How to Do the Camino de Santiago?

Doing the Camino de Santiago is an enriching way to spend your time traveling. Not only that, it’s a destination that offers various options since the routes to Santiago de Compostela are numerous and varied. Can you imagine walking through spectacular landscapes, discovering charming villages, and feeling the satisfaction of reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela? Continue with us and learn how to do the Camino.

Pilgrims walking along the Camino in the Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the cathedral of Santiago

This hiking journey offers a unique experience of discovery and many personal benefits, but it requires prior preparation and planning. Keep reading to find out how to do the Camino de Santiago, whether in a group, alone, with your dog, by bike, or by car.

In an Organized Group

Doing the Camino de Santiago in an organized group is an excellent option for beginners or those who don’t have anyone to travel with. We, as specialists in group travel, offer these because we know their benefits for you are many:

• Constant Company: In a group, you can meet new people and forge new friendships. You’ll never be alone unless you want to, as you can choose to walk solo at any time if your heart desires.
• Logistical Support: With us, you have guaranteed the best advice, desired accommodation, 24-hour continuous attention, and luggage transportation, allowing you to focus on walking and enjoying.
• Safety: Traveling in a group offers a greater sense of security, especially for people who are not used to traveling alone. Besides your new companions and friends, our guides will accompany you step by step, giving encouragement, care, and smiles at every kilometer.

Pilgrims enjoying their journey along the Camino de Santiago together in a group

On Your Own

If you prefer independence, doing the Camino de Santiago on your own might be the best option. You might already be an experienced pilgrim, or you simply prefer to have a solo travel experience. Here are some tips:

• Planning: Decide which route to take and at what time of year to travel, considering your possibilities and interests.
• Luggage: Bring only the essentials. Less is more, and a light backpack will make your journey more comfortable.
• Accommodation: There are hostels along all routes, as well as other types of accommodations like guesthouses, hotels, and rural houses. In some stages, you can even opt for camping.
• Food: Always enjoy the food of the Camino de Santiago, where you can discover the local cuisine.

Some pilgrims on the French Way in their air

Doing the Camino on your own allows you to move at your own pace and enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the journey. You can organize it yourself using apps for the Camino de Santiago, or avoid complications by going through a specialized agency.

Through a Specialized Agency

Whether you do it on your own or prefer to discover the Camino de Santiago in a group, going through a specialized agency like us makes everything easier. How to do the Camino is not an important question, considering that an agency can organize all the details. If you want a personalized trip, decide which, when, and how, tell us, and we will make your Camino de Santiago easier:

• Personalized Advice: From the first moment.
• All Routes Available: Choose your favorite path.
• Various Accommodation Options: Tailored to your needs.
• Luggage Transport: Hassle-free journey.
• Pilgrim Credential: Authentic pilgrim experience.
• Informative Dossier: All the info you need.
• Travel Insurance: For peace of mind.
• 24-Hour Telephone Assistance: Always there for you.

With a specialized agency like us, you only need to worry about walking and enjoying

Doing the Camino with Your Dog

Yes, it is definitely possible to do the Camino de Santiago with your dog, even with your cat! Here are some things to consider:

• Preparation: Ensure your dog is in good physical shape and consult your vet before starting.
• Equipment: Bring enough water and food for your dog, as well as a basic first aid kit. In our trips, luggage transport for your pet is also included.
• Accommodation: Not all hostels allow dogs, so you need to research and plan your stops in pet-friendly accommodations.
• Responsibility: Always pick up after your dog and respect other pilgrims and animals on the Camino.

Walking with your dog can be a rewarding experience, but it certainly requires even more planning. But if your best friend has a “dogrin” spirit, they also deserve to enjoy the Camino de Santiago.

Your four-legged friend can also walk the Way of Santiago

Camino de Santiago by Bike

Doing the Camino de Santiago by bike is a perfect alternative that allows cycling enthusiasts to enjoy the Camino. Here are some tips if you prefer to pedal the Camino and discover it on two wheels:

• Physical Preparation: Make sure you’re in good shape and have experience in cycling.
• Equipment: You’ll need a good bike and appropriate gear like a helmet, lights, and basic tools.
• Routes and Accommodation: Plan your stages and book accommodations that allow for bike storage, something we can help with.

Riding the Camino by bike allows you to cover more distance in less time while still enjoying the landscapes and experience.

Doing the Camino by bike is an experience full of sensations

Doing the Camino by Car

The essence of the Camino de Santiago is “walking through the fields,” from where the word “peregrino” comes, meaning “the one who walks “per ager” to Santiago.” However, if you love road trips like “Route 66,” you can enjoy different itineraries to Santiago by car parallel to the pilgrims. You won’t always be able to drive on the Jacobean paths, as some are impassable by any vehicle, but you can reach the different villages of the Camino.

In fact, besides the Jacobean Silver Route, there is a Silver Route designed for car travel. Some sections of the various Camino de Santiago routes travel over roads, and we always advise, dear driver, to be careful with the pilgrims.

When traveling the Camino by car, be careful with the pilgrims you meet

You might also want to do the Camino in separate stages, driving to the start of each stage and returning home after finishing. This is an option for doing a section of the Camino on foot, which many people living near a Jacobean route choose. You’ll need to return to where you left the car, unless a friend or family member acts as a support car.

Do You Need Help Organizing Your Trip?

Organizing the Camino de Santiago may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be, and there are many sources of help available for your Camino:

• Guides and Books: Numerous guides and books offer details about the routes and practical advice. We have our own, haven’t you seen it?
• Forums and Communities: Join online groups of pilgrims to get recommendations and share experiences.
• Specialized Agencies: As mentioned before, we can take care of all the logistical aspects of your trip.

With us, your journey will be an amazing experience

If you need help, don’t hesitate to seek it. The important thing is to decide to discover this journey and enjoy this unique experience in the best way. Knowing the reasons and options for how to do the Camino de Santiago, which one will you choose? Whatever your choice, come to Santiago and get your Compostela: the adventure and excitement of the Camino await you. ¡Buen Camino!