FAQ

Welcome to my FAQ page. Here I have listed the most popular questions and short answers in an attempt to jump start your understanding of the Camino and this site. You’ll find much more comprehensive information on the various pages of this site, so be sure to look around.

What is the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago, or “Way of St. James” is an ancient pilgrimage to the Cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain. The Cathedral is commonly understood to house the earthly remains of St. James the Apostle - one of the twelve original disciples of Christ in Christian theology. Click here for additional background information on the Camino.

Is the Camino de Santiago only for religious people?

No. Originally, the pilgrimage was primarily a religious phenomenon, but today the Camino attracts thousands of people from all over the world– representing all faiths and no faith. Non-religious pilgrims are typically attracted to the ancient architecture, art, and the nature aspects the Camino has to offer. Click here for a list of statistics on people who complete the Camino.

How many people complete the Camino each year?

In 2006, at least 100,377 people completed the pilgrimage while 2007 saw at least 114,026 people complete the journey. The recent annual volume has been as high as 179,944 in 2004. For more interesting statistics, click here.

Where should I start the Camino de Santiago?

There is no single starting point for the Camino. You can choose to begin at any point. The choice of where to begin is largely a factor of how much time you have and how much time you need to complete the Camino. The most popular route is the 500 mile stretch across Northern Spain called the Camino Frances. The most popular starting points on this route are St. Jean Pied de Port, Roncevalles, Pamplona, Leon, and Burgos among others.

How long does it take to complete the Camino de Santiago?

This depends on your mode of travel (e.g. by foot, cycle, horse, etc) and where you start. To cover the 500 mile stretch of the Camino Frances (starting in St. Jean Pied de Port or Roncevalles), you will need 4-6 weeks if traveling by foot and 2-3 weeks if cycling. It took me 30 consecutive days to reach Santiago from St. Jean Pied de Port.

How do I prepare for the Camino de Santiago?

There are many ways to prepare for the Camino. Click here for an extensive checklist.

What gear should I take?

Gear choice is a personal preference. Some people want all the latest gear with all the “bells and whistles,” while others are minimalists in their choices. Click here to see a list of my gear suggestions.

Where do people sleep and eat while on the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino offers lots of options for accommodations and eats, depending on your preference. For those who wish to experience the Camino in the traditional austere manner, a system of communal refugios provides an inexpensive solution. A typical refugio offers a bunk bed, the use of shower and bathroom facilities, and in some cases a kitchen in which to prepare meals – all for less than $10. If refugio living is not your preference, don’t worry - there are plenty of small and quaint hotels and boarding houses along the way.

What is a credential and how do I get one?

The credential, often referred to as the “pilgrims passport” is a document that it used to trace your progress along the Camino. By tradition, you obtain a sello (a stamp) each day from a multitude of locations along the way. At the end of the Camino – in Santiago – you produce your credential to the Church authorities in order to obtain the compostela. Incidentally, you also need a credential in order to access the system of refugios. Credentials are available from several organizations – you can order one by mail before you go for a nominal cost. Alternatively, you can typically find a credential when you arrive to your starting point – many refugios offer credentials. Click here for a list of Camino related organizations, many of which offer credentials. Note: don’t confuse the credential with a government issued passport – you still need a government issued passport in order to leave the US. The credential is a document specific to the Camino and is not issued by a government entity.

What is a compostela?

This is a sort of “certificate of completion” offered by the Cathedral authorities in Santiago. The Church typically grants a compostela if you can prove you walked at least the last 100km of the Camino (or cycled the last 200km). Also, the compostela is traditionally offered only to those pilgrims who indicate “Religious” or “Religious and other” as the motivation for completing the Camino.

How much does it costs to hike the Camino de Santiago?

A great aspect of the Camino is that it does not have to be an expensive journey. It is possible to survive on $10-$20 per day if you choose to stay in refugios and buy and cook your own meals each day. Alternatively, you may choose to stay in small hotels along the way and eat in cafes – the choice is totally yours. Hotels and boarding houses typically start around $20-$30 per night. A simple meal can be had in a local cafe for under $10 generally.