Traveler Information
for the Camino de Santiago
A pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago offers a unique blend of physical challenge, spiritual reflection, and shared community. Walking ancient paths that have been traveled for over a thousand years, pilgrims make their way across Spain or Portugal toward Santiago de Compostela, the traditional burial site of St. James. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic towns, farmland, and quiet countryside. The Camino has a long tradition of simplicity, walking each day, sharing meals, and ending the day in rest. This is a more physically demanding pilgrimage than many of our other journeys, but it is also one of the most rewarding. Most pilgrims find that the rhythm of walking becomes an important part of the experience itself.
Weather
The weather along the Camino varies depending on the region and time of year, but it is generally mild during the main pilgrimage seasons. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable walking conditions, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Summer months can be quite hot, particularly in central Spain. Early mornings are often the best time to walk during these months. Rain is always a possibility, especially in northern regions like Galicia, so it’s important to be prepared for changing conditions. We rarely adjust our itineraries due to weather unless conditions become unsafe.
Packing
One of the traditional practices of pilgrimage is simplicity, and the Camino is no exception. We strongly recommend packing light and bringing only what you can comfortably manage. You will be walking several miles each day, so your clothing and gear should be practical, comfortable, and well-tested before your trip. While luggage transfers are usually provided, you will still need to carry a day pack during your walks for things like water, snacks, and foot care. When it comes to clothing, we recommend packing items that can be layered for changing temperatures throughout the day. You won’t need formal attire for dinners or group activities. Here are a few essentials.
o Broken-in walking shoes or hiking boots
o Lightweight day pack
o Hiking or trekking poles
o Quick drying clothing
o Raincoat or poncho
o Hat and sunscreen
o Refillable water bottle or reservoir
o Basic first aid supplies, especially blister care
o C-type power adapter
o Quick-drying washcloth (washcloths are often not provided at hotels)
Preparation
Free Time
Preparing your body ahead of time is one of the most important ways to ensure you have a meaningful and enjoyable Camino experience. You do need to be comfortable walking several miles a day over consecutive days. Most Camino days range between 8–15 miles (13–24 km).
We recommend beginning a walking routine at least 6–8 weeks before your pilgrimage:
- Start with shorter walks and gradually increase distance
- Aim to walk multiple days in a row, not just once per week
- Practice walking on uneven terrain when possible
- Train with the shoes and day pack you plan to use
- Add strength training to strengthen and protect your joints
Our Camino pilgrimages are structured around full days of walking, however you may opt to walk solo or with others, often doing a little of both across a single day. We never expect to walk as a group and we encourage folks to let other group members know whether you need solitude or company along the way.
How much free time you have in the afternoon depends on how many miles there are to cover, how fast you walk and how many breaks you take along the way. Most people wind up with 2-4 hours of free time before dinner. (Dinner in Spain is typically around 8pm.) Afternoons and early evenings often provide time to explore small towns, visit churches, sit in a café, or simply rest. Some days may include shorter walking distances or later start times, offering additional space for reflection or independent exploration.
Money
Staying Connected
The local currency in Spain is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, but in smaller villages shops and cafés may prefer cash. Along the Camino, you'll find vendors selling small items (fruit, souvenirs), or offering stamps for cash, so you should have some coins or small bills.
ATMs are available along most Camino routes, though not always in every small village, so it’s wise to carry a small amount of cash each day. Be sure to notify your bank of plans to use your debit or credit cards while you are traveling, and ask about international transaction fees.
Tipping in Spain is modest, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected. A tip of 5-10% at a sit-down restaurant is generous but not expected. Only some restaurants will allow you to add a tip to a credit card payment.
Your pilgrimage includes all gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and meals taken together. Hotel gratuities are split among all staff, so if you want to tip a particular staff member, give them the tip directly. Housekeeping tips can be left in the room upon checkout.
Being disconnected from the constant onslaught of information and communication can be refreshing during a pilgrimage, so consider limiting your use of the internet during the day. However, it can be helpful to have access to Google maps or other GPS technology while you are walking. Waymarking along the main Camino routes is pretty visible, so you shouldn't need to look at it constantly.
You can expect wi-fi in all of your hotel accommodations but not usually on buses or coaches. If you wish to have cellular or data connectivity during your pilgrimage, please contact your carrier to find out more about the cost of international roaming and the level of coverage you can expect. If your phone is unlocked you can also purchase a local SIM or eSIM for a less expensive option. Some SIM plans offer only data while others provide calling, too. SIMs purchased in the airport are generally over priced compared to visiting a neighborhood shop
All of our pilgrimages use WhatsApp to communicate with group members during your travels together. Be sure to download and install WhatsApp on your smartphone at least a week before departure so we can add you to the group for your pilgrimage. WhatsApp is also a great way to stay connected with family and friends at home since it allows you to call and text over a wi-fi connection
Educational Resources
Travelers who do a little bit of preparation often have a richer experience on their pilgrimage. We send all our travelers a series of short articles about two months before your departure to help orient your journey in its historical and spiritual context. About a month in advance of the trip, we'll also send a print journal you can use during your pilgrimage. In addition to these resources, you might enjoy one or two selections from our extended reading list.