Preparations and Precautions During the Camino

To complete the Camino on foot, it's very important to dedicate time to training before you go. This training should preferably take place on terrain with peaks and dips that prepare our muscles for the pilgrimage.

Daily training in advance with longer and longer walks should go hand in hand with stretching and warm-up exercises, which must be continued while completing the Camino.

Plan the stages and your own personalized way of completing them. The Camino can be adapted to your physical ability and your goals. Distribute your energy levels and go at your own pace. The Camino is not a race. The journey is just as important as the destination.

Allows access to the hostels and acts as a certification of the route taken for requesting the Compostela accreditation at the end of your pilgrimage.

You can get your badge from the Centro Internacional de Acogida al Peregrino (International Pilgrimage Welcome Center) in Santiago de Compostela, at the Cofradía de Peregrinos (Brotherhood of Pilgrims) headquarters, and at hostels and parishes, as well as through the associations of friends of the Camino de Santiago across the world.

A correctly packed backpack for this type of activity must not exceed 22 pounds (10 kg) in weight. It's also important that the straps have protective systems to prevent skin chafing. It should be comfortable, easily adaptable, and light.

You should take clothes that are suitable for the season, with insulating materials, all-season hats (good in the sun, good in the cold), and a walking stick for support along the way.

Some basic items you shouldn't forget include a sleeping bag, footwear for breaks, a water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, cellphone with charger, and your documentation.

Our small first-aid kit should contain the essentials for caring for feet and protecting the skin. Space permitting, we can add an anti-inflammatory cream, painkillers, and any other basics (e.g., antacids) we would typically find in our first-aid kit at home.

At the start you should always walk slowly, with a steady rhythm. You should maintain a regular and constant pace. Your walking rhythm should allow you to keep up a conversation without any effort.

On roads, travel on the left and along the verge if possible. Use bright or reflective items. If you're traveling on the road with a group, go in single file.

If you're completing the Camino by bike, make sure you have stages of between 40 and 60 miles.

On a bike, you should travel on the right of the road and use the verge. Groups should cycle side by side in sets of two, and always close to the verge.

Cleaning the skin of the feet and good foot hygiene are essential. Bathing feet in very cold water (including with ice) can alleviate the impact of the hike. Socks should preferably be made of cotton, with no seams. Don't start the Camino with footwear you've never worn before.

The characteristics of the stage may require you to rest your feet more often, so you can take advantage of short stops or breaks. It's important to dry out your feet thoroughly, preferably in the open air.

Hydration is essential for completing the stages of the Camino. Drink fluids before, during, and after walking, and eat foods that promote hydration in your body.

Meals should be light and suitable for the exercise you're going to do. Use stops to drink and eat in small quantities.

Breaks shouldn't be extended too long. Stopping for 5 or 10 minutes is sufficient.

If you're going by bike, there'll be fewer and shorter breaks. For your safety, always stop away from the road and verge.