Walking the Camino de Santiago ‘Solvitur ambulando’ (It is solved by walking.) ~ St Augustine Walk Your Way

Where to Start…

Why are you walking? To get the Compostela? To experience Spain and the pilgrim trail? Adventure / Accomplishment? Because you just love hiking/walking? For the culture and food tour? For a deep, meaningful, personal reason? Because it’s on your ‘bucket list’?

Who is going? Just You You & Friend/Family You & a Group

Which route? 66% of all pilgrims are on the Camino Francés

When to Walk Walking ‘Season’: Easter to the end of October Winter = Cold Summer = Hot

Weather on the Camino 500 miles 3 to 6 weeks Three Mountain Passes 7-10 days of High Plains Valleys, Vineyards Cities, Towns Elevations from 1000 to 5000 feet =

Oh Mother Nature! Sunshine Rain Mud Snow Wind Hail Overcast Blue skies Puffy white clouds Temperatures from Freezing to 100°

How long does it take?

How long does it take to walk 500 miles? 10 miles per day = 50 days 12 miles per day = 42 days 15 miles per day = 34 days 20 miles per day = 25 days 25 miles per day = 20 days

How long will it take? Step 1: Walking Days Needed Total miles:500 Miles per day:÷15 # of walking days:33

How much time do you need? Step 2: Total Days Needed Travel to trail:2 De-jet lag days:+1 # of Walking days:+33 Rest days:+4 In Santiago:+1 Travel home:+2 Total Days Needed: =43

How much time do you want to spend?

Less Than a lot of Time Option 1: Start closer to Santiago Option 2: Walk the Camino in stages Option 3: Walk the sections of your choice

How much does it cost? vs. How much do you want to spend? $30 a day? $50? $100 or more?

$30 a day Stay at municipal albergues, picnic and cook your meals $50 a day Stay at private albergues, occasional upgrade, eat at bars/restaurants $75-$100+ a day Stay in private accommodations, eat at restaurants (Includes food, beverages, accommodations, laundry, entrance fees, incidentals)

Additional Budget Items Flight to Europe - $1000-$1200 Travel Insurance - $75-$150 + Ground transportation - $50-$150 Gear and Clothing - $200-$500 and up Passport - $135 At home expenses – varies Souvenirs Unexpected expenses on the trail – taxi or bus, lost/stolen/replacement items, upgrades

Packing for the Camino What you need, what you don’t

General Guideline Pack Light (goal: 10% of your ideal body weight) or Use a Luggage Transport Service

What You Don’t Need Tent Cook stove GPS Fancy maps Sleeping pad Rope

Consider Going Without… Electronic devices Hair dryer Electric toothbrush Books Cosmetics Jewelry and accessories

Footwear is Personal Boots? Shoes? Sandals?

Your Camino Footwear Select your socks first Buy ½ size larger than usual Seriously consider waterproof boots Break them in…walkwalkwalk Train carrying your backpack loaded to its Camino weight

Your Camino Backpack

Selecting Your Camino Backpack The right size for your body Not too big, not too small: 35 to 50 liters Hip belt Easy access for water Rain cover Personalize your pack

For More Information: Walk Your Way