Camino de Santiago

El Camino de Santiago de Compostela (in English: The Way of St. James) is a network of routes across Spain and Europe which all lead to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest of Spain. Since the Middle Ages, these routes were walked as a pilgrimage to the tomb of the apostle St. James.

Many pilgrims from all over the world have walked the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James for centuries, following the various paths on their way to Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of St. James.  Today, whether walking the Camino for religious reasons, to find yourself or simply get back to nature, the Camino is a trip of a lifetime, a unique experience that inspires many even after the journey is over.

The Camino de Santiago trip will include more than just the last 115km trek. It will also include a visits to Puerto Irago/Cruz de Ferro, Castillo de los Templarios in Ponferrada, and Finisterre.

Prior to our hiking we will visit the Cruz de Ferro this is a very simple iron cross that has become one of the symbols of the way of St. James. It is a humble monument where we will pause to seek our own purpose for our coming journey.  Carrying a stone representing leaving your burdens behind or carrying a stone for others is a symbolic tradition of walking the Camino. This spot is one of the most popular location to leave your stone.

We will continue on to the old medieval city of Ponferrada, and Castillo de los Templarios. This magnificent 12th century Templar castle offer a great tour and expedition center housing replicas of Templar and other texts and offers a good explanation of the life of the times of the Templar. The modern city is located just outside the gates and exploring the Basilica de la Encina and the Plaza for lunch and watching pilgrims as they continue past on their journey through the ancient city is a good prelude for our following day, the start of your Camino de Santiago journey. We will continue in the afternoon to Sarria.

Sarria is where we begin our journey of the Camino de Santiago and walking the way of St James. Our days will begin with breakfast and then heading out by 8am. Pilgrims are able to walk on their own or can walk with the guide. Everyone will eat lunch on their own and dinner will be a time to reconnect with the group and share experiences from the day. The six days of hiking will vary between 8 miles and 14 miles a day. Individuals will be able to stop as much as they like and if transportation is required we will offer van support to pick anyone up that may need to stop for the day. But the guide at the back will do everything possible to assure that everyone finishes each day. We hope to arrive into Santiago on the 6th day in time for the pilgrims mass. After Mass we will present our passports and claim our Compostela (certificate of completion of your pilgrimage).

After spending the rest of the day and night in Santiago we will head out to Finisterre and explore what the Romans referred to as: “End-of-the-World”. The city has historical significance for St. James as his last sermon was given at the ruins on the road to the light house. This location is known as the western most point of Spain and has some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets over Atlantic Ocean. The first Peace Pole is located here and the ritualistic tradition of burning a piece of clothing to symbolize letting go of unwanted attachments can be done in the fire pit located in the rocks below the lighthouse.  

After exploring Finisterre, we will journey back to Santiago for a free day of shopping and rest before our journey home the following day.