Camino Like A Pro: 110 Camino Tips from a Seasoned Hiker
Preparing for the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage route in Spain, requires careful planning and physical readiness. Here are more than 100 tips and considerations to help you prepare for the Camino, from thru-hikers who have been there.
Our Camino Experiences
At the time of this posting, we have completed four Caminos in addition to an 800-mile hike from Holland to Aosta, Italy.
In 2021, we hiked the Camino Frances. In 2022, we walked the Camino Portugues. In 2023, we’ve hiked the Via Podiensis and Camino Ingles.
During that time, we’ve accumulated several tips and tricks that may help hikers as you prepare for your Camino journey, whether you walk 100 km or 1000.
Buen Caminio!
About Us
Darren and I left corporate careers in agriculture science in our late 40s after 20+ years each. We are semi-nomadic. We travel most of the year and maintain a small home in the Great Plains of the United States.
We spend most of our travel time thru-hiking in Europe and winters in the Caribbean and Central America.
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A Guide to These Camino Tips
Tips 1-2: Budgeting for the Camino
Tips 3-31: Planning and Preparation
Tips 32-43: Physical Preparation: Training and Conditioning
Tips 44-51: Mental Preparation: Mindset and Motivation
Tips 52-71: Logistical Preparation: During the Camino
Tips 72-77: Social Preparation: Interactions and Connections
Tips 78-82: Emotional Preparation: Reflection and Contemplation
Tips 83-91: Health and Well-being: Self-Care and Injury Prevention
Tips 92-96: Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Tips 97-100: Spiritual and Reflective Aspects
Tips 101-107: Finishing the Camino: Post-Walk Considerations
Tips 108-110: Giving Back: Support and Sharing
110 Camino Tips
“Offer and accept help when needed, whether it’s directions or sharing snacks.”
Do some online research to find recent (post-pandemic) blogs on what it costs other hikers to walk their Camino. Costs will be covered in almost any guidebook. If you don’t normally use guidebooks, consider that fact you’ll get valuable information about many aspects of the hike, including how much it might cost, for less than $20.
When budgeting for your Camino, consider your options for making some extra money. You can include a few splurges along the way or get souvenirs like a tattoo after the trek's conclusion. Here are dozens of proven methods to make an extra $500 or more in the months leading up to your travels.
Consider joining an organization such as American Pilgrims on the Camino or a similar organization for your country. These organizations have meet-ups and hikes if you want to meet face-to-face with fellow pilgrims. Alternatively, join one of the Camino Facebook groups like Camino de Santiago All Routes, where frequently asked questions are answered.
Research the different Camino routes and choose the one that suits your preferences and fitness level. Remember, there are many different routes and each has its own pros and cons.
Study the weather conditions for the time of year you'll be walking.
Check visa requirements if you're a non-EU citizen planning a trip to Europe.
Check your passport to ensure it is not expiring within six months of your return flight. Procure a passport if you don’t have one.
Be informed on the status of ETIAS implementation for entry into the EU.
Get a thorough medical check-up to ensure you are physically fit for the journey.
Consult a doctor for specific health conditions requiring special attention during the walk.
Learn basic phrases to facilitate communication with locals; these phrases may be Spanish, French, Portuguese, or German, depending on your chosen route. You’ll want to be familiar with greetings and goodbyes in a few languages.
Purchase appropriate gear, including a comfortable backpack, hiking shoes, and clothing suitable for various weather conditions. For a complete gear guide, check out my kit list for the Camino Portugues in 2022.
Invest in a good pair of walking poles to stabilize and reduce knee strain. Become familiar with how to use the hiking poles.
Purchase a lightweight, quick-drying towel for daily use.
Purchase a poncho, and ideally, a poncho designed to fit over the pack, too.
Consider purchasing a silk sleeping bag liner, as sheets are not always available. The sleeping bag liner can be used for extra warmth and hygiene in hostels or albergues.
Prepare a small first-aid kit with essential supplies like band-aids, blister treatments, and pain relievers.
Break in your hiking shoes and ensure they are comfortable for long walks.
Create a checklist for your daily essentials, including medicine, water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Practice packing and unpacking your backpack to get used to the routine.
Organize your backpack with the heaviest items closest to your back and lighter ones on top and further away from your body.
Contact the credit card company you will use to book your flight to see if they provide travel insurance covering trip cancellations. Alternatively, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations.
Book your flight.
Book your transport from the airport to your starting point, or learn how to purchase your connecting transport (e.g., bus, train, taxi) upon arrival.
Consider booking your initial accommodation for the starting point of your chosen route, so you don’t have to do this while jetlagged.
Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your credit or debit cards.
Check the availability of ATMs and that the card(s) you’ll use can be used in the countries you’ll travel to.
Check your health insurance coverage to see if an existing health care plan already covers you for overseas travel. Consider purchasing travel health insurance that covers expenses such as hospitalization and repatriation in case you become severely ill.
Register your travel plans with your embassy or consulate for safety.
Obtain a pilgrim passport (credential) to collect stamps for your Compostela certificate.
Familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers and contacts. These can often be found at famous pilgrim starting locations like Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or in tourism offices along Camino routes.
Start walking regularly before the trip, gradually increasing the distance and duration of your walks.
Walk with your fully packed backpack to get accustomed to the weight distribution. If you cannot carry your pack, research and book transport for your pack—vendors of this service can be found in guidebooks and online Camino forums.
Include hill and stair climbs in your training to prepare for the terrain.
Practice walking on different surfaces like gravel, pavement, and dirt paths.
Practice urinating outdoors, so it's not a first-time experience on the Camino.
Incorporate strength training exercises to build stamina and muscle endurance.
Focus on exercises that strengthen your core, legs, and back.
Do stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries.
Attend long-distance walking events or group hikes to simulate the Camino experience.
Aim to walk at least 10-15 kilometers daily during training.
Gradually increase the distance and duration of your training walks to build endurance.
Pay attention to any discomfort or pain during training and address it promptly.
Consider setting intentions for your Camino journey. Setting goals is optional.
Visualize yourself completing the Camino to build mental resilience.
Read books or watch documentaries about other people's Camino experiences for inspiration. We enjoy watching Camino vlogger Efrén González and the documentary Six Ways to Santiago to prepare for our first Camino.
Prepare for the physical and emotional challenges that may arise during the walk.
Practice mindfulness and perhaps meditation to stay centered during the journey.
Keep a positive attitude and be open to meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.
Understand that the Camino is not a race; it's about the journey itself.
Embrace the idea of simplicity and detachment from material possessions during the pilgrimage. Remember, the less you take, the lighter your load, both physically and mentally.
Start your walking day early to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.
Consult the weather forecast before departing each morning to avoid entering a lightning storm, flood, or other natural disaster.
Stay flexible with your itinerary and be open to changes and detours.
Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Learn to read the Camino trail markers (yellow arrows, shells, etc.) to stay on the right path.
Bring a basic route map, even relying on digital navigation.
Stop into a pharmacy for minor injuries, discomforts, or illness. Village pharmacies or physicians are aware of parasites that are endemic to the region. Visiting a physician on the Camino is much less expensive than getting similar care in the United States.
Always carry some cash for emergencies and places where card payments are not accepted.
Stay in albergues or hostels at least once to experience the communal aspect of the Camino if that is something you are looking for.
Stay in a private room if you know this is your preference. Many pilgrims stay in private accommodations and take a communal dinner instead.
Respect the rules and routines of the albergues to ensure a harmonious stay with other pilgrims.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone to stay connected during the journey.
Keep your passport and essential documents in a secure, waterproof bag.
Use packing cubes or plastic bags to organize and protect your belongings from rain.
Carry a headlamp or flashlight for early-morning departures or late-night arrivals.
Wash your clothes regularly to avoid carrying the unnecessary weight of extra clothes. Wash clothes with laundry detergent sheets instead of body soap. Most body soaps for humans contain vegetable or animal fat, which can cause foul odors on garments after washing.
Be informed and respectful of local customs, traditions, and the environment.
Avoid leaving any litter along the Camino and practice responsible waste disposal.
Listen to your body and take rest days when needed.
Participate in the pilgrim masses and traditions along the way if you wish.
Be open to meeting and interacting with fellow pilgrims from all over the world.
Respect others' personal space and preferences during interactions.
Embrace the opportunity to share stories and experiences with other pilgrims.
Be understanding and supportive of other pilgrims' motivations for walking the Camino.
Offer and accept help when needed, whether it's directions or sharing snacks.
Create lasting connections with fellow pilgrims. Consider installing the app WhatsApp to stay connected to your “Camino family.”
Use the time while walking to reflect on your life, goals, and values.
Consider keeping a journal to record your thoughts and experiences along the way.
Be prepared for moments of solitude and embrace them as opportunities for self-discovery.
Accept that the Camino can be emotionally challenging, and feeling vulnerable is okay.
Enjoy the present moment and focus on the journey rather than the destination.
Practice good foot care, including airing your feet, changing socks regularly, and using foot cream.
Pay close attention to any signs of blisters and treat them as soon as you feel like an issue is developing.
Stretch before and after walking to reduce the risk of muscle strain.
Consider getting regular massages during rest days to alleviate muscle tension.
Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during hot weather.
Carry energy-rich snacks to keep your energy levels up during the walk.
Rest and elevate your legs whenever you have the chance to reduce swelling.
Seek medical attention for any injuries that worsen or do not improve with self-treatment.
Be mindful of the environmental impact of your actions during the journey.
Reduce waste by using reusable water bottles and containers.
Choose eco-friendly toiletries and avoid single-use plastic products.
Respect wildlife, farm animals, pets, and natural habitats along the Camino.
Support local businesses and artisans by purchasing products made in the region.
Embrace the spiritual aspects of the Camino, regardless of your religious beliefs.
Visit cathedrals, churches, and spiritual sites, even if only for their historical and cultural significance.
Use walking and the beauty of nature as a form of meditation and reflection.
Take time to appreciate the historical landmarks and architectural wonders along the Camino.
Celebrate your achievement upon reaching your destination with other pilgrims.
Attend the pilgrim's mass and receive your Compostela certificate.
Reflect on the lessons learned and personal growth experienced during the journey.
Consider walking another Camino or a long-distance hike—perhaps the same route at a different time of year, or inviting friends along.
Keep in touch with the friends you made during the pilgrimage.
Cherish the memories and experiences from your Camino journey.
Work on maintaining your physical conditioning. After days or weeks of hiking, you’ll likely be in great shape and have a desire to stay that way.
Consider volunteering or donating to organizations that support the preservation of the Camino and the well-being of pilgrims.
Share your Camino experiences with others to inspire and inform future pilgrims.
Stay connected with the Camino community through online forums and social media.
Remember, the Camino is a personal journey; your experience will be unique. Enjoy every step of the way and embrace the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges it presents. Buen Camino!
