If you have in mind to do the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable that you prepare it in advance, taking care of even the smallest detail, since it will be a few days (approximately 15 although it depends on where you are starting from) in which you will be in the middle of nowhere, with only your backpack and your company (if you're not alone).
There are also many who choose to do the Camino in another way than on foot, such as all of these, but today we focus on the walking route.

 Camino de Santiago signage


You can contact companies that carry out hiking if you want specialist advice. However, we leave you some guidelines that will make this experience unforgettable and risk-free.

1. Stay in shape

It is a basic recommendation, since keep in mind that you are going to be walking several kilometers each day, so you should have some physical background and resistance. It also doesn't hurt that before undertaking this feat we prepare ourselves by walking along paths in the mountains, where we wear the same footwear as on the trip, the same type of clothing and it wouldn't even be bad to simulate the backpack. on your back (it is advisable that it does not weigh more than 5 or 7 kg).

Stay in shape to do the Camino



2. Select the time of year
In theory you have to plan it in such a way that you arrive in Santiago de Compostela on July 25, as it is the tradition. But the problem at this point is that you will meet thousands of people on the way and not only that, but hostels and accommodations will be packed. For this reason and as advice, do it at any other time of the year (it is advisable to avoid winter, as it is quite harsh in terms of weather).

 Camino de Santiago with friends



3. Choose the route to take

There are several routes to choose from, you will simply have to decide on one of them depending on what you are looking for or where you live. Within each of these groups, there are several itineraries that begin in various places.

  • French way. This is the most classic, which starts from Roncesvalles.
  • North road. Part of Irún, in the Basque Country.
  • Way of the Way of the Silver. It begins in Seville.
  • Camino del Ebro. It begins in Tortosa, in Tarragona.

 Camino de Santiago



  • Camino de Santiago de Castilla.
  • Camino de Santiago Catalanes.
  • Camino de Santiago of the Southeast and Levante.
  • Camino de Santiago of the Routes of the Mozarabs.
It would be good if, whatever route you choose, you try to make a sketch of the different points to visit: monuments, churches, viewpoints... so your path will be much more profitable.

4. Obtain pilgrim credential
This will give you the right to use the hostels and you can stamp it in the different places you go. It is obtained in any ecclesiastical entity, churches or police stations already on the itinerary.If you travel more than 100 km, once you arrive in Santiago they will give you a diploma for having completed it.

 Pilgrim credential



5. Prepare your backpack well
It is one of the most important things to take into account, so pay attention to all the details. Above all, be clear that everything you are going to carry weighs, which will make it more difficult for you to walk. Therefore, get only what is essential.

  • Mountain footwear. This is the main thing, because keep in mind that you will spend many hours walking and that if they are uncomfortable or hurt you, chafing may appear that will turn into blisters and I think it is not necessary to tell you everything that hurts. .
  • Relaxing footwear. If you are wearing other shoes, these will help you at night or when you are not in the middle of the road. You can include some flip flops to wear in the showers.
  • Fleece lining. At night it will get colder, no matter the time of year, so don't forget it.
  • Raincoat. In the middle of the mountains and especially in the north of our country you never know when some rain or storm may surprise you, so it won't hurt to carry one.

 Pilgrim on the way


  • Sleeping bag. Remember that the lighter it is, the better.
  • Clothes. Make it just enough to not load the backpack too much. But yes, take several pairs of socks, because if it rains it is not pleasant to wear your feet wet.
  • Flashlight.
  • Water and some energy food.
  • Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat (especially if you go in summer).
  • Mobile phone and charger. Since you may not find a place to charge it every day, you can buy autonomous chargers and take it with you in case you have an emergency.
  • A small first aid kit. In it, add, above all, plasters, mercromin and hydrogen peroxide in case you get chafing.
  • Documentation. It is important to carry your ID and Social Security card.
  • Couch bag.
  • Multipurpose knife. It can be useful when you least expect it.

6. Organize the stages
During the first two or three days, do not do more than 20 kilometers. Think that it is something you are not used to, that you will have soreness, perhaps some discomfort and a long way to go. Dosage it and do the calculations, counting on a few more kilometers per day, in case it is necessary.

 Hostel on the Camino de Santiago



7. Eat well along the way
Above all, have a very good breakfast every day and include everything you need to have strength during the journey: dairy products, proteins, cereals, fruit... Throughout approximately every hour and a half, try to stop to eat foods rich in carbohydrates, nuts and hydrate yourself. Leave the most consistent meal of the day for the end of each stage, as it is not advisable to eat copiously while walking.

 Nuts


And you? Have you already done the Camino de Santiago? Can you think of any more tips?