More and more people they make the Camino de Santiago by any of its routes. It is a unique experience, which can be carried out for many reasons, but in the end it is in almost all cases satisfactory. That is why today we are going to give you a few ideas to prepare to do the Camino de Santiago.
There are many things to prepare for the Camino de Santiago. It is a long trip, especially if we choose the French Way route, which takes at least a month, although the smaller ones are recommended for beginners. Be that as it may, pay attention to these tips to do the Camino de Santiago.
Choose the route of the Camino de Santiago
There are several routes to get to Santiago de Compostela, although some are more popular than others. Without a doubt, choosing the route can take you through different places and the planning must also be different, since there are shorter paths than others. The longest is the French, which consists of about 32 stages, although each person takes it differently. One month is the minimum to do it. There are others that are better for beginners, such as Portuguese Way, which comes from the Portuguese country and from the south of Galicia. The Primitive Way is the first to be done and the English Way comes from the Coruña area. Another part of the road that is usually done is the one from Santiago to Finisterre and Muxía, as an end of the road.
Train with and without a backpack
Performing all the stages is not for everyone, since it requires walking a few 25 kilometers a day. That is why it is recommended to train a little before doing it. Going for a walk, doing strength exercises so that your back and legs are in shape and especially practicing with your backpack on your back. It is not the same to walk on the flat and without load than to do it with a backpack loaded for kilometers.
Suitable equipment
Every time there is a more professional equipment to do this type of challenge, which will help us a lot when it comes to feeling comfortable on the road. The footwear is going to be one of the most important things, and we must choose a comfortable trekking shoe that fits well to the ankle and of the appropriate size. You have to train with them to mold them before. Socks and comfortable clothes are also on the list, a backpack with capacity, as well as a small first-aid kit in which we carry dressings for blisters and material to disinfect for possible wounds. Sunscreen, a hat, reflective clothing and a raincoat for the rain are other things that we should not forget. It is good to make a previous list to know if we have everything you need.
Plan in stages
Each route has its stages, which are already quite divided so that we get a simple idea of how to plan. Every day a stage, trying to do the routes in the early hours of the day in case it is summer, to be able to rest in the afternoon and in the hot hours. Plan each stage by day and then you will know what it will take you, although you think that you should be flexible, it is not a job, but something that you have to enjoy.
Look for previous information
On the web you have a lot of information about each hostel, the stages and the problems you may encounter. It is better to find out in advance what to expect unpleasant surprises. The opinions of other pilgrims about the stages can be of great help.
Choose the season well
The equipment you carry can depend a lot on when you make the journey. It is not advisable to do it in midsummerNot only because of the heat that you can find, but also because of the large number of people who choose these months, so it will be more difficult to find accommodation and feel comfortable doing the way. If, on the contrary, what you want is to meet groups of people, this will be the best station. In winter it is better to avoid it, since the low temperatures and the rainy days will make the experience less pleasant.
Alone or in company?
This is another question we can ask ourselves. Undoubtedly, there are many who will choose the company, for pleasure and security. However, it can also be done alone, as we will most likely find fellow travelers on our journey.
First of all, enjoy
Taking the path is an experience that requires effort, but it also has its rewards. Is about enjoy each stage, to find interesting corners in places that we would never visit otherwise, to meet people and see the world in a different way. In this case, as in many others, it is not about getting there, but about enjoying every step of the way.