Travel Fam Info Hub

This page is designed to help answer common questions and help you prepare for our Camino adventure from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. I’ll continue updating this page throughout the year as new information, tips, reminders, and recommendations come up. 

FINAL PAYMENTS:  I'll send everyone a secure link to collect final payments in January.

We have two separate Camino departures in May 2026. I have already confirmed everyone’s specific departure date via email, but I wanted to include it here as an easy reference for everyone.

Please note that you may arrive at any time during the day on your official tour start date. We typically meet our private guide around 5:00 to 6:00 PM that evening, so arriving to our starting hotel by late afternoon is ideal whenever possible.  Keep in mind the transfer time to the hotel from the airport (more on that in flight/transfer section below).

You may depart at any time on the final day of your tour.

Tour Start Date: May 12, 2027
Tour End Date: May 19, 2027

Current travelers:

Danielle T.
Sarah B.
Jami J.
Paul J.
Kelli O.
Matt W.
Ginger V.
Michael V.
Jordan W.
Olivia A.
Keeli M.
Mellory B.
Broden V.
Bella V.
Holly P.
Todd P.

Tour Start Date: May 22, 2027
Tour End Date: May 29, 2027

Current travelers:

Danielle T.
Benjamin T.
Steven T.
Andrea T.
Daniel B.

Brian T.
Kaley B.
Timothy B.
Ronny B.
Sarajane S.
Susan M.
Patricia P.
Linda W.
Jordan W.
Jason W.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the trip end date.

Beginning in late 2026, U.S. citizens will also be required to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization before entering Europe. This is not a traditional visa, but rather a required online screening process. I’ll continue keeping everyone updated on this as more information becomes available, but in my experience these systems are typically quick, easy, and inexpensive.

Our tour company also requires travel insurance coverage that includes medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation benefits. Combined coverage must total at least $200,000 USD per traveler. The medical coverage itself is not expensive, but I strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive policy that also includes things like flights, trip interruption, delays, baggage coverage, etc.

You are welcome to use any insurance provider you prefer, but I personally recommend Travel Insured. Their Worldwide Trip Protector policy is the most popular.

Please make sure your insurance policy covers you from the date you leave home until the date you return home.

I will send reminders about purchasing insurance as we get closer, but ideally insurance should be purchased shortly before final payment.

Airfare is starting to come out for May 2027 departures.

Most travelers will fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). Since our Camino begins in Sarria, you will then travel from Santiago de Compostela to Sarria prior to the start of the trip.

There are several different ways to get from Santiago de Compostela to Sarria.

Many travelers choose public transportation. Trains run daily from Santiago de Compostela to Sarria and typically take around 3.5 hours. Bus service is also available several times daily and usually takes around 2.5 hours.

If you would prefer something easier after a long travel day, arrival transfers can also be arranged in advance. Just let me know after you purchase airfare if you would like a transfer added.

Transfer pricing:

1 person arriving alone: $190 per person
2 people arriving on the same flight: $100 per person
3 people arriving on the same flight: $70 per person
4 people arriving on the same flight: $50 per person

*Transfer costs will be added to your final balance and collected at final payment.

If you would like to arrive early before the trip begins, you can book a pre night directly through our starting hotel in Sarria. Unfortunately, that particular hotel does not offer pre night additions as a part of our package.  Arriving a day early is not necessary, but I often do so to help ensure any potential travel delays do not interrupt the planned itinerary.  This will also help you work through any potential jetlag before starting the pilgrimage. You can book a hotel room directly with our starting point hotel, or choose a different hotel in Sarria and then make your way to the starting point hotel on the afternoon of the tour start date.

Our current planned starting hotel is La Casona de Sarria.

If you would like to stay additional nights after the Camino ends, post accommodation in Santiago de Compostela can be arranged through the tour provider.

Our current ending hotel is A Tafona do Peregrino.

Current post night pricing:

Single occupancy: $115 per room per night
Double occupancy: $125 per room per night

If you would like post nights or transfers added to your trip, just let me know whenever you decide and I’ll take care of the request for you.  The totals will be added to your final payment, due in January.

I recommend deciding on extra hotel nights sooner rather than later, as the hotels along the trail are small and availability can become limited.

The ending hotel looks lovely and is in a fantastic location for exploring Santiago. That said, if I personally decide to stay extra nights after the trip, there is a very real chance I splurge on something fancy with a spa because after walking across Spain, that may feel well deserved.

First things first: yes, you can absolutely do this.

The Camino sounds intimidating until people understand what it actually looks like. We are not carrying giant packs across Spain for weeks. Our luggage will be transported daily, so you will only carry a comfortable day pack with essentials like water, snacks, layers, rain gear, medications, and anything else you may want throughout the day.

The Camino is much more about consistency, pacing yourself, mindset, and preparation than athletic performance.

That said, we WILL be walking several hours most days, often on uneven terrain including gravel paths, hills, villages, pavement, and cobblestone streets. Preparing ahead of time will absolutely make the experience more enjoyable.

My biggest recommendation is simple: walk regularly.

You do not need to train like an athlete or become a hardcore hiker overnight. But building walking into your normal routine now will help tremendously.

Walk your neighborhood. Walk your dog. Walk with your spouse, your kids, your friends, or just yourself. Listen to podcasts. Listen to music. Learn Spanish while you walk. Use the time to unplug a little and move your body.

Personally, I try to walk several miles on most days whenever possible. Consistency matters far more than intensity. As we get closer, I will certainly add a couple of longer walking days each week, perhaps around 8 miles, even if on the treadmill. I usually prefer to walk outside, but winter tends to turn me into a hermit.

Walking is also incredible for both physical and mental health, which honestly feels very fitting for the Camino itself.

Flexibility and mobility are also important and can help prevent soreness and injuries during long walking days. Stretching, yoga, balance work, light strength training, or mobility exercises can all be helpful. Nothing extreme is required. The goal is simply to help your body feel stronger and more comfortable spending long periods of time on your feet.

If you have existing injuries, medical concerns, or physical limitations, it may also be helpful to speak with your physician, physical therapist, or fitness professional about preparing for long walking days.

One of the most important pieces of advice I can give you is this:

Do NOT arrive in Spain with brand new shoes and gear you’ve never tested.

Everyone has different preferences, and now is the perfect time to start figuring out what works best for YOU.

Some pilgrims prefer lightweight trail runners. Others prefer hiking shoes or traditional hiking boots. Some people love trekking poles, while others never use them. Some prefer water reservoirs for easy drinking, while others like carrying water bottles.

There is no universally correct setup. Comfort is what matters most.

The same goes for your backpack. Since our luggage is transported daily, your day pack only needs to carry your daytime essentials, but it still needs to fit comfortably and not rub or strain your shoulders unnecessarily. We will be wearing these for several hours at a time.

Everyone should plan to bring a comfortable day pack for the Camino. Your main luggage will be transported for you daily, but your luggage cannot exceed 45 pounds. If for some reason your luggage exceeds that limit, alternative transport may be able to be arranged for an additional charge.

Your day pack will carry your daytime essentials while walking, including things like water, snacks, layers, sunscreen, medications, rain gear, and any personal items you may want easy access to throughout the day.

Below is a general packing list to help give you an idea of what to bring. Not everything listed will be necessary for every traveler, but this should serve as a helpful starting point as you begin planning.

Passport
Toiletries
Binoculars
Cash, credit cards, and debit cards
Day pack
First aid kit
Medications
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Comfortable hiking clothes and layers
Footwear
Hat
Headphones
Chargers
Portable charger
Outlet adapter
Personal entertainment such as books, journals, cards, music, etc.
Reusable water bottle
Sleepwear
Small travel towel
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket

One of the reasons I specifically chose May for our Camino departures is because it is typically considered one of the best times of year to walk this portion of the Camino.

The weather is usually mild and comfortable for walking, especially compared to the intense summer heat later in the season.

Average daytime temperatures are typically in the 60s to low 70s during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings. You should absolutely plan for layers, as temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the day.

May is also a beautiful time of year along the trail. The countryside is usually very green, flowers are blooming, and everything tends to feel lush and alive after spring rains.

That said, this is northern Spain, and rain is always possible at any point during the Camino. In fact, occasional rain is part of the experience and honestly part of the charm. A lightweight waterproof jacket and waterproof backpack cover are both highly recommended.

One of the biggest advantages of May is that we avoid both the peak summer heat and the heaviest crowds of later months, while still enjoying long daylight hours and generally comfortable walking conditions.

Overall, May tends to offer a really nice balance of weather, scenery, trail conditions, and atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a Camino related read before our journey, I recommend The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho. The book is based on Coelho’s experience walking the Camino de Santiago and explores how the experience of walking day after day can become about much more than just the miles themselves.

It’s not really a hiking guide or logistical book. It’s more reflective and focuses on the mental side of pilgrimage, slowing down, meeting people from around the world, and what can happen when life gets simplified to just walking, eating, resting, and repeating.

I read it years ago, long before we ever planned this trip, and parts of it always stayed with me. While it can get a little philosophical at times, I think it captures something very real about why so many people are drawn to the Camino experience.

Day 1

Sarria. Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting where we will meet our local guide.

Day 2

Hike 23 km from Sarria to Portomarín throughout the course of the day.

Pass through many lovely towns along the way and maybe choose to have a picnic in places such as Barbadelo, Renta or Ferreiros.  Pass through many lovely towns along the way and choose to have a picnic in places such as Barbadelo, Renta or Ferreiros. Spend the night in the riverside city of Portomarin. 

Day 3

Hike 22 km from Portomarin to Palas de Rei. Walk through fantastic scenery with a rich history en route to Palas de Rei. Weary pilgrims can get a jolt of caffeine in one Palas de Rey's cafes or visit some of the local shops to grab some souvenirs.  This stretch is a mix of ups and downs through beautiful scenery. The entire area has a rich history, especially during the Middle Ages. 

Day 4

Hike 15 km from Palas de Rei to Melide.  

Continue the pilgrimage westwards, walking through the lush green valleys of Galicia.

Continue walking through rural Spain. Take a break in the lively market town of Melide (454m), and try octopus, Galicia's most classic dish, in one of the many 'pulperías'.  This day passes through the lush green valleys of Galicia  and many lovely villages and towns along the way, offering ample opportunity for rest stops and time to pick up any needed supplies before arriving to Melide. 

Day 5

Hike 13 km from Melide to Arzua.   Leaving Melide, the Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next is the scenic medieval village of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa (389m). In Arzúa, visit the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena. 

Day 6

Hike 26 km from Arzua to Amenal.  Walk through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. En-route, don't miss the lovely hamlet of Rúa. The rest of the route to Amenal is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks. 

Day 7

Hike 14km from Amenal to Santiago de Compostela!  Leave early in order to reach Santiago de Compostela in time for the pilgrim's mass. Walk the last part of the pilgrimage and enjoy the scenery before the baroque, painted towers of the cathedral come into view. Later, explore this fascinating city and sip some wine in a café to celebrate the incredible journey. Upon reaching our goal, the pilgrimage is not complete without a visit to the cathedral on the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, which houses the supposed tomb of St. James the Apostle. Finish the day enjoying any number of optional activities in town.

Day 8

Depart any time.  

Your Camino adventure includes:

7 nights accommodation
Daily luggage transport
Private guide throughout the journey
7 breakfasts
Pilgrim Passport (Credencial)

*The Pilgrim Passport is a small stamp book that you will carry throughout the Camino. In order to qualify for the official Compostela Certificate upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims must collect at least 2 stamps per day during the final 100 km of the route.

Stamps can be collected at places like cafés, churches, hotels, restaurants, and shops along the trail, and honestly, it becomes a really fun part of the experience.

Our private guide will help coordinate all of this on the ground and make sure everyone knows what to do throughout the journey.

Every traveler is different, so spending money needs will vary. Some people order extra drinks. Some shop more than others. Some barely buy anything. Think about your own habits when planning for drinks, shopping, and tipping.

It is recommended to bring a mix of Euros in cash, plus credit and debit cards. You can order Euros ahead of time from your bank, or use an ATM or currency exchange counter when you arrive in Spain.  I plan to travel with about €200 in small bills so I can easily tip.  

A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers. 

At the end of our journey, if you felt your G Adventures CEO (private guide) did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline. I've never had a G Adventures guide that didn't end up a friend, so I tend to tip more.  They are truly phenomenal and go above and beyond for our private groups.  

*It is a good idea to contact your bank and/or CC company to let them know you will be traveling.  This helps avoid any fraud alerts on your cards.  Note:  I have found AMEX is not always accepted in Spain.  Be sure to have a couple of different forms of payment.

You do not need to overcomplicate your preparation.

Walk consistently. Move your body regularly. Start testing gear early. Focus on comfort and flexibility. Give yourself time to prepare gradually.

Most importantly, get excited.

This is going to be an incredible journey!   A year from now, we’ll be walking through small villages in northern Spain together. We’ll be stopping for coffee along the trail, sharing meals and wine at the end of long walking days, laughing at sore muscles, collecting stamps in our pilgrim passports, and experiencing a part of the world in a way most travelers never do.

And somewhere along the way, the rhythm of life tends to simplify a little.

Walk. Eat. Talk. Explore. Sleep. Repeat.

There’s something really special about that.