: See map
• In the world: See map

In case you make a reservation with Viajes Camino de Santiago you will not have to worry about getting your Credential, as it is included in all our trips.

For the issue of the Compostela, you must stamp the Credential at least twice a day, but you can put as many stamps as you want. You can stamp it in churches, monasteries, all kinds of monuments, associations, shops, lodgings, bars, restaurants, town halls, etc.

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

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, a 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 perfect, but if you are going to be walking for more than 15 days, 55 - 60 litre rucksacks have an ideal capacity for the colder months.

Before you start making your backpack, it is important to set a weight limit to avoid filling it with "porsiacasos" and unnecessary things. Ideally, it should weigh a maximum of 10% of our weight, 6 or 7 kg for women and 7 or 8 kg for men. It is very important to distribute the weight properly: place the heaviest belongings on the back, the sleeping bag on the bottom to cushion and check that it is well balanced, without being tilted.

When choosing the clothes to wear on the Camino de Santiago you should take into account the time of year in which you are and pay attention to the weather.   Here is a list of what you can't miss:   Warm and mild months: You will need comfortable and breathable clothing, shorts and t-shirts, hat or cap, sweatshirt or fleece for cooler evenings and mornings and a light raincoat.   Cold months: Warm but breathable clothing that prevents sweat and allows you to maintain your body temperature. Choose warm t-shirts and leggings to wear under your clothes, a thick fleece, waterproof coat, raincoat, hat, gloves and neck warmer.

Footwear for the Camino de Santiago in summer: The trekking shoes are the most advisable option, since they have all the characteristics that we can ask to a footwear to do the Camino de Santiago. They are lightweight, have a firm sole and are more cushioned and flexible than hiking boots, something your feet will be grateful for.   Footwear for the Camino de Santiago in winter: Without doubt the best option are hiking boots that, in addition to providing greater support to the ankle, have sturdy soles perfect for steep or slippery terrain. It is very important that you choose waterproof ones.   Don't forget to add to your suitcase a pair of shoes to rest your feet. We recommend bringing a pair of trainers or sandals and flip-flops for the showers in the hostels.

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 will allow 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.   The luggage transport service is included free of charge in all our trips.

We know that it is difficult to choose a route to do the Camino de Santiago. We are all looking for the most beautiful way to enjoy nature and discover magical places that will remain in our memories forever. But the truth is that all the routes of the Camino de Santiago have a special charm and the landscape varies greatly from one province or community to another. Some are ideal for lovers of high mountains, in others you will find green valleys, lush forests, fields, small villages, magical towns and countless monuments. There are also coastal routes for lovers of the sea, with steep cliffs and paradisiacal beaches. Our recommendation is that you don't get obsessed with finding the most beautiful route. And whatever Camino you do, we are sure you will love it. But if you want detailed information about the landscapes that you will find in each itinerary of the Camino de Santiago we have an article that will surely interest you.

The word "easy" or "difficult" is a subjective term depending on who you ask, what may seem very easy to some may not to others, and vice versa. On the Camino de Santiago will depend on several factors. The time of the year, your physical condition, the orography of the terrain, the total distance to be covered and the daily kilometers you do, if you carry your backpack or hire a luggage transport service, among many others. If you are a beginner and it is your first time on the Camino de Santiago, there are two routes that are perfect for you and we assure you that you will get it 100% right.   Last 100 kilometres of the French Way from Sarria: It is the most popular and well known route, perfect to do the Camino de Santiago for the first time if you have little time. This fame is due to the quality of its services, the wide range of accommodation and restaurants and, above all, its great beauty. The difficulty of the stages is not excessively hard. For a week you will walk about 20 kilometers a day on dirt roads and paved rural trails, without big slopes. A very comfortable route ideal for any age, which is why many families are encouraged to do it with children and seniors. Last 100 kilometres of the Portuguese Way from Tui Another very good option for beginners can be found in the south of Galicia, in Tui. From here we can do the Camino de Santiago in about a week. As in the French Way, the stages are short and without unevenness, with many stretches by road. During your trip you will have no problem finding places to rest and refresh yourself, and you will find a wide range of accommodation and services (laundries, supermarkets, taxis, etc.).

As you know, there is no single route to do the Camino de Santiago and, moreover, you are not obliged to do the whole route if you do not have the necessary time. The minimum distance to receive the Compostela is 100 kilometres on foot and 200 kilometres if you go by bike. In both cases, having at least one week will be enough to complete it in stages of 20 km per day or 50 km for cyclists.

To get your Compostela, once you arrive in Santiago, you will need to go with your Credential to the Pilgrim's Welcome Office located at Calle Carretas, nº 33.   To get the Compostela you must meet three requirements.

• Doing the Camino de Santiago for religious or spiritual reasons, or at least with an attitude of search.
• Do the last 100 km of one of the routes on foot or on horseback , or the last 200 km by bicycle to Santiago.
• Stamps should be collected from the places you pass through on the Pilgrim's Credential. Stamps of churches, hostels, monasteries, cathedrals and places related to the Camino are preferred, but stamps of accommodation, shops, town halls, bars, etc. are also valid. It should be sealed at least twice a day.

The Camino de Santiago can be done at any time of the year. Although it is true that the experience will be very different choosing one or the other season. High season: From the beginning of May to mid-September. At this time the temperatures are usually warmer and therefore the number of pilgrims is higher. It is even becoming more crowded in some sections of the most popular routes such as the French or Portuguese. It is the perfect time if, in addition to living the experience on the Camino de Santiago, you also want to meet people and enjoy the pilgrim atmosphere in all its splendor. If you plan your trip at this time of year we recommend you to book your accommodation in advance or opt for less crowded routes. Low season: It includes almost the whole winter, from November to the end of February or the beginning of March. The inclement weather means that there are practically no pilgrims on these dates and most of the accommodation and services are closed. If you decide to do the Camino de Santiago at this time we recommend you to plan your itinerary well and make your reservations in advance. Mid season: Corresponds to the remaining months of the year and for many it is the perfect time to do the Camino de Santiago. Mild temperatures, autumnal forests and fields and paths full of flowers will be a treat for the senses. In addition, the crowds are much smaller than in the summer months and it is not usually an inconvenience to enjoy the experience.

If one day, for whatever reason, you forget to stamp the Credential, don't worry, it's not usually important. Normally when you apply for the Compostela they don't check all the stamps to the millimetre. We assure you that they won't give you any problems.

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.   As a general rule, the level of crime on the Camino de Santiago is very low and all pilgrims share the same values of solidarity and respect for others. But since there are bad people in everyone, you will have to apply logic and common sense.   If you want to avoid unpleasantness try not to leave money or valuables in sight. We recommend using a fanny pack or small backpack to keep your belongings with you at all times and placing a small padlock on your luggage.

It is normal to be unsure or have fears when facing a new or unfamiliar journey. But you should know that the Camino de Santiago is one of the safest destinations in Spain. Every year more than 300,000 pilgrims from all over the world walk the Camino, most of them concentrated in the summer months, so it is normal that sometimes there are some incidents. The best thing to do is to be cautious, apply logic, common sense and follow these tips. // Art. Safety on the Camino de Santiago //

First of all, we want you to know that to do the Camino de Santiago you don't need to be a great athlete or be used to walk long distances every day. Everyone can do it, and we assure you that you can too. If you are considering this trip and you are not sure of your physical condition, don't worry. The first thing you should do is to make sure that you are going to walk an average of 20 kilometres a day. If you find yourself unable to do so, you have two options, start training, do shorter stages, or join an organised group trip with a support vehicle.   If you want to start training and you don't know how to do it, we recommend you to read our article about Training for the Camino de Santiago.

All along the pilgrimage routes there are a multitude of elements and indicators that will help you to find your way around, making it practically impossible to get lost. The yellow arrow: This is the most important sign and the one you will find most often on your Camino de Santiago. You will find them every few meters painted on trees, on the facades of houses, on power poles, on the ground, on churches, on rocks, on vertical signs. They are always on display and their eye-catching colour will never go unnoticed. Milestones or kilometre markers: These are the second most important signpost on the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela. They are stone and concrete constructions on which usually appear the yellow arrow, the scallop shell and, sometimes, the kilometres to go to Santiago de Compostela. Although they are similar, their design and frequency of use may vary from one community to another. In Galicia you will find a milestone every 500 meters, which also serve to mark places of certain historical, religious or monumental importance. Traffic signs and information panels: They will have one design or another depending on the autonomous community in which we are. Scallop shell: After the yellow arrow, the scallop is the symbol of the Camino par excellence. The most common is to find it on a blue background, which identifies the Way as a European Cultural Itinerary . In the streets of many towns and villages you will find the bronze-plated scallop, which, along with other signs, will show you the way out of the city.

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.

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.

The Camino de Santiago by bike includes the following services:

• Accommodation
• Luggage transport
• Dossier with information about the stages
• Pilgrim's credential
• 24-hour helpline
• Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services:

• Breakfast or half board
• Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage
• Bicycle rental

Unlike the group trips, no bus service, guide or support vehicle is included between stages. But you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.

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.

For many it may seem crazy to do the Camino de Santiago with a baby. But the truth is that more and more mothers and fathers are deciding to do the Jacobean route with their newborn. If you are planning to do the Camino with your baby you will need to spend some time preparing for the journey. Some important aspects are:

• 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 avoid unforeseen events and travel with total peace of mind, the best thing to do is to hire the services of a travel agency. Contact us and trust in professionals who will put at your disposal all your logistics to have a wonderful experience with your family.

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.

We always tell you the same thing, doing the Camino de Santiago alone is one of the best ways to enjoy the experience one hundred percent. Living the experience alone is a challenge that will be worth it. Even if there are times when you feel lonely, you will end up being grateful for it. They say that the Camino de Santiago is the best psychologist. It allows you to disconnect and spend time on what really matters. Think about all that worries you, clear your thoughts and ideas and start walking with the only concern of following the yellow arrows. Besides, you will never be alone. And this is something you will understand once you get to the Camino. Throughout the stages you will meet many pilgrims with whom you will soon start conversations, share paths, accommodation, tables on terraces, experiences and endless experiences that you will remember with nostalgia when you return home.

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.

On the Camino de Santiago you will meet people of all ages: children and young people. adults and seniors. Everyone can do it! The most important thing is always to take into account your physical condition in order to adapt the route to your needs and your state of health. More information: Way of Saint James for seniors / retired people 

Yes, we make sure that all assigned accommodations have a place where you can leave your bike safe and sound.

We have high quality mountain bikes and electric bikes that you can rent during the whole Camino. Check the details here.

Yes. Your bike will be available at the reception of your first accommodation before starting the Camino de Santiago at no extra charge.

Yes. In case you consider that any of the stages of the itinerary is too long or too short for you, you can ask us for a completely tailor-made trip. However, if you wish to use the baggage transport service you should bear in mind that it does not cover excessively long distances. Contact us!

The minimum distance to obtain the Compostela certificate is 200 kilometres for cyclists.

If you finish your Camino in Santiago de Compostela, you must deliver the bicycle to the address that we will send you together with the documentation of your trip. In case your trip ends at any other point of the Camino, we will take care of the pick-up.

The Camino de Santiago with dog includes the following services:

• Accommodation
• Luggage transport for you and your pet
• Dossier with information about the stages
• Pilgrim's credential
• Canine credential
• 24-hour helpline
• Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services:

• Breakfast or half board
• Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage
• Private transfers from Santiago de Compostela to the start or end of the stage.

Unlike the group trips, no bus service, guide or support vehicle is included between stages. But you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.

All rented bikes include, with no additional options, a pannier rack, bottle holder, lock, bell and a small tool kit. The tool kit includes:

• Spare camera. All the ones we use are with sealant, anti-puncture, but they are not infallible.
• Removable, to remove the tire in the event of a puncture
• Two-way air pump. Compact in size, it gives air
• in both directions.
• Pedal wrench
• Multifunction wrench, with allen and chain cutter.

The battery of the bike is prepared to have a sufficient autonomy to last about 80 km, using about a level 2 of assistance of the same. If you need more assistance, the battery will hold less and vice versa. As for charging the battery, it must be plugged in to be recharged with a special charger. It can be charged directly to the frame, or disassembled and removed to carry it to charge it wherever it is needed.

In case of any incident with your bicycle, you will have a 24-hour helpline where we will help you to solve the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. We pedal with you!

The Canine Credential is a document created and issued by the Asociación Protectora de Animales del Camino de Santiago (APACA). It is a passport for pets that has the same function as the Pilgrim's Credential. Lyon of that trip. A nice initiative that rewards the effort of our furry. You will have to stamp it in all the places you pass through: hostels, restaurants, churches, shops, etc. until you get to Santiago de Compostela. Once you have finished your Camino de Santiago, you should contact the APACA Association so that they can issue you the Compostela Canina, the document that certifies the completion of your Camino de Santiago. In the documentation that we send you when you make your reservation you will find all this information perfectly detailed.

The best option is always to travel by car to the start of the route or leave it parked in Santiago de Compostela. We have a transfer service with pets to any point of the Camino de Santiago. Contact us!

Once you have made your reservation, we will send you the credentials and luggage stickers to your home address. If you are a foreigner, live in the Canary Islands or Balearic Islands, you can pick them up at your first accommodation before starting the Camino.

It is compulsory to carry the veterinary card or canine passport. It is also advisable to put a tag on their collar with your name and phone number. Before you start your trip, make sure your dog has had at least two doses of the following vaccinations: trivalent parvu (distemper, hepatitis and leptospira). And the rabies vaccination at least 20 days before.

If during the Camino de Santiago you have any incident with your pet and it makes it impossible to continue walking, we have a transfer service from any point of the Camino. Along with the documentation that we send you when you make your reservation, you will have at your disposal a 24 hour helpline to help you. Call us!

As a general rule, only one dog is included with each booking. In case you want to travel with more animals in the same reservation, please let us know.

Yes, you and your dog will always sleep in the same room without any problem.

No, you will not have to pay any additional charges for your pet in any accommodation.

Some accommodations, despite allowing pets, have an internal rule that dogs are not allowed to stay alone in the rooms so as not to disturb other guests, for example barking. Therefore, we recommend that you always check with your assigned accommodation.

Yes, with your booking you have an extra suitcase included to transport everything your pet needs: food, toys, bed, blanket, water bowl, etc. This way, you will be able to do the Camino de Santiago comfortably without worrying about carrying too much weight. Daily we will transfer your luggage from one accommodation to another; so that when you finish the stage, it will be waiting for you at the reception of your next accommodation.

We recommend that you always keep your dog on a leash on roads, in urban areas or in towns where there are likely to be loose animals. In Galicia it is allowed by law that dogs are allowed to run loose on rural roads. Therefore, you can let it enjoy whenever you are in rural areas, forests, fields etc.