What is the Camino - The Camino is the Spanish word for ‘The Way’. It refers to a series of walking trails that lead to the final destination, Santiago de Compostela in the northwest corner of Spain. It is an exhilarating journey that allows for individuals or groups to slow down and experience the basics of life. Taking one step at a time each person is able to absorb and reflect on the sublime qualities of living. 

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Brief History - The Camino began in the 10th century as a pilgrim route for Christians. Rich in lore and traditions this pilgrimage echoed the lure of walking to the holy city of Jerusalem. For a more in-depth look at its origins link here.

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Routes - There are many Routes that meet in the city of Compostela at the foot of the majestic cathedral. The main ones are the French Route; the Portuguese Route; the Spanish Routes and the Northern Route. Here is a link to a Map of the routes. 

 

Websites - There are many tour companies that specialize in the Camino. Here is  a helpful list:

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1. MACS Adventures 

2. Santiago Ways

3. Santiago-Compestelo 

4. The Way of St. James

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Movie - We highly recommend that you watch the movie ‘The Way’, staring Martin Sheen. It is an excellent way to understand the mystery and power of walking the Camino. 

 

Packing & Supplies - Whether you carry your supplies on your back (as Sarah and I did at ages 67) or you have a service that transports your luggage here is a useful packing list:

 

Backpack - between 22 - 32 liter. We purchased ours at REI in Bloomington, MN

 

Clothing for daily wear

1. Shoes - 1 Tennis shoe, Hoka

2. Town shoes - 1 

3. Sox - Smart wool - 2

4. Slacks - 1

5. Zip off for shorts (sun too much on legs in heat ) - 1

6. Underwear - 3 pair

7. Belt ( men) - 1

8. Drip dry shirt with sleeves (so back pack doesn’t dig in) - 2

9. T-shirt - 2

10. Buff - 1

11. Hat - 1

12. Sunglasses - 1

13. Gloves - 1

14. Rain pants - 1

15. Rain jacket -1

16. Lightweight down jacket - 1

17. Pajamas - 1

18. Water bottles -smart water mid size you can refill at different stop

 

Toiletries

1. Tooth brush - 1

2. Small tooth paste - 1

3. Dental floss - 1

4. Comb or small brush - 1

5. Lip balm

6. RX

 

Personal

1. Credit card

2. Debit card

3. USA passport

4. Phone

5. Charger

6. Tranformer

7. Battery 

8. Sun screen

9. Toilet paper in small amounts in small zip lock

10. Empty small zip lock for used TP

11. Electrolytes in discs or packets ( discs are easier to use)

12. Nuts in a small bag

 

Foot care 

1. Main thing is to wear tennis shoes to prevent wear and tear on feet

2. Band aids

3. Heel padded bandaid for blisters on heel

4. Lambs wool

5. Luko tape for blisters

 

Books

1. Inner life book - Bible, devotional, etc.

2. ‘Take your mind off’ book - novel, history, etc.

3. Journal/sketchbook - Moleskin, etc.

 

If you have any additional questions feel free to reach out to us at quie@cathedral-travel.com 

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Buon Camino!