Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a guided tour?

1) You have the support of an English-speaking guide and logistical support van at checkpoints along the way. The guide is useful for orientation in a new country and as a bridge between the locals and you. Their understanding of local culture, language and history is valuable and useful, especially if it is your first time in Spain. You may feel safer during your trip, knowing they are only a phone call away at any moment.

2) You have the support van at your disposal. The van is useful for leaving your jacket, umbrella, foot cream, extra pair of shoes, and anything else you might need along the way. You can pick up or drop things off at any of the checkpoints. There is also a full first aid kit, and your guide will be happy to help you with anything that might arise.

What do I need to bring?

• Clothes made from quick-drying fabrics (avoid cotton)
• Leisure clothing and footwear for the evenings
• Spare clothes for layering
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Fleece pullover or jacket
• Quick-dry short-sleeved and long-sleeved tops
• Quick–dry walking pants (consider the ones that zip off to make shorts)
• Waterproof pants
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Hiking socks
• Sunhat
• Gloves

How fit do I need to be?

The most important thing about the Camino walking tour is that you enjoy the journey at your own pace. Whether you’re a fast or a slow walker, we encourage you to enjoy the trail. Having said that, being in good walking shape is still required. The trails have plenty of opportunities to rest and recover, and you’ll be accompanied by a support vehicle that can help you shorten or lengthen the walking stages if needed.
You’ll be doing between 11 and 28 km a day (7 to 17 miles), carrying a daypack of things you might need on the trail. Don’t worry about the baggage, though; the support vehicle will carry everything for you!

What are the size of the groups & minimum age?

Our groups are small, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 people. We like to keep our groups small to maintain the personalised attention of each pilgrim!
We require a minimum of 5 people to conduct a tour.

Min. age requirements:
If you are 18 or older, you’re all set.
Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

What accommodation do we stay in?

We partner with beautiful, comfortable local accommodations, offering private rooms and en suite bathrooms. Depending on the tour and the area of Spain we are in, these will vary from great hotels to Paradores or beautiful rural manors where you can enjoy peaceful scenery and home-cooked meals as we enter Galicia. We have hand-picked all the accommodations to give you the best experience possible. You will fall in love with them!

What is a Single Supplement?

A single supplement is an additional charge for solo travelers who book a room intended for two or more guests. Many hotels and tour operators price accommodations based on double occupancy, so this fee helps cover the cost of the unoccupied space.

Why do solo travelers have to pay a single supplement?

Hotels and tour providers set their rates assuming two people will share a room. When a solo traveler books, the provider charges a supplement to offset the lost revenue from the second guest.

Does Camino Companions charge a single supplement?

Yes, we charge a single supplement for solo travelers, as our tours are designed with luxury accommodations based on double occupancy. However, we aim to keep this fee as reasonable as possible.on this walk.

Will the guide walk with the group?

It is important for us that each person walks at his/her own pace. During the stage, there will be meeting points where you will see the guide and support vehicle along the way. Usually the group will meet at the end of the stage for dinner. The guides are there to provide any support you may need.

What if I get tired or can’t keep walking?

You walk at your own pace, and it is important to listen to your body. During all of our guided Caminos, the support vehicle will be of service along the entire route to cover any needs the pilgrims may have. If you do not want to keep walking for any reason, or if any physical or health issues arise, you can hop on the van and take a break or stop walking for the day.

Should I bring a backpack?

We transfer all luggage from accommodation to accommodation on guided trips. For the actual walking, only a small backpack is required to carry personal documents, money, water, a camera, credentials, etc. Pilgrims should bring their own small backpack for comfort reasons.

Does the group walk together?

No, each person walks at his/her own pace, alone or with other other pilgrims, as each individual wishes. Of course, you might see each other along the way, as well as other pilgrims.

How do we return to Madrid or elsewhere?

There are many flight and train options out of Santiago. There are a few daily flights to Madrid from Santiago with low-cost and full-fledged airlines, depending on the day. You can also take the train Madrid-Santiago, which takes approximately 6 hours or 10 hours for the night train. There are also direct flights to many European cities, including Barcelona, London, and Paris. You can book on your own, or if you need assistance, we can put you in contact with our partner travel agency.

What is the Compostela certificate?

The document, in Latin, certifies the completion of the pilgrimage to Santiago. To receive it, one must have covered the last 100 kilometres of any of the routes by foot or 200 kilometres on bicycle or horse. All our walks include at least the last hundred kilometres.

Is it required to tip the guides?

It is not mandatory, but we would appreciate it if you were happy with the service you received. If you wish to tip, we usually estimate a minimum of 50 Euro per person for our tours.

When is the best weather?

The weather is quite unpredictable, but we offer Caminos only during the best season, from late March to late October. Generally, temperatures average between 21-25ºC (mid 70sºF). Lows can be 12ºC (55ºF) in the mornings or evenings and rise to under 30ºC (low 80sºF) when it is warmer, depending on the season. Late July and August are generally much warmer, and May, Early June, late September and October are milder. Rain is a possibility all year round.

What is the Pilgrim’s Passport?

The Pilgrim Passport is the document that identifies us as pilgrims. It is the pilgrim record with which we can prove we have done the Camino and can receive the Compostela Certificate. It is obtained before starting the Camino and must be stamped along the way in places like churches, ‘albergues’, bars, restaurants, etc. You need at least two stamps daily during the last 100 km of the walk to receive the certificate.

Who usually does the Camino?

The Camino welcomes people of all religions, nationalities, ages and physical conditions. Anyone who wishes to do the Camino can do so. The main requirement is the spirit and will to do so. Everybody comes to the Camino for a different reason. Our goal is to help you find whatever it is you are looking for on this walk.

What happens if the speedboat trip to the Cíes Islands is canceled due to weather?

The private group speedboat trip to the Cíes Islands is weather-dependent to ensure your safety and comfort. If unfavorable weather conditions, such as strong winds or rough seas, prevent the trip, we will offer an alternative activity, such as a guided visit to a local vineyard (Bodega). During the vineyard tour, you can explore the region’s winemaking traditions and enjoy wine tastings. We monitor weather conditions closely and will notify you as early as possible, typically before or during the day’s walk from Oia to Baiona, if the itinerary changes. The alternative activity is included at no additional cost, and we’ll ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. For the boat trip, bring comfortable clothing, a light jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and any items needed for swimming or relaxing. For the vineyard visit, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

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Many sections of the Camino de Santiago are marked with signs bearing the iconic Scallop Shell.

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Accommodation

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