Frequently Asked Questions
Which path will we be following?
The Camino Francés is the most popular Camino route as well as the most developed one, with widespread trail marking. The route traditionally begins in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France. The first day of the trail from St Jean to Roncesvalles passes over the rugged and beautiful Pyrenees Mountains, where Emilo Estevez’s character in The Way dies in a storm (the route is safe but not recommended in foul weather).
The route passes through quite a few unique regions of Spain, allowing pilgrims to sample a diversity of local customs, foods, and landscapes from mountains to valleys, fields, farms, forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Cities along the route include Pamplona, Burgos, abundant with historical architecture; León, with its spectacular Gothic cathedral; Ponferrada, home to a mysterious Templar Castle; and finally Santiago de Compostela, with its famed cathedral and grave of Saint James.
The route passes through quite a few unique regions of Spain, allowing pilgrims to sample a diversity of local customs, foods, and landscapes from mountains to valleys, fields, farms, forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Cities along the route include Pamplona, Burgos, abundant with historical architecture; León, with its spectacular Gothic cathedral; Ponferrada, home to a mysterious Templar Castle; and finally Santiago de Compostela, with its famed cathedral and grave of Saint James.
Where should I fly into?
Biarritz is the closest airport for starting at St-Jean or Roncesvalles. You can bus or train to the start point. Paris, Madrid and Barcelona are all popular cities to fly into, then a bus or train can take you to your start-point.
To return home, the simplest option is to fly on a budget airline from Santiago airport back to the airport you flew into. Domestic flights to Madrid or across the border to Paris are quite affordable. Remember that any checked luggage is generally not included in the price of discount flights, only a very limited carry-on bag of maximum 8 or 10 kg (17-22lb). If you need to check a bag, the fee is generally €20-25 ($25-30). There are also buses, check the schedule at alsa.es, and trains, check the schedule at www.renfe.com.
To return home, the simplest option is to fly on a budget airline from Santiago airport back to the airport you flew into. Domestic flights to Madrid or across the border to Paris are quite affordable. Remember that any checked luggage is generally not included in the price of discount flights, only a very limited carry-on bag of maximum 8 or 10 kg (17-22lb). If you need to check a bag, the fee is generally €20-25 ($25-30). There are also buses, check the schedule at alsa.es, and trains, check the schedule at www.renfe.com.
How should I physically prepare for walking 15 miles each day?
Six months before the trek, I recommend walking for 30 minutes a day, 4 times a week. Each month, add 10-15 minutes to each routine and increase the frequency to six times a week. Find a good pair of boots to wear several months before the trek and use them while you’re physically conditioning to truly break those boots in.
I also recommend wearing your pack or weighed vest to simulate the weight that you’ll carry during the trek as well as get your legs, back, and shoulders accustomed to the load. Remember that you will not just be trekking on a flat terrain; there will be hills and slopes that you’ll need to climb and some challenging inclines.
Go on a 15-20 mile day trek wearing the gear you intend to wear on the trek to see if they are good and durable. This way, you’ll have more time to find a better replacement, if needed, without cramming.
I also recommend wearing your pack or weighed vest to simulate the weight that you’ll carry during the trek as well as get your legs, back, and shoulders accustomed to the load. Remember that you will not just be trekking on a flat terrain; there will be hills and slopes that you’ll need to climb and some challenging inclines.
Go on a 15-20 mile day trek wearing the gear you intend to wear on the trek to see if they are good and durable. This way, you’ll have more time to find a better replacement, if needed, without cramming.
How far will we walk each day?
Anywhere from 11 to 21 miles
Here's the breakdown from village to village:
Part 1: 21 days
June 20th- Saint Jean Pied du Port- 15.5 miles- Roncesvalles
June 21- Roncesvalles- 13.4 miles- Zubiri
June 22 Zubiri 13 miles- Pamplona
June 23- Pamplona- 14 miles Puente de la Reina-
June 24-Puente de la Reina- 13.4 miles Estella-
June 25- Estella 13.4 miles Los Arcos
June 26- -Los Arcos 17.4 miles -Logrono
June 27- Logrono- 17.4 miles- Najera-
June 28- Najera- 13 miles- Santo Domingo de la Calzada-
June 29- Santo Domingo de la Calzada- 13.4 miles- Belorado-
June 30- Belorado- 19.5 miles- Agés-
July 1- Agés-11 miles-Burgos-
July 2- Burgos-13 miles- Hornillos del Camino-
July 3- Hornillos del Camino-12.4 miles- Castrojeriz-
July 4- Castrojeriz-15.5 miles- Frómista-
July 5-Frómista-11.8 miles- Carrion de los Condes-
July 6- Carrion de los Condes- 10.4 miles- Calzadilla de la Cueza-
July 7- Calzadilla de la Cueza- 13.4 miles - Sahagun-
July 8- Sahagun- 20 miles - Reliegos
July 9- Reliegos- 18 miles- Leon
July 10- Leon (rest day)
Part 2: Last 2 weeks:
July 11-Leon- 15 miles- San Martin del Camino
July 12- San Martin del Camino- 14 miles - Astorga-
July 13- Astorga 16 miles- Foncebedon-
July 14- Foncebedon- 18 miles Ponferrada-
July 15-Ponferrada- 14 miles - Villafranca del Bierzo-
July 16- Villafranca del Bierzo-18.4 miles- O Cebreiro-
July 17- O Cebreiro -13 miles Triacastela-
July 18-Triacastela 11.8 miles -Sarria
Part 3:
July 19- Sarria- 13.4 miles - Portomarin-
July 20-Portomarin- 15 miles- Palas de Rei-
July 21- Palas de Rei- 18 miles- Arzua-
July 22- Arzua- 14 miles- Amenal-
July 23- Amenal- 10 miles- Santiago de Compostela
Here's the breakdown from village to village:
Part 1: 21 days
June 20th- Saint Jean Pied du Port- 15.5 miles- Roncesvalles
June 21- Roncesvalles- 13.4 miles- Zubiri
June 22 Zubiri 13 miles- Pamplona
June 23- Pamplona- 14 miles Puente de la Reina-
June 24-Puente de la Reina- 13.4 miles Estella-
June 25- Estella 13.4 miles Los Arcos
June 26- -Los Arcos 17.4 miles -Logrono
June 27- Logrono- 17.4 miles- Najera-
June 28- Najera- 13 miles- Santo Domingo de la Calzada-
June 29- Santo Domingo de la Calzada- 13.4 miles- Belorado-
June 30- Belorado- 19.5 miles- Agés-
July 1- Agés-11 miles-Burgos-
July 2- Burgos-13 miles- Hornillos del Camino-
July 3- Hornillos del Camino-12.4 miles- Castrojeriz-
July 4- Castrojeriz-15.5 miles- Frómista-
July 5-Frómista-11.8 miles- Carrion de los Condes-
July 6- Carrion de los Condes- 10.4 miles- Calzadilla de la Cueza-
July 7- Calzadilla de la Cueza- 13.4 miles - Sahagun-
July 8- Sahagun- 20 miles - Reliegos
July 9- Reliegos- 18 miles- Leon
July 10- Leon (rest day)
Part 2: Last 2 weeks:
July 11-Leon- 15 miles- San Martin del Camino
July 12- San Martin del Camino- 14 miles - Astorga-
July 13- Astorga 16 miles- Foncebedon-
July 14- Foncebedon- 18 miles Ponferrada-
July 15-Ponferrada- 14 miles - Villafranca del Bierzo-
July 16- Villafranca del Bierzo-18.4 miles- O Cebreiro-
July 17- O Cebreiro -13 miles Triacastela-
July 18-Triacastela 11.8 miles -Sarria
Part 3:
July 19- Sarria- 13.4 miles - Portomarin-
July 20-Portomarin- 15 miles- Palas de Rei-
July 21- Palas de Rei- 18 miles- Arzua-
July 22- Arzua- 14 miles- Amenal-
July 23- Amenal- 10 miles- Santiago de Compostela
What should I pack?
Pack List-
Watch this video from REI on how to load a backpack
Learn more about how to correctly load a backpack on this article by My Open Country.
Watch this video from REI on how to load a backpack
Learn more about how to correctly load a backpack on this article by My Open Country.
- Sturdy and flexible broken-in boots (I recommend investing in Saloman)
- Lightweight 55-70 liter backpack-
- Pillow case (fill with clothes to sleep on)
- Sleeping bag (sprayed with permitheran)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Trekking Poles!!!- Poles help you balance on the way down and take the strain off of your legs (quad muscles) on some of the steep climbs.
- Comfortable pants such as workout leggings or hiking pants (perhaps zip offs), waterproof pants and shorts-
- Learn More about hiking clothes
- Tank top (bra tops), and long sleeved shirt to protect from sun
- Waterproof windbreaker
- Sweatshirt and lounge pants
- Maybe a light summer dress for warm evenings
- Poncho
- Wool socks, toe socks, and moleskin-
- Petroleum jelly
- Microfiber mini-towel
- Compass/whistle combo
- Sun hat
- Sunblock- Learn More
- Laundry soap bar
- Combo shampoo/conditioner/body wash
- 2 Life Straw Waterbottles
- 3-4 pairs of quick dry Underwear (I recommend Patagonia brand)
- Sandals for showers and lounging (crocs)
- Head lamp
- Mobile phone with ear buds and charger (consider this instead of a heavy camera)
- Mini Deodorant
- Mini Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Mini Hairbrush
- moisturizer
- Sanitary napkins
- Personal prescriptions
- Ibuprofen
- Medical tape (in case of blisters)
- A small stone from home when we leave our burden at the cross
- Passport
- Atm card
- Cash for drinks, souveniers, etc.
- UV protecting sun glasses
- SPF lip balm
- Pen and journal
|
|
What will Accommodations be like?
We will be staying in a variety of budget accommodations like hostels. There will be a roof over your head and a mattress as well as opportunity to shower. You are required to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow case. This is a chance to practice finding peace and joy with little material comforts, Aparigraha, traveling light. However, there will also be opportunity to be surprised with guest houses or hotels sprinkled throughout.
The system of pilgrim hostels (known in Spanish as “albergues”) are a unique feature of the camino, especially the Camino Francés, which allow pilgrims to sleep in dormitory-style accommodations. ln the Francés route, these accommodations are very frequent.
We will be mostly staying in Private albergues that are owned and run by private individuals. Private albergues often offer more comfortable accommodations with “extra” offerings such as meals, wash/dryer, internet, wifi, etc. Some private albergues are owned by former pilgrims and have a cozy feel, others have more of an impersonal hotel feel. Some private albergues have banded together to form a network with certain standards, these are known as “network albergues.”
We may stay in one or two Parochial albergues that are operated by religious institutions such as monasteries, convents or local churches. They tend to be simple, but offered with a lot of care by volunteer caretakers.
The system of pilgrim hostels (known in Spanish as “albergues”) are a unique feature of the camino, especially the Camino Francés, which allow pilgrims to sleep in dormitory-style accommodations. ln the Francés route, these accommodations are very frequent.
We will be mostly staying in Private albergues that are owned and run by private individuals. Private albergues often offer more comfortable accommodations with “extra” offerings such as meals, wash/dryer, internet, wifi, etc. Some private albergues are owned by former pilgrims and have a cozy feel, others have more of an impersonal hotel feel. Some private albergues have banded together to form a network with certain standards, these are known as “network albergues.”
We may stay in one or two Parochial albergues that are operated by religious institutions such as monasteries, convents or local churches. They tend to be simple, but offered with a lot of care by volunteer caretakers.
Here's a few of the hostels that we will be staying at:
|
|
|
How will I wash my laundry?
Some albergues have washing machines, but most albergues require hand-washing with large sinks, sometimes with a bumpy scrubbing board that you can press clothes against to agitate.
First, fill the sink partially with warm water. Put your dirty clothes in and rub the bar of laundry soap throughout each piece as you knead it against the scrubbing board or each other, like kneading bread Next, drain the sink and and rinse each piece in clean water. Repeat the process if necessary.
Wring out each item thoroughly and place on the line to dry. Some albergues supply clothespins but its a good idea to have a few of your own or to use safety pins. Be sure to take your clothing off as soon as they have dried to make room for others’ items; Also be careful to only take off your own clothes and not to accidentally take any items that resemble your clothes but belong to someone else.
In persistent wet and cool weather clothes may have difficulty drying, and you’ll be thankful for the industrial washer/dryer machines in many albegues. Consider sharing a full load with other pilgrims to save money and resources.
First, fill the sink partially with warm water. Put your dirty clothes in and rub the bar of laundry soap throughout each piece as you knead it against the scrubbing board or each other, like kneading bread Next, drain the sink and and rinse each piece in clean water. Repeat the process if necessary.
Wring out each item thoroughly and place on the line to dry. Some albergues supply clothespins but its a good idea to have a few of your own or to use safety pins. Be sure to take your clothing off as soon as they have dried to make room for others’ items; Also be careful to only take off your own clothes and not to accidentally take any items that resemble your clothes but belong to someone else.
In persistent wet and cool weather clothes may have difficulty drying, and you’ll be thankful for the industrial washer/dryer machines in many albegues. Consider sharing a full load with other pilgrims to save money and resources.
What should I do if I get blisters on my feet?
Blisters are one of the most common injuries on the Camino, which are often caused by poorly fitting shoes or shoes that have not been thoroughly broken in. The best approach to blisters is prevention. Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes that are the correct size (have you feet sized at a professional gear store). Wear moisture-wicking socks such as wool or synthetic (not cotton). Experiment with individual toe liner socks. Keep your feet and socks clean and dry. Common places for blisters to form are the back of the heel, toes, and even along the sole of the foot. While most blisters are relatively minor injuries, they can be extremely painful and run the risk of becoming infected.
Stop periodically and check your feet for hot spots- red, warm areas where rubbing is taking place which will likely form into blisters if preventative care is not taken. If you find a hot spot, use moleskin and vasoline to create a barrier between the hot spot and your shoes. Don’t try to be tough and ignore hot spots! It is worth the time and effort to prevent days or weeks or pain.
Bring Croc flipflips for the evening to give your feet a chance to breathe and dry out thoroughly.
Stop periodically and check your feet for hot spots- red, warm areas where rubbing is taking place which will likely form into blisters if preventative care is not taken. If you find a hot spot, use moleskin and vasoline to create a barrier between the hot spot and your shoes. Don’t try to be tough and ignore hot spots! It is worth the time and effort to prevent days or weeks or pain.
Bring Croc flipflips for the evening to give your feet a chance to breathe and dry out thoroughly.
What is the protocol if I somehow get sick or injured?
If your blisters get bad, or you become sick, you can take a rest day and hitch a ride with the luggage transfer service (at your own expense) meet us at the next overnight village. If symptoms worsen, we will take you to the nearest hospital or clinic.
Should I buy travel insurance?
I recommend purchasing travel insurance while abroad.
Most plans cover health-related costs and things like flight delays, lost luggage and other travel-related hassles.
https://www.squaremouth.com/travel-insurance-quotes?aid=21625
Most plans cover health-related costs and things like flight delays, lost luggage and other travel-related hassles.
https://www.squaremouth.com/travel-insurance-quotes?aid=21625